Bell & Ross Introduces a New, Slimmer Phantom
by Marco Gagliano on September 11, 2009
tagged as: new model bell & ross phantom br-s
It's easy to see why the BR-01 Phantoms were so popular. Being amongst the first watches to offer black, luminescent hour markers is one of the reasons. The intrigue and conversation value that an all-black watch offers is another. Now, while other companies are still releasing all-black versions of their models, Bell & Ross takes a simple yet brilliant step onwards by designing an all-white Phantom watch.
The new Phantom will be based on the white ceramic BR-S model, which features a ceramic case, white dial, and glossy white patent leather strap. To obtain a fully white case, the company has eliminated the stainless steel bezel and replaced it with a bezel made of what seems to be a white ceramic. The hands and markers that are also made of steel and applied to the dial in the original BR-S have been replaced with all white ones. The hour markers are painted on using Super Luminova while the hands are either painted white or are made of a white material. All summed up, the watch face is virtually invisible.
Staying true to the notion of "if it ain't broke don't fix it," Bell & Ross will also offer a black Phantom version of the BR-S. To be amongst the first to know the release dates for the BR-S Phantom models, you can subscribe to our RSS feeds or to our newsletter below.
Elegant Gold Watches Are Back ... Well They Never Actually Left
by Marco Gagliano on August 27, 2009
tagged as: style br-s gold watches
I have a theory that the average size of watches will not go back to the smaller diameters of five to ten years ago. Psychologically it is easier to get used to a larger watch then changing for a smaller one. For this reason we have become accustomed as a society to the current average diameter, which I estimate to be 44mm. However true my theory may or may not be, there is one category of watch that will always defy it. The elegant, gold watch has proven itself to be timeless with its recent resurgence in the catalogues of modern brands.
First lets take the classic example of elegance in watches that is Patek Philippe. The manufacturer is definitely the most prestigious brand name in the world. They offer timepieces of which the much greater number is manufactured using precious metals. The largest wrist watch they produce is probably not much wider then 43mm, but most of their pieces hover around the 40mm mark. I don't think that anyone can propose that Patek Philippe watches will one day fall out of favour with watch lovers around the globe. Far from losing ground to larger, sportier watches, Patek is foreseeing an increase in sales this year over last.
Looking at more modern brands, the staying power of elegant gold watches is also evident. Bell & Ross is one of the major players in the popularization of large sporty watches. Even they have come to the conclusion that a tuxedo demands an elegant timepiece. The BR-S Gold collection offers an elegant model based on the popular, square case of the "Instruments." The cases are narrower - 38mm instead of 42 or 46mm - and especially thinner - 7mm instead of 10 to 17mm. Unlike other gold versions of sporty watches, and although it is based on the shape and idea of the sporty BR-01 and BR-03s, the BR-S Gold watches really capture an elegant style that is now and will always be in demand.
Since the eighties, stainless steel sport watches have become extremely popular. Their size also increased as people changed the way they envisioned that which constitutes a high-end watch. Gold watches in the meantime lost their monopoly of the high-end market and changed from glamourous status symbols to subtle objects of elegance. Now newer brands that did not exist during the heyday of the gold watch are realizing what the older companies already know. This is that elegance will always be in style and will always have its place in the wardrobes of discerning consumers.
Bell & Ross BR-S White Ceramic Gold VS. Chanel J12 ref. H2180
by Marco Gagliano on August 13, 2009
tagged as: reviews ceramic bell & ross chanel br-s
Bell & Ross BR-S White Ceramic Gold VS. Chanel J12 ref. H2180
In the past year, the usage of ceramic has been greatly popularized by brands such as Chanel, Hublot, and Bell & Ross. Although its benefits were known to the watch world for many years, it is only recently that the general, watch-loving public has become appreciative of the material's qualities. Chanel has offered the J12 ceramic watch for many years now. Bell & Ross, while comparably a newcomer to the ceramic game, have slightly preceded the boom with the production of the BR-03 Ceramic. I have chosen to compare two popular models from Chanel and Bell And Ross in order to highlight the advantages and allure of ceramic on watches.
The two watches I will compare are the Chanel J12 reference # H2180 and the Bell & Ross BR-S White Ceramic Gold, both of which are constructed using white ceramic and 18 karat pink gold. Other similarities include that both are equipped with a Swiss quartz movement and a sapphire crystal. The price range is also similar with the BR-S being roughly 10% less expensive.
The major difference between the watches is the shape. While the J12 offers a very traditional tonneau shaped case and round bezel, the BR-S reflects the square cases of its older brothers, the BR-01 and BR-03. The square "Instruments" are very popular, but still remain unique while the J12 case is mimicked by many brands. On paper the size of the cases is also similar. The J12 is 38mm wide while the Bell & Ross is only one millimeter wider. However, the square shape gives the illusion that the BR-S is much larger, while maintaining a comfortable feel thanks to a lower profile then the J12.
White ceramic is one of the most durable and beautiful materials that can be fashioned into a watch case and the solid pink gold elements of the J12 and BR-S add glamourous highlights. When choosing between one or the other, the choice will probably come down to the shape of the case. One can be square, which contrary to past cultural references, is now cool, or a traditional circle.
