This month Bell & Ross proudly pays homage to the history of military timepieces with the launch of the Vintage WWI-92 Collection.
The brand has always been fascinated by the reinterpretation of military watch design history, but what Bell & Ross do so beautifully and authentically, is to design faithful reinterpretations with all the features of a top quality contemporary timepiece.
The new Vintage WWI-92 collection portrays the stylistic designs of the “Roaring Twenties”. A true missing “time” link between the pocket watch and the wristwatch of the 1940s, the shapes and functions of the Vintage WW1 reflect Bell & Ross’s DNA.
Vintage looks, modern features
Vintage WW1 models stand out as accurate reincarnations of the past that reflect the present in terms of modern watchmaking. Features include;
- A quality Swiss movement
- The large fob-watch type diameter
- The grooved crown is easy to grip, designed for pilots wearing gloves
- Unlike the original, the domed crystal is made from sapphire
- The large simple dial enhances legibility
The Vintage WW1 line, replicates the original wire handles that were soldered to the case which, when combined with the elegance of the straps, evoke the design of the first wrist watches, yet are ergonomically adapted for the comfort demanded by today’s men.
Two new authentic and military models
In its authentic Military version, the WW-92 features a matte grey steel case and a distressed strap. With its black case, the WW1 – 92 Heritage model reinterprets the styles of days gone by – the sand-coloured index markings convey the effects of age and the leather strap acquires a patina over time. Both models have an hours, minutes and seconds movement.
The hour, minute and second graduations have been separated to promote readability and emphasise the minutes on the large face. This reading is inspired by the so-called navigation or observation watches used by military pilots to calculate their direction or speed. The fluorescent triangle at 12 o’clock enabled the pilots to instantly get their bearings, even in the dark.
