In Baselworld, Bell & Ross adds to their already very impressive lineup of watches with a new dial for the popular V2 line with two new Military inspired beige watches – the V2-92 Military Beige Automatic and the V2-94 Military Beige Automatic Chronograph.
Bell & Ross BR V2-92 Military Beige and BR V2-94 Military Beige Chronograph
Two new models are in the new lineup. One a three handed automatic with sweep seconds hand and the other a bi-compax chronograph. Both are equipped with a date window at 4, and feature screw down crowns and rated to a water resistant rating of 100m.
The case, dial and hands
The case is the standard V2 case which is used by several Bell & Ross models, including the recently review V2-94 Bellytanker Bronze.
The markings and bezel of the original Bell & Ross Military M1 model we launched 2 decades ago has been brought back and seen in these models. The bezel onthe automatic is bi-directional, while the chronograph features a fixed bezel. The design of the bezel is based on the early M1 bezels which were used by Bell & Ross in the 90s.
The dial is in a light beige, and is vintage inspired. The dial markings are classic Bell Ross, very legible and clear. The dial looks very well balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
Both these watches equipped with a satin-polished steel bracelet or a new black/beige elastic canvas strap supplied by Erika’s Originals. The canvas strap is a one size fits all affair, with a sliding buckle. We found it a bit difficult to engage the clip on the buckle as the action is much easier with the dexterity of both hands.
The crystal on the dial side is in sapphire crystal, and Bell & Ross used their ultra-curved sapphire with the characteristic heavy distortion when viewed through the curved part at an angle. Straight ahead, the view of the dial appears un-distorted.
We also liked the matte finished case, and the entire ensemble, either with the bracelet or the strap has a very polished casual elegance look.
The movements
Both watches come with sapphire case backs. The movement finish is not elaborate, but competently executed by machine and suffice for the engineering purpose.
The automatic movement is sourced from Selitta and is the ubiquitious SW300-1, while the chronograph is based on a module on the dial side of the ETA 2824-2. As the Selitta is a basically a clone of the ETA, the view from the case back look almost identical.
Parting thoughts
As usual, Bell & Ross makes beautiful watches. The new Military Beige series is no exception. The designers at their studio are masters of their art, and manage to pull off each variation with aplomb, and makes each execution look interesting. Accepted that these are all based on rather plebeian movements with no complications, nor do they feature wonderful finishing. But these watches are good looking, and will appeal not in a fashionista kind of way, but perhaps in a more tasteful, more discreet style.
I guess a case can also be made for some to collect all the variants. Not that different from Paneristi who collect each variation of the Luminor or Radiomir, nor from the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore fans who amass divers versions of the same watch. Nor the Omega enthusiast who have ten Speedmasters of different executions. Or, dare we say, the Rolex collectors who have each variant of the Submariner or GMT-Master or Daytona.
More details on Bell & Ross site.
Bell & Ross BR V2-92 Military Beige and BR V2-94 Military Beige Chronograph Specifications
REF. BRS-EBL-CE
Movement: calibre BR-CAL.302. Automatic mechanical. Crystal: ultra-curved sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds and date. Water-resistance: 100 metres.
Case: 41 mm in diameter. Satin-polished steel. Bi-directional
rotating steel bezel with anodised black aluminium ring and
60-minute scale. Screw-down crown. Sapphire case back.
Strap: elastic canvas strap or satin-polished steel bracelet.
Dial: beige. Black painted numerals and indices. Metal
skeletonised Super-LumiNova®-filled hour and minute hands
Buckle: Folding for metal bracelet.
REF. BRV294-BEI-ST
Movement: calibre BR-CAL.301. Automatic mechanical. Crystal: ultra-curved sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 3 o’clock. Date.
Chronograph: 30-min timer at 9 o’clock, central chronograph
seconds.
Water-resistance: 100 metres.
Case: 41 mm in diameter. Satin-polished steel. Steel bezel with
scale and anodised aluminium insert. Screwdown crown and push-buttons. Sapphire case back.
Strap: elastic canvas strap or satin-polished steel bracelet.
Dial: beige. Black painted numerals and indices. Metal
skeletonised Super-LumiNova®-filled hour and minute hands
Buckle: Folding for metal bracelet
8 Comments
Thanks for your reply about the hight of the chronograph case. 14 mm is not too bad, especially with such a domed crystal.
I have one more question about the bezel of the chrono: Are you sure, it is made to turn and time intervals? You have stated in the article „The bezel on both models are bi-directional.“ but on the pictures it looks like, the chrono bezel is missing the knurling on the edge completely, actually is looks polished. In the specifications on the B&R website, only the V2-92 bezel has the info „bi-directional“, for the chrono the bezel is just call a „steel bezel with scale“ Could it be, that the chrono has the same type of bezel construction that is used for the tachymeter, just with a 60-min-scale instead, but fixed??! That would be very counter intuitive, and actually a really disappointment, since most pilot’s chronos with a 60-min-scale, would have a bi-directional bezel.
And if it still is turnable, please comment on the feel of the polished bezel edge. Thanks.
Mea culpa this time. The chronograph has a fixed bezel. I have edited the article to reflect this, as well as a comment on the feel of the bi-directional bezel on the automatic. Thanks for your comments.
6k for an sw300? I dont think so
I meant 4k
Do note its S$4k, about US$2,900.
regarding the BR V2-94 MILITARY BEIGE Chronograph: are you sure about the tachymeter scale on the bezel, as you state in your specifications?
Please also tell us the hight of the case, including the crystal.
Thanks.
You are right, there is no tachymeter. The specifications are lifted from the Bell & Ross site, and is incorrect. We have alerted Bell & Ross and also edited the specifications. Thanks for noting that.
We will also ask about the height of the case including crystal, as we have already returned the review sample and unable to measure it.
Bell & Ross replied to say the height of the case with crystal is 14mm.