For years since its inception, Bell & Ross has always shown its love for aviation and the military on its sleeve. The brand’s entire design philosophy has constantly echoed the functional and ergonomic criteria that professional pilots need in a cockpit – legibility and comfort. This year, the brand aims its sights on a part of the military life a little less covered. Choosing to focus on the prestige of formal military events, Bell & Ross unveils its new Vintage BR Aéronavale, a cerulean spin on the classic dress timepiece.
While jumpsuits and helmets are de rigueur for life inside the cockpit, the dress attire for formal military functions is well-polished and strict but traditionally handsome. For naval officers, the blue and gold colours are a common sight; blue evoking the power of the sea while the gold on the wings, trim and buttons conveying poise, nobility and victory.
Taking these aesthetic nods into consideration, the Vintage BR Aéronavale collection blends elegance and function in two models – a chronograph and a three-hand with small seconds. The polished steel case of the watches stand out against the navy blue sunray dials in perfect contrast, lending an air of refinement as well as increased legibility to the watches.
The Vintage BR Aéronavale Chronograph is like all Bell & Ross timepieces, designed for pilots first. Functionality is therefore its primary objective, with the readability of the chronograph sub-counters at the forefront. As a matter of legibility as well as finishing, snailed guilloché decoration has been applied to both the chronograph sub-counters as well as the small seconds counter for both timepieces. Each timepiece also boasts a 60-minute graduated bezel in blue anodised aluminium, presenting the collection as the best fit for an officer in uniform.
Both timepieces are powered by an automatic Swiss movement and are elegantly paired with either a distressed blue calfskin strap with cinnamon stitching, or a midnight blue alligator strap with a pin buckle clasp. For the gentleman that’s looking for a dress watch that stands out in the crowd, Bell & Ross’ new Vintage BR Aéronavale might just be a great fit.
This post is brought to you by Bell & Ross
