Editor’s Note: Watches & Wonders (formerly SIHH) and Baselworld 2020 are canceled but that hasn’t stopped watch brands large and small from debuting their new wares. To stay on top of this year’s best new watch releases, visit our tag page.
French watch manufacturer Bell & Ross’s first watches for 2020 focus on their relatively traditionally styled V2 Vintage Collection, which seem conservative in comparison to the square-cased, flight-instrument-themed watches the brand is best known for. However, while this round-cased collection cuts a more familiar silhouette, the three new references all present distinctive and compelling variations of the brand’s respective retro-tinged time-only, GMT, and automatic chronograph models.
Certain brands might unleash a slew of new color options for a single model or apply a single theme across their ranges. Bell & Ross’s approach, on the other hand, is more considerate of each individual model, refining the design and details until they’re just right. Each of the new watches looks strong on its own, with a cool, matte military green dial on the three-hand BR V3-92 and sunburst blue dials on the GMT BR V3-93 and the BR V3-94 chronograph.
Each model has a 41mm-wide case with 100m of water resistance and uses a Swiss automatic movement from ETA’s 289X range or Sellita’s SW300 range. Each also comes with a “NATO Stretch” band, but the steel watches each also include a bracelet option, whereas the bronze chronograph is only offered on the strap. Some fans might prefer ceramic bezel inserts rather than the aluminum ones seen here, but this, of course, could mean higher price points for the collection.
The new steel models are priced at $2,990 for the BR V2-92 with the green dial ($3,300 on a bracelet) and $3,200 for the blue GMT BR V2-93 ($3,500 on bracelet). The Aéronavale Bronze chronograph BR V2-94 will be $5,200, and limited to 999 units. All models will be available over the early months of 2020, ahead of the Baselworld trade show.
The best way to catch up on the day’s most important product releases and stories. Read the Story
Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.
