[gtron]

They were recently featured (advertised) in a Porsche magazine and it was really the first time I noticed their design.

The other day I was at a local dealer and they had an automatic ceramic aviation watch that really felt good when I put it on. I didn't pull the trigger because I'm still not sure about their reputation.

Reference: BR0192-BL-CER-SRB

[overcoil]

first go to the Bell & Ross section at TIMEZONE.
Few years back saw Kelly Ripa's husband wearing a B&R Instrument watch on the Rachel Ray show.
They have a good reputation but they may not be or can not afford to be as selective on who they choose as retailers - they may have to fight a little harder to get display case space.

I think many collectors with really great watch collections have a B&R Instrument watch in them - so it's a great watch.

[gtron]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

first go to the Bell & Ross section at TIMEZONE.
Few years back saw Kelly Ripa's husband wearing a B&R Instrument watch on the Rachel Ray show.
They have a good reputation but they may not be or can not afford to be as selective on who they choose as retailers - they may have to fight a little harder to get display case space.

I think many collectors with really great watch collections have a B&R Instrument watch in them - so it's a great watch.

Thanks for the solid reply. It did fit really well. I think I'll be going back to grab it soon.

[Nivarox]

They can even have tourbillons at their products , it's a niche brand with too cult design wise to pass. I would never find myself or convince myself getting into a position of buying a one though , not for me shortly

[Grover1971]

Horologically (and I say this as a collector) these are rubbish. Sorry.

It's all about the movement when it comes to fine watches.

[neverdone]

Originally Posted by Grover1971

Horologically (and I say this as a collector) these are rubbish. Sorry.

It's all about the movement when it comes to fine watches.

I have to somewhat agree. IMO they are on par with U-Boat, which I absolutely despise. they have clean lines, but for the money you pay for one of these, here are MUCH better options.

[overcoil]

Here's a little write up by a collector,

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in...-by-john-mayer

It's been three years since this write-up and is an IWC Aquatimer Automatic a better buy? The Instrument watch looks great to me, prefer it over many Panerai that use out sourced ebauches

[///Mongo]

Don't waste your money.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

Here's a little write up by a collector,

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in...-by-john-mayer

It's been three years since this write-up and is an IWC Aquatimer Automatic a better buy? The Instrument watch looks great to me, prefer it over many Panerai that use out sourced ebauches

The fact that it isn't fully in-house is one issue, but even Patek had some ebauches for a long time. It has a lot to do with how they're finished.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by jtodd_fl

The fact that it isn't fully in-house is one issue, but even Patek had some ebauches for a long time. It has a lot to do with how they're finished.

I'm a big fan of ETA movements.
Recently read a few complaints concerning a maker like Blancpain (?) and some little boutique movement maker, whether it was exorbitant repair fees or no one to repair a rare movement.
I do think IWC and Panerai have really upped their game with in-house. But for good pricing and reliability B&R has it's admirers.
Patek sells quartz movements. There are a lot of collectors and watch enthusiast that are happy to buy pieces for their cases and design and the reliability of an ETA.
Sure an MB&F is simply miraculous due to it's movement but any chronograph with a 7750 base and even at $10,000 can be a great piece.

[PatrickC23]

I have the Bell and Ross Commando Chrono, kind of regret getting it. Definitely cool and noticed by people, but the black case gets scratched up easily and drives me nuts. Probably the least favorite of my watches but it is a cool watch for vacations and more casual days because I don't care about it as much.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by PatrickC23

I have the Bell and Ross Commando Chrono, kind of regret getting it. Definitely cool and noticed by people, but the black case gets scratched up easily and drives me nuts. Probably the least favorite of my watches but it is a cool watch for vacations and more casual days because I don't care about it as much.

If you'd like to share I'd really enjoy seeing a picture of the chrono commando.
What other watches do you own? anything you don't have that really interest you?

[PatrickC23]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

If you'd like to share I'd really enjoy seeing a picture of the chrono commando.
What other watches do you own? anything you don't have that really interest you?

This is my collection, and it's not growing from here. I'm not a collector or enthusiast, just wanted a nice watch and got the Breitling for myself as a birthday gift. Then I wanted something casual and got the BR, and couldn't resist the Panerai when I went to Florence. The Rolex was a gift, but it's too small for a man I think so my wife wears it. She's really happy about that.

As for what's next, nothing really catches my eye. To be honest I'd rather spend the money on wheels.

[PatrickC23]

I bet there are people that have seen the BR strap on my watch and thought that I got it at Banana Republic.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by PatrickC23

I bet there are people that have seen the BR strap on my watch and thought that I got it at Banana Republic.

That's really funny.

Very nice collection. I think the B&R looks really nice, as do the all the others.

[PatrickC23]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

That's really funny.

Very nice collection. I think the B&R looks really nice, as do the all the others.

It does look cool, but I think for the price it's not comparable to the others. Don't know anything about the movements, but when I wind it, it just doesn't feel as solid as the others, if that makes sense.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by PatrickC23

It does look cool, but I think for the price it's not comparable to the others. Don't know anything about the movements, but when I wind it, it just doesn't feel as solid as the others, if that makes sense.

The B&R case opens up from the four screws on the front, unlike just about every other watch that either screws or clips off from the back. The movement in the B&R is the 7750 which is a solid workhorse - for many years IWC used those movements plates to build their $175,000 plus Grande Complication, it's a world removed from the movement in your B&R but they share a very well designed base structure.

[Dyeraudio]

Great reputation from what I have heard/read....solid timepiece

[robbys3m3]

I have two Bell&ross watches at the moment and like them for their price points....so far I haven't had any issues with them

[twin fed]

My BR 03 92 was my first real nice watch purchase. I love it and have never had a problem with it. It wears very nicely and has a great sporting look to it. I would not wear it with a suit, but while I'm out driving it fits perfectly

[John Tanglewood]

Swiss brand, certainly reputable, but appeal is strictly aesthetic with these pieces as their movements are nothing new, nothing special.

I owned an 03-92 for about a year and then sold it off. It certainly has presence and recognition, so if it's your style go for it!

A couple years ago I was gifted a WW1 which I haven't sold because the dial very much appears to me. But again, the movement is nothing special and the watch is not really worth the price tag (few are).

[RABAUKE]

The look is different, and in a good way but I gather the watch snob isn't a big fan of the movement and the build quality. My two cents, it's worth what it's worth to you. I like watches and so does my wife, between us we have a couple of Rolex's and Omega's. We were in Vegas last week and popped into a jewelry store and they had Shinola watches....not the best time piece in the world but my wife likes them, sort of an upstart company who are making a decent product....and "you don't know shit from shinola" is a popular phrase with my wife. So I grabbed her a limited edition piece.....