These three new pieces mark the end of the “Flight Instrument” series, adding an overall cockpit display to the 2012 Horizon, Turn Co-ordinator and Altimeter (2011Radar, Red Radar, Compass) of six very distinct Limited Edition BR01’s.
The addition of “*yellow” to the dials, is a fantastic touch, and especially with a little “*green” and red thrown into the Airspeed, add a change to the monotones of the 2012 collection.
* both “critical” colours in the aviation industry
There is certainly a watch out of this collection that will excite the B&R “fan”, if not several!
If your pocket allows, you can also take the whole six as a Ltd Ed box set (which are numbered 1-99 each), so you have a unique collection, with matching serial number.
BELL & ROSS AND AERONAUTICAL INSTRUMENTATION
The iconic BR 01 AVIATION collection is directly inspired by the instrumentation of aircraft cockpits, and addresses four fundamental requirements: legibility, functionality, precision and water-resistance.
Pushing its exploration of aeronautical navigation instruments further, Bell & Ross innovates year after year with completely new high-tech models —BR 01 COMPASS in 2010, and RADAR in 2011—, offering a completely new way of reading time, inspired by flight instrumentation.
In 2012, Bell & Ross introduced three new versions: BR 01 HORIZON, BR 01 ALTIMETER, and BR 01 TURN COORDINATOR.
The result was a collection of exclusive watches with an innovative display and uncompromising legibility: an absolute priority for professionals and for every Bell & Ross watch.
With this new trio, Bell & Ross recreates the graphic style of navigation instruments as closely as possible, once again going beyond the traditional approach to reading the time.
These three new models —BR01 HEADING INDICATOR, BR 01 AIRSPEED and BR01 CLIMB— are each available in limited editions of 999 pieces.
The first 99 will be offered exclusively in a lavish collector’s box containing the six instruments: BR 01 HORIZON, ALTIMETER, TURN COORDINATOR, HEADING INDICATOR, AIRSPEED and CLIMB.
The box is designed as a control panel where the essential instruments are laid out in T shape for optimum legibility.
An exclusive box that will make its owner feel as though they own a fragment of an aircraft’s cockpit, delighting both aviation fans and watch collectors.
BR01 AIRSPEED
DESIGN THAT ENHANCES LEGIBILITY
Bell & Ross designers have borrowed the graphic characteristics of the anemometer, or airspeed, to create an original and extremely legible display of time.
• To enhance legibility, the hour, minute and second graduations have been separated to promote the minutes on the main dial – as in the original instrument, while the hours are displayed in the centre.
• The three colours that indicate levels of criticality in the original instrument – green, white and yellow – also appear on the watch dial and indicate the zones by quarters of an hour.
• The hands and index marks are covered in a white photo luminescent coating, contrasting with the black of the dial, echoing the legibility principles of professional aeronautical instruments.
• The anti-glare, matt black carbon finish of the case is inspired by the colour of an instrumentation panel, designed to make the dials easier to read by eliminating glare.
BR01 HEADING INDICATOR
DISC-BASED DISPLAY INSPIRED BY THE HEADING INDICATOR
Bell & Ross designers have borrowed the graphic characteristics of the heading indicator to create an original and innovative display of time.
• The dial comprises three independent concentric discs, graduated for the hours and minutes. The seconds are displayed in the centre on a disc, which is not graduated, but features a yellow marker. The hour reading is indicated by the yellow triangle, which appears on the outer hours’ disc. Minutes are read from the middle disc.
• The WES (West, East and South) indications are also displayed on this disc, as on the original instrument, and the N for North indication has been replaced by a yellow triangle marker for reading the hours.
• To allow the markers to stand out against the background, an airplane – identical to the one found on the original instrument – and yellow index marks are engraved under the glass.
• The anti-glare, matt black carbon finish of the case is inspired by the colour of an instrumentation panel, designed to make the dials easier to read by eliminating glare.
TECHNOLOGICAL FEATS
The BR 01 HEADING INDICATOR is highly sophisticated. The technical challenge posed by its design and production required the collaboration of the best watchmaking engineers.
• Since each disc weighs 30 times more than a watch hand, ultra light discs needed to be created in order to not reduce the power reserve nor the accuracy of the watch. furthermore, each disc needed to be sufficiently resistant so as not to become deformed or risk any friction. This dual challenge has required the development of specific materials and new techniques.
• As they rotate, an adjustment to the nearest micron ensures that the discs are constantly parallel. The accuracy of the assembly requires all the know-how of master watchmakers.
BR01 CLIMB
A GRAPHIC STYLE INSPIRED BY THE VARIOMETER OR CLIMB
Bell & Ross designers have borrowed the graphic characteristics of the climb to create an original and innovative display of time.
• The frame reflects the style of the original instrument. Instead of the variometer, a power reserve indicator allows the user to measure remaining power, which is vital for the smooth functioning of the movement. This indicator is yellow, contrasting with the black of the dial and the other time information. The date is also displayed in a window at 3 o’clock.
• The typeface of the graduation is reminiscent of CLIMB. Since it only has one white hand, the hour hand has been darkened to render the best imitation of the original instrument.
• The hands and the digits are covered in a white photo luminescent coating, contrasting with the black of the dial, and echoing the legibility principles of professional aviation instruments.
• The anti-glare, matt black carbon finish of the case is inspired by the colour of an instrumentation panel, designed to make the dials easier to read by eliminating glare.
The instruments on the Pilot’s wrist, in their true environment….
Bell & Ross on instagram………@bellrosswatches
Go and follow them, if you aren't already!
