Bell & Ross launched a toned down vintage model this year, the first in their ‘3rd Generation’ vintage armada, with a flatter case and a smaller diameter. Judging by the reaction on social media and the site, it was a replica watch that changed hearts and minds about B&R’s ability to do interesting things in the vintage field, with a fanatical attention to detail, also, honestly, it looks much better a year on.
Bell & Ross has no restriction of color. And their bold, highly graphical square instrument replica watches are natural canvas for innovated experimentation. The brand’s more traditional round watches are a little bit of a different story – inherently more conservative; B&R tend to play things safer with their Vintage collection.
The most important for transformation is the rich blue starburst dial, with radial brushing. The twin subdial contrast nicely, owing to the perfect circular engraving.
Thanks to this ever-changing finish the watch already dances and plays in different lights, but while you add gold toned hands and applied hour markers you get a watch that doesn’t stop. It looks unbelievable on the wrist. It looks dark in low lights, almost reserved, but as soon as you a stray beam catches it at the right angle – BAM! -the Aeronavale shows off its true colors.
The other excellent part I have to mention is the bracelet. On a Bell & Ross replica watch at this price point you’d expect a ‘nice-but-not-extraordinary’ strap. Think it over again. The padded calfskin oozes charm and character, with it’s glossy finish showing the lighter blue in the centre, all offset by the chunky white contrasting stitch. We doubt it will only get better with age too.
Thanks to its smart use of color and attention to detail, the BR 126 Aeronavale is proof that Bell & Ross doesn’t just reserve all its creativity and panache for the squares。