Learn about Bell & Ross' design philosophy

Bell & Ross was founded in 1992 by a team of watch designers and aviation control panel specialists with a relatively simple purpose: to create timepieces suitable for professional use. That is, paid by those who read those aviation control panels every day, or dispose of bombs, storm burning buildings, or perform complex tasks deep underwater that most people struggle with on land. Of course, professional tool watches existed before 1992, but Bell & Ross took a different approach, making the design informed by the function of the watch every step of the way. Most importantly, the process will be guided by the men and women who are actually using these watches in the field.

The result caused a stir in the watch world. In creating highly specific watches for market segments, Bell & Ross actually came up with an entirely original design language that not only could be worn and used in the harshest environments, but also resonated with watch buyers because they Brazen ingenuity. At the time, the unusual square watches, modeled after the instruments and panels on an airplane, were unique on the market, and they remain original to this day.

For nearly three decades, Bell & Ross has continued to produce unique watches for professionals, while capturing the imagination of everyone who encounters them. Their popularity extends far beyond the square watches in their iconic Instrument and Experimental collections. The Vintage collection has also become a fan favorite and is home to classic-style aviation watches. Regardless of the collection, though, the design principles that have guided Bell & Ross from the beginning remain the common thread that ties all of the brand's watches together. Legibility, functionality, reliability and precision are considered in every watch produced by the brand, and adherence to these principles has allowed the brand to thrive for nearly three decades.

legibility

There are many reasons why people wear watches, but the most basic reason is: to tell the time. When every second counts, being able to read the time accurately in the blink of an eye is crucial. Bell & Ross watches are known for their legibility, and for good reason: they're designed with the same philosophy as the gauges on an airplane dashboard: function over everything else.

The BR 03-92 Black Steel is a masterpiece of intuitive watch design. Large white numerals at 3, 6, 9 and 12 and matching luminous hands pop out from the black face of the dial, instantly orienting the wearer in the right direction. Once these cardinal positions and the relationship of the hour hand to them are determined, observing the correct time down to the minute becomes a matter of pure instinct. The elongated hour markers between the four numerals further train the eye on the correct time, and the elongated minute hand juts out to meet the minute hand on the dial's perimeter, overlapping it to reduce the need to estimate or guess the time, as guesswork and approximations are the enemies of precision.

On Black Steel, the key to legibility is contrast, every time display element is crisp and clear white, and everything that is not a time display element is black. The absence of any decorative accents or colorful embellishments makes these watches even more social media-friendly. Time is literally black and white.

Of course, not every Bell & Ross is created equal. In fact, there are other examples of the BR 03-92 that add a pop of color, but they do so in a way that serves the main timekeeping function of the watch. The BR 03-92 Divers, for example, feature a range of solid-coloured dials that maintain contrast both above and below the water. These watches added a rotating bezel for additional diving functionality, and the main dial display was rearranged to include large circular luminous figures in the hours to emphasize the elapsed time read through the bezel. Again, this is where Bell & Ross puts function above all else.

The BR 03-92 watch is a reminder that a watch is an instrument first. This is fully reflected in the design of the square case, which has been a hallmark of the Bell & Ross brand since its inception, and links these watches to the history of aviation, always emphasizing the importance of timekeeping as a technical discipline, similar to that performed in flight. any other measurement.

Feature

The V2 collection demonstrates Bell & Ross' ability to seamlessly integrate mechanical complications into its watch designs. Take, for example, the BR V2-94 black steel chronograph. It's a traditional pilot's chronograph brought into the modern age, without relying on any particular vintage watch design tropes, but instead representing the best in history without sacrificing Bell & Ross' contemporary character pilot watch. Measuring 41mm in diameter and with modern proportions, this watch fits any wrist and offers a real presence as well as high legibility, not only of time but also of elapsed time through a two-register chronograph design. For those willing to look, details abound, including a radial snail in the sub-register, a seamlessly integrated date window at 4:30,

If you can't count on the watch, it's practically useless. Bell & Ross takes extreme measures to ensure their watches meet the highest standards of reliability. They produce watches designed with professionals in mind: astronauts, pilots, divers, even bomb disposal experts. Taking a scientific and practical approach, Bell & Ross makes the toughest watches available by analyzing the conditions these men work in and designing watches that can withstand extreme conditions. Bell & Ross watches must be able to withstand extreme pressure and temperature, as well as shock, impact and sudden acceleration. It is hard enough to make a watch that can withstand any one of these challenges, but it is even more difficult to make a watch that can handle them all.