Bell & Ross  Vintage  Watches

Bell & Ross Vintage: Ruggedly Sophisticated Watches for Modern Men 

The Bell & Ross Vintage Collection has three lines of timepieces: Vintage 1 (BRV1), Vintage 2 (BRV2), and Vintage 3 (BRV3). While they are under one collection, these watches vary in size, style, and features. However, this variety stops when it comes to performance: all of them are high-performing, military-grade watches. 

For the Bell & Ross brand, function shapes form. Thus, all its watches emphasize efficiency and reliability. Inspired by the military, it is important to deliver rugged pieces with sophisticated functions. Bell & Ross watches are worn by military men and other modern professionals around the world today.

Price List at a Glance: The Most Popular Bell & Ross Vintage Watches  

How much does a Bell & Ross Vintage watch cost?

For decades, Bell & Ross has managed to create watches that adhere to strict protocol. Each timepiece undergoes rigorous testing, making sure that it fits the needs of the military. In the same light, Bell & Ross also wants to breathe a stylish and masculine air into their watches. 

Inspired by aviation watches from the 1960s, the Bell & Ross Vintage Collection is a modern-day men's watch. However, it maintains the look and features of a military-grade 1960s timepiece. This collection has sports watch features, military colors, and even aeronautical gauges. Its prices range from $1,200 USD to $5,000 USD, depending on the line. 

Prices for the Bell & Ross Vintage 1 (BR V1) Watches 

The Bell & Ross Vintage 1 (BR V1) is the Vintage Collection’s base line of watches. Pieces under this collection measure 39mm, the smallest the Vintage Collection can get. Moreover, BRV1 watches have the simplest designs: a leather strap, a clean dial, and three hands. 

BR V1 watches sport the classic Bell & Ross style. More popular pieces, like the Bell & Ross Vintage V1-92 (BRV192-MIL-ST/SCA), have a brown leather strap reminiscent of 1960s-era style. The V1-92’s dial has a simple black finish with silver-tone leaf hands. There are no extra watch features like second timezones or retrograde trackers. It is the most basic BR V1 watch you can get — with a price range between $1,100 USD and $2,000 USD. 

The V1s are not the most ‘showy’ of the vintage collection, but they definitely do their job well. V1 watches have a Bell & Ross 302 calibre, a power reserve of at least 38 hours, and a 100-meter water resistance. They are simple, reliable, and unpretentious, which is what most men want in a watch. 

Prices for the Bell & Ross Vintage 2 (BR V2) Watches 

Taking it up a few notches is the Bell & Ross Vintage 2 (BR V2) collection. Compared to the BRV1, these have a larger case (41mm) and a rotating bezel. Its chronograph is larger, too. At first sight, there is no denying that a BR V2 does not play games. These watches are packed with military-grade features that look more aggressive than a BR V1. 

The Bell & Ross Vintage BR V2-92 (BRV292-BEI-ST/SF), for example, has a black rotating steel bezel and a 60-minute scale commonly seen on dive watches. The bezel is made of aluminum, and the watch’s strap is made of fabric. It also has a powerful Bell & Ross 302 calibre. You can also opt for a BR V2 watch with a steel bracelet, such as the stainless steel Bell & Ross Vintage BRV2-92 (BRV292-MKA-ST/SST).  

The BR-V2 collection has its hands on two eras: the 1960s and present day. With all of the Bell & Ross vintage watches, it seems like there are various balances between the two. AS the middle line, the BR-V2 looks more polished than a BR-V1 but also more rugged than a BR-V3. 

Other popular BR-V2 watches include BR V2-94 (BRV294-BLU-BR/SCA). This has added features such as two subdials. Prices for the BR-V2 range from $1,200 USD (BR V2-92) to $5,000 USD (BR-V2-94). 

Prices for the Bell & Ross Vintage 3 (BR V3) Watches 

The largest of the Vintage Collection, the Bell & Ross Vintage 3 (BR V3) has a 43mm case. Because of its extra large proportions, this is seen as the most ‘modern’ looking watch of the collection. Still, capturing a complete modern aesthetic defeats the purpose of a Vintage Collection to begin with. Thus, the BR V3 still runs on the Vintage’s military-inspired style. 

One of its most popular watches, the Bell & Ross Vintage BR V3-94 (BRV394-RS19/SCA), still sports a simple black dial and a 60-minute scale. Compared to the BR V2-94, however, the V3-94 has three subdials. Its colors are also more modern-looking with bright yellows, greens, and oranges. This piece is priced at around $3,300 USD. 

Those looking for a less loud look can opt for a black steel Bell & Ross Vintage V3-94 (BRV394-BL-ST/SCA). Priced at $3,500 USD, these watches have a subdued black and white aesthetic. It looks modern, vintage, sophisticated, and masculine at the same time.

New Bell & Ross Vintage Collection: 2020 Models 

The Bell & Ross Vintage Collection welcomed three new models in 2020. These are the Bell & Ross Vintage BR V2-93 GMT Blue, Bell & Ross Vintage BR V2-92 Military Green, and the Bell & Ross Vintage BR V2-94 Aeronavale Bronze. 

These watches were made to embody natural elements such as the Sea, Air, and Land. Like the other Bell & Ross Vintage Collection watches, these also maintain a balance between vintage and modern aesthetics. All these watches have a NATO Stretch strap and automatic winding. Each watch has its own unique look, functions, and materials. 

The BR V2-93 GMT Blue (BRV293-BLU-ST/SF), for example, tracks two time zones and is made out of military-grade material. Its functions are like a regular V2-93 but does take pride in its modern sheen. This watch is a radiant blue with a grey finish. It costs around $2,500 USD. 

The BR V2-92 Military Green watch, conversely, boasts green luminescent numbers and hands. This watch is the product of the Bell & Ross Vintage and “LUM” collections. The new BR V2-92 Military Green watch also has camouflage qualities. 

Last is the BR V2-94 Aeronavale Bronze (BRV294-BLU-BR/SCA) watch. Inspired by the Aéronavale chronograph collection, this is a limited edition Vintage Collection watch. It is made with silicon aluminum bronze and is 41mm in size. Aesthetically, these mirror the uniforms of French naval officers. Like the BR V2-92 MILITARY GREEN watch, the BR V2-94 AÉRONAVALE BRONZE watch also has luminescent features. It also maintains the V2-94’s two subdials. 

Bell & Ross Vintage's History 

Bruno Belamich and Carlos A. Rosillo founded Bell & Ross (B&R) in 1992. These two men were passionate horologists and lifelong friends. Together, they envisioned a watch brand that lived by ‘function shapes form’. 

Because of this, the trajectory of the B&R style gravitated towards military-grade watches. Timepieces that followed military standards were most likely to embody ‘function shapes form’, so Bell & Ross followed its guidelines. 

As of late, B&R has three collections: Bell & Ross Experimental, Bell & Ross Instruments, and Bell & Ross Vintage. All of these have their own unique styles and functions, inspired by the military-specific watches they are based on. 

Diving deeper, the Bell & Ross Vintage Collection was inspired by pilots’ watches in the 1940s - 1960s. This meant simpler styles and functions as well as high-performing movements. The Vintage Collection is best known for its sophisticated yet rugged look. Its three lines of watches also still vary in size, function, and aesthetic value. 

Reasons to Buy a Bell & Ross Vintage Watch

1. Function Shapes Form 

Bell & Ross watches put a strict emphasis on a watch’s function shaping its form. Compared to other luxury watch brands, B&R focuses more on a watch’s functionality than its aesthetic value. However, this does not mean that B&R watches are not easy on the eyes. On the contrary, this belief creates watches with unique but simple styles. A Bell & Ross silhouette can be as rugged or as clean-cut as it wants to be, without sacrificing a watch’s quality. 

2. Cost-Effective 

True to its principles, a B&R watch is straight to the point. Its styles are subdued but its features pack a punch. The Vintage Collection offers this balance through a range of prices, giving everyone a chance to own a Bell and Ross of their own. Because the brand focuses on the reliability of their watches, you can rest assured knowing that each watch is high-performing. Military-inspired watches are not only for show and tell — they can walk their talk too.  

3. Variety 

The Bell and Ross Vintage Collection offers three lines of watches with different styles, colors, and features. You can go as simple or as complicated as you want. In the same light, one can also go as vintage or as neo-vintage as they want to. The BR-V1 watches are compact yet powerful, while the BR-V3 watches are large yet functional. There is a B&R Vintage watch for everyone. 

Bell & Ross Vintage: Watches that Pack a Punch 

The Bell and Ross Vintage collection packs a punch with military-grade materials and vintage styles. These watches are definitely for the understated modern man. Its prices range from $1,100 USD to $5,000 USD, depending on the size and features you want. No matter which Bell and Ross Vintage timepiece you get, you know that you are getting your money’s worth. Function shapes form for B&R, so you know these watches are not interested in just showing off a strong, masculine face.