Bell & Ross Releases New BR-S Ceramic Phantoms
by Marco Gagliano on November 4, 2009
tagged as: new model phantom bell & ross
Bell & Ross released its new Phantom versions of the BR-S collection. Four models comprise this limited edition series of which two are white and two are black.
The all-new BR-S White Ceramic Phantom is an exciting addition to Bell & Ross' gamut of low-contrast watches. This stealthy model is the first Bell & Ross Phantom to be completely white and is an elegant timepiece unlike its predecessors. While the monochromatic dial seems hard to read at first, the large hour markers and hands make the time quite visible. Important elements of the dial are also coated with photo-luminescent paint making the watch even easier to see at night then during the day.
An all-black version of the BR-S Phantom is also available, as are two diamond studded versions. The all-black BR-S Black Ceramic Phantom & Diamonds is adorned with black diamonds, while the BR-S White Ceramic Phantom & Diamonds is decorated with high-quality clear diamonds.
All BR-S Phantom models will be produced in limited quantities. Contact us for more information regarding our collection of Bell & Ross watches.
New Bell & Ross Limited Edition Radar Watch
by Marco Gagliano on October 27, 2009
tagged as: new model bell & ross
Bell & Ross recently published a new catalogue dedicated solely to their limited edition models of luxury watches. Everything from the Phantoms to the Grand Minuteurs are included and accompanied by a brief description of each watch and its features. Some models have long been sold out, while some like the BR-01 92 and 94 Carbon Fiber models are not yet available. Among the new models that are not yet available, my favorite is the BR-01 92 Radar.
The BR-01 92 Radar is closely related to the BR-01 92 Carbon. The case is 46mm square and it runs on an automatic Swiss movement. The 500-watch limited edition Radar displays the time in a unique way. Three independent rotating discs are driven by the movement to indicate the hour, minutes, and seconds. The graduated markings for each time unit, are applied directly to the inside of the anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and the time is marked by happily colored lines.
While it is obvious that the dynamic dial of this watch is directly influenced by what a radar screen looks like, I find that a character independent of stern military functionality is what the Radar watch offers. A high-end watch is, amongst other things, a fashion accessory. It should be enjoyable to wear and make the owner glad to have it. The minimalistic and fun look of the BR-01 92 Radar will surely achieve this goal.
New Hamilton Ventura Elvis Anniversary Collection
by Marco Gagliano on September 15, 2009
tagged as: new model celebrity hamilton
Presented at the Baselworld fair earlier on this year, the Ventura Elvis Anniversary collections celebrate Elvis Presley's upcoming 75th birthday on January 8 of 2010. Two varieties will make up the collection. The first will replicate the original Ventura model that Elvis wore during the shooting of Blue Hawaii, while the second revives the futuristic and innovative spirit of the original model.
The XXL Ventura will surely attract most of attention as it offers a large case and a new design. The Ventura of the 1950s broke ground by being the first electronic wrist watch. In order to highlight this advancement in horology, Hamilton's designers conceived the watch's futuristic style case. In the same spirit, today's designers meant to highlight the originality of the Ventura by creating a new, contemporary version. The shield shape remains, but on the XXL the size of the case is much bigger and the contours of the case much sleeker. The stepped lugs are slanted and the lines of the crown integrate seamlessly with the three o'clock marker. With a specialized black rubber strap, which also follows the lines of the case, the XXL Ventura Elvis Anniversary offers a more contemporary view of futurism with a better integrated and more pleasing style.
To pay tribute to the Ventura that started it all, Hamilton is also offering a replica of the original watch, which will run on an ETA quartz calibre. The iconic triangular shape, thin bezel, and stepped lugs are revived with a stainless steel and a gold PVD versio. Both of these models come with a matching two-tone leather strap or the less traditional elastic metal bracelet, which Elvis Presley had had fitted onto his watch at the time of purchase.
The XXL Ventura will be produced in limited quantities until the end of 2010, when it will be discontinued. Contact us for more information.
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.
New U-Boat Model: U-51 Rattrapante
by Marco Gagliano on September 4, 2009
tagged as: chronograph new model u-boat
Many new U-Boat models will be available at the beginning of September. One in particular sets itself apart from the rest. The U-51 Rattrapante offers, as the name suggests, a split-second chronograph as well as a massive 51mm case and an extremely fine brown alligator and rubber strap.
Although much different then other models, the case of the U-51 does have some very telling U-Boat features. The crown, as always, is on the left side of the watch and is protected by a cap. The hinge and crown-protecting cap are more beefy then usual, and the whole system is held together by solid-looking screws and rivets. The width of the case is massive as usual. The bezel is similar to that of the Flightdeck, which extends past the height of the crystal, but on the U-51 the bezel is affixed to the case using five visible screws.
The Swiss automatic movement offers a the function that gives the watch its name. A rattrapante or split-second function makes it possible to pause the chronograph while keeping it running. This is accomplished by two seconds hands overlapping each other. One can be stopped in order to take a reading while the other one continues to sweep its way around the dial. Intricate watchmaking is necessary to perform this task mechanically.
Although, the U-51 is unique amongst other U-Boat watches, it still retains many U-Boat features such as the large case and left handed configuration. The U-51 Rattrapante is perfect for collectors that appreciate the high-art of horology, and at the same time are comfortable wearing large, sporty watches.
