Bell & Ross Watch is it worth?

[chrisyen]

another myth

watch brand rich with history....

except rolex, patek, AP, VC, Piaget, Cartier, Omega, Seiko..... etc
many watch brand history actually 'cook out' one

those day making lousy watches, closed.... when big company buy over the name, they dig some old history and blow it....

[Godzillaz]

rich with history ... ... but we need to ask with what kind of history.

Watchmaking kind?
^{good ones or bad ones}

Most company today except the holy trinity did nothing special before 1950s.

Hard to justify their product are heritage of the traditional way.

BTW I don't think B&R are misleading the public. On the contrary the general public aren't interested in any war time/military watches before B&R.

I have to respect them for that.

As for their watch, well maybe one day 

Regard
Tyler
 

another myth

watch brand rich with history....

except rolex, patek, AP, VC, Piaget, Cartier, Omega, Seiko..... etc
many watch brand history actually 'cook out' one

those day making lousy watches, closed.... when big company buy over the name, they dig some old history and blow it....

[amir1218]

I like the B&R design. Especially the new vintage series. Unique design
But the price is a bit high. I wouldn't get one unless there was a very good discount.

The fact that they don't make their own movements is fine. Then as a company they can concentrate their resources on the design of the watch. Stock ETA movements are reliable and proven.

After my encounter with my zenith, which has an in house movement and had a low power reserve issue the minute I took it out of the shop, I find the whole argument about buying watches with in house movements a bit over-rated. But this is my view only.

As some have said here, at the end of the day its the overall watch design (case, dial, hands, strap and movement) that count.
How often does one look at the back of their watch to see the movement through a transparent case back?
Most of the time I look at the dial, index & hands (to tell the time) and to me thats an important part of looking at a value of the watch.

[chrisyen]

Human is fun... We all love diff color.

Our fren here during our gtg was telling me rolex make a lousy big movement, hence the case back always solid

A fren here said only the one able to make in house movement r true watch manufacturer

While another guy here said accuracy is second to none, nothing to his acceptable level of 5 second a day for a watch over thousand

N some always look for robust daily beater and low maintenance movement watch

Ah bang only want long power reserve... He said auto watch hv less than 70 hrs don't make sense cause he out down watch after 7pm every Friday, Monday morning he don't hv time to set time when he put his watch on

Tyler was right on me... I hv super wide acceptance tolerance
Mainly due to i always trying to understand designer/brand philosophy when he made the watch,


I notice msian is very very brand conscious, we all hv frens including my wife will die die nvr drive a proton, just Bcoz he / she don't like proton, the brand, nvr zoom into the particular model!

So as watches, does all patek Lange ap watches look good to you?

I don't care on this brand, I love my BR01-92 Air Borne II LE above because

- I simply think this watch.....           COOL !

- the watch case was purposely sand blasted to make it look.... Seasoned...

- the leather strap with the watch is also processed to match the case

I actually doesn't really care about the story of creating this watch...

I always care about long term maintenance of watch... With ETA I'm less concern!
New in house or proven problem movement.... That's what I m avoiding!

It does sit well on my small 6.5" wrist, try it urself n don't judge base on others!



Ps - lucky I acquired this b4 the BR clock on MWF
 

[Sunriver]

B&R is an OK brand. Good marketing and targeting a specific niche market i.e. the sporty over the edge alpha males.

IMO, they do have some nice designs. Would I buy one? Sure why not (since I'm an Aircraft engineer - so have to for the aviation theme...hehehe) but unfortunately all of their designs are over 40mm, since my arm is not that big, it does look like I'm wearing a wall clock on my arm. That goes the same for Breitlings.... huhuhu....

Bottomline, it boils down to an individual "WOW" factor. Buy it for your pride and joy...and nothing else.

Peace...

[swleong]

For Bell & Ross, I would say certain series deserve the price (I believe this applicable to all other brands as well)

For me, their Aviation series is an instant modern day classic!!!! 

[keeekeee]

watch is just like a tee you like and you buy to put it on.   movement? 

[hidden830726]

Late to this topic, gonna share my thoughts too:

Malaysian generally love B&R imo, it looks cool, nice design and comes with certain brand recognition among Malaysian. I'm not sure about other countries in Asia, but here, generally, people (whether watch snob or not) know the brand B&R.

This has to do with good marketing work by B&R, and furthermore, B&R is sponsors to Malaysiawatchforum and from what i read, forumers get invited to launch events etc. This create bond and awareness to the brand.

Imo, there is nothing wrong in buying B&R as perceived worth of certain brands varied to different demographic. Also, the purchasing objective may be different from one to another.

For some, they want a watch which is recognizable, and to some, they want a watch that gives them the most value for money.

I would say if for recognition, B&R is consider one of those more affordable brand, as compare to Rolex, Patek, Panerai etc. Another brand which is along the line with B&R is probably Tudor. Both brands used ETA, which imo is respectable.

If the objective is to get the best value for money, then perhaps one can get other brands with probably same movements and style with much affordable price range. E.g. Stowa, Sinns, just to name two.

So the question is, you might like B&R design more, so is the design and finish worth the different? Bear in mind too, brand like Stowa, also reknowned for its finishing. If yes, Congratulation, go for it.

In sum, the different is probably: general public brand recognition and perceived value, Swiss made and design.

I like B&R.

[chrisyen]

design is the most important part of watch... do u agree with me?

now we see
more brands dare to make so squarish case
many brands play with black case black dial with white/orange/red/yellow/blue.... luminous marker and hands
many brands play with phantom, black case and grey luminous lume and hands....
many brands also hv vintage theme series

[hidden830726]

Design nope, not the most important.

Design is bonus.

[chrisyen]

Design nope, not the most important.

Design is bonus.

What is most important to u come to watch?

[ck77]

Design nope, not the most important.

Design is bonus.

What is most important to u come to watch?

Rolek chop on dial 

[hanz079]

Design nope, not the most important.

Design is bonus.

Except the really hardcore WIS who keeps harping on movements or technical prowess...
For the others... I would say 70-80% of the general watch buyers look at design first and foremost.
A watch with an excellent movement but ugly design won't really sell unless it looks good aesthetically...
So, I don't really understand what it means by "design is a bonus"

[contender]

Design nope, not the most important.

Design is bonus.

Except the really hardcore WIS who keeps harping on movements or technical prowess...
For the others... I would say 70-80% of the general watch buyers look at design first and foremost.
A watch with an excellent movement but ugly design won't really sell unless it looks good aesthetically...
So, I don't really understand what it means by "design is a bonus"

I would think the majority would look at the brands first then only the design ....

[hidden830726]

Design nope, not the most important.

Design is bonus.

Except the really hardcore WIS who keeps harping on movements or technical prowess...
For the others... I would say 70-80% of the general watch buyers look at design first and foremost.
A watch with an excellent movement but ugly design won't really sell unless it looks good aesthetically...
So, I don't really understand what it means by "design is a bonus"

I would think the majority would look at the brands first then only the design ....

Concur with @Contender, generally, Brand > Design > Specification.

WIS - Specification > Design > Brand

[dpkong]

Design nope, not the most important.

Design is bonus.

What is most important to u come to watch?

The looks, especially the dial layout, then colours.

[Godzillaz]

Hanz,

We can't argue about it. Major part of the population make purchase decision based on popularity. Brand name is one of the easiest indicator.

Think about it, zirconia fitted quartz watch out sell mechanical time piece by many fold. WHY?

Getting the diamond look but not paying the price of diamond
Getting the same watch but not paying the price of mechanical movement

How wonderful is that! 

Tie in with a famous top 10 brand and you're golden.

Who wanna bother to study movement technicalities, finishing, dial & case coherent and serviceability.

We're weirdos ... ... admit it.

Regard
Tyler 
     

Design nope, not the most important.

Design is bonus.

Except the really hardcore WIS who keeps harping on movements or technical prowess...
For the others... I would say 70-80% of the general watch buyers look at design first and foremost.
A watch with an excellent movement but ugly design won't really sell unless it looks good aesthetically...
So, I don't really understand what it means by "design is a bonus"

[chrisyen]

afterall.... design and marketing sells.... not the watch technical spec...

marketing who blow the watch spec, blow the history....

with good design, it sure sell....

classic design sell example - Sevenfriday

[hidden830726]

So is B&R worth it? Its a Yes and No. I love the design of WW1 & 2 tho.

Boring with discussion without pics, why dont B&R owner shows us some pics and tell us what you like about the watch that you bought?

[dpkong]

So is B&R worth it? Its a Yes and No. I love the design of WW1 & 2 tho.

Boring with discussion without pics, why dont B&R owner shows us some pics and tell us what you like about the watch that you bought?

It's about the design. Don't bother discussing the movement as that's nothing spectacular. You like square case design? You like aviation theme? Then it's a yes.

[hidden830726]

So is B&R worth it? Its a Yes and No. I love the design of WW1 & 2 tho.

Boring with discussion without pics, why dont B&R owner shows us some pics and tell us what you like about the watch that you bought?

It's about the design. Don't bother discussing the movement as that's nothing spectacular. You like square case design? You like aviation theme? Then it's a yes.

Joker.  why don't get random brand cheap plak Square watch or aviation watch? Where the hell did I said movement? I said brand come first for most Malaysian. Don't read between the lines please. I respect your opinion, as much as you should respect mine, don't quote my words, without respecting it.

[hanz079]

Yes Tyler... I admit I am weird... hehehe

hidden830726... chill bro... I do not know which part of dpkong's post offended you.

Your statement about B&R being worth it is a yes and no.
You asked B&R owners to come out and show some pics while telling us what they like.

Dpkong was guessing it must be the design since there is nothing much interesting to talk about with the movements that they're using.
He was asking if you like the design? You like the aviation theme? If it's a yes to both... then go ahead.

[hidden830726]

I sincerely apologized to dpkong then if that is what it means. The "Dont bother" must have gotten my nerve. 

I meant lets have some nice B&R pics from forumer, so that we can get mesmerized by them.

Well, a thread is never complete if without a pic right? 

[Yikkie]

Hmm... I read dpkong's comments the same way bro Han interpreted it.  Chill bro. I am a proud owner of a B&R BR03-94 phantom and IMHO, it really is about the design as there really is nothing much to discuss about when it comes to the movement since they are mostly off the shelf ETA and Valjoux.  Somehow, the Phantom looks horrible in photos since it is all black.

[chrisyen]

Well, a thread is never complete if without a pic right? 

as u wish


beautiful screw in crown






the package alone is attractive
nice box, well protected....
fullset inclusive of - boxes, papers, warranty card, strap changing tools, velcro strap, rubber strap, carbon fiber looking strap. GOOD? I will say ..... Hell YES !!!



and a a wrist shots on my 6.5" wrist... its actually super comfortable !
try it yourself