Bell & Ross BR03-92

[RS404]

I've really liked these for about 3-4 years now since I became interested in watches, but there just seems to be a lot of hate for them on the forums (girlfriend doesn't like it either!).

This is the one I like http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Bell%20and%20Ross/BR0...

Any advice?

[andyman_2006]

RS404 said:

I've really liked these for about 3-4 years now since I became interested in watches, but there just seems to be a lot of hate for them on the forums (girlfriend doesn't like it either!).

This is the one I like http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Bell%20and%20Ross/BR0...

Any advice?

---

I like them, prefer the larger ones 46mm i think, but as you say a very nice looking watch, and at that price does not seem bad value at all.

Whether i like them better than my other watches or other similar priced ones though i'm not sure.

If you like it go for it.

Andy

[ascayman]

I absolutely love mine. Everyone else hates it but I don't really care.

[andyman_2006]

This is my Fave Bell and Ross and if i bought the colour combo/size i'd buy:

https://www.precisiontime.co.uk/bell-ross-br-01-92...

I like the look nothing else are like them.

Andy

[nikaiyo2]

RS404 said:

I've really liked these for about 3-4 years now since I became interested in watches, but there just seems to be a lot of hate for them on the forums (girlfriend doesn't like it either!).

This is the one I like http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Bell%20and%20Ross/BR0...

Any advice?

Because there are a lot of peole on the watch forums, who can't see past in house movements? Or watches with the R on the dial.

They are great watches, great quality finishing, buy one you won't regret it

[Ikemi]

I used to have a BR02-94 Chronograph, which I now massively regret selling ... B&R are known for their excellent attention to detail. However they are also known to suffer from eye-watering amounts of depreciation. As such, always try to buy pre-owned!

My BR02-94 review: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=109...

[scherzkeks]

nikaiyo2 said:

Because there are a lot of peole on the watch forums, who can't see past in house movements? Or watches with the R on the dial.

They are great watches, great quality finishing, buy one you won't regret it

I think they get hate becuase they are a fashion brand with no real significant horological achievements, yet the products are quite expensive.

I think they are ok. Lots of attractive designs, and they were jump started by Sinn (and the DNA is still there in the design language).

[CAPP0]

I have a BR01-92 (larger version with no date) and I love it too, wanted one for ages and eventually took the plunge. I often wear it on Fridays as it's dress-down int he office but I have something else on today. They do seem rather Marmite, but if you like it, go for it, they're a nice piece and not so run-of-the-mill. I preferred the 92, no sub dials, no date - after all, you don't have a date window or a stopwatch on an aircraft gauge, do you!

Mine's on a B&R rubber strap which is really comfortable. I came with a leather strap and (iirc, I'd have to check) a Nato in the box too.

And ignore the inevitable "the screws don't line up" comments. That's because they've been tightened to the correct torque and not to a designer's brief

[nikaiyo2]

scherzkeks said:

I think they get hate becuase they are a fashion brand with no real significant horological achievements, yet the products are quite expensive.

I think they are ok. Lots of attractive designs, and they were jump started by Sinn (and the DNA is still there in the design language).

Yeah I get that. In this day and age would the prices not be in the Richard Mille territory to have true horological achievements? Saying that B&R do a tourbillon.
To me I would rather have an ETA movement that can be serviced by Variomatic, in a case that is well finished and well designed, over an in house movement for the sake of it.
I also think the fact that a watch maker that has been around for a decade or so and has such a unique/ iconic design is as note worthy as producing a movement.
I can't think of any new watch company even close to the BR price that has such a unique design, to me the BR01/3 is as instantly recognisable as the true greats, Speedy or Sub territory.

Even the "vintage" models look great, the BR126 (I think) is one of the nicest watches for sale.

I guess to me the bits I see on the outside matter more than the inside bit that makes it tick!

[scherzkeks]

nikaiyo2 said:

Yeah I get that. In this day and age would the prices not be in the Richard Mille territory to have true horological achievements?

Well no, there are many brands in their price segment that have true horological achievements and solid histories. Breitling, Omega, and Rolex to name the most obvious ones.

[Captain Smerc]

Get it brought . I've got a 01 GMT and it's a keeper .

[WizzBang]

I got the military version this summer from Terminal 5 = 20% off. It's the most comfortable watch and so different from everything else I own. I love it.

Edited by WizzBang on Sunday 25th September 14:51

[RS404]

Thanks for the replies, I went ahead and did it! I sent an email to Watchfinder and made what I thought was a bit of a cheeky offer and they accepted straight away (should have been cheekier!). Service was good, the watch has just been delivered. The condition is amazing, the outer cardboard sleeve of the box is scuffed but the proper box is very good and the watch itself is immaculate, good as new. All the tools and spare strap are present. Original warranty card also, the watch came from Selfridges originally which is nice.

I had tried on a BR01 before and as I expected is was way too big for me, which is why I wanted the BR03 but actually it's still massive. I guess it will just take some getting used to. The quality is great and it's incredibly heavy. This is exactly the model I wanted, in the original style, white numerals, the hands on these earlier ones are much nicer than the current ones IMO. Leather strap is a bonus and also in excellent condition. I don't mind the date, it's very small and unobtrusive to the design and I like having a date function. Hope this will satisfy my watch craving for long time.

[webby23]

RS404 said:

I've really liked these for about 3-4 years now since I became interested in watches, but there just seems to be a lot of hate for them on the forums (girlfriend doesn't like it either!).

This is the one I like http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Bell%20and%20Ross/BR0...

Any advice?

My advice is buy whatever watch YOU want to buy and don't take seriously the opinions of haters on internet forums.

Life is too short.......

[nikaiyo2]

RS404 said:

Thanks for the replies, I went ahead and did it! I sent an email to Watchfinder and made what I thought was a bit of a cheeky offer and they accepted straight away (should have been cheekier!). Service was good, the watch has just been delivered. The condition is amazing, the outer cardboard sleeve of the box is scuffed but the proper box is very good and the watch itself is immaculate, good as new. All the tools and spare strap are present. Original warranty card also, the watch came from Selfridges originally which is nice.

I had tried on a BR01 before and as I expected is was way too big for me, which is why I wanted the BR03 but actually it's still massive. I guess it will just take some getting used to. The quality is great and it's incredibly heavy. This is exactly the model I wanted, in the original style, white numerals, the hands on these earlier ones are much nicer than the current ones IMO. Leather strap is a bonus and also in excellent condition. I don't mind the date, it's very small and unobtrusive to the design and I like having a date function. Hope this will satisfy my watch craving for long time.

love it, enjoy

[Not Ideal]

Good work - enjoy it.

I have a 03-92 Phantom and wear it most days for work. Super happy with it.