Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Bronze

Bell & Ross releases a new instalment to their Bellytanker series with the new Bronze black dial limited to 999 pieces. The watch is part of the brand’s vintage-style collection.

The case and dial

Made from bronze, the case measures 41 mm in diameter and with a see through casebook in steel. The overall case design takes on a typical chronograph watch layout, similar to the Rolex Daytona, notably in the use of screw-down guard button pushers. The crown is also a screw-down design, a nod in the direction for a case with 100m water resistance.

The black lacquer dial is fit with contrasting gold coloured sundials. The polished finishing of the dial is matched with polished applied indices. To top off the stunning dial display, a gold coloured set of hands are used. The hour and minutes hands are dual faceted with two types of finishing on each hand, brushed and polished split down middle. This is in addition to the lume marker on the hands, and is a subtle but highly effective finish that improves legibility; especially under low-light conditions.

The crystal used on the Bellytanker is possibly the star ingredient in the watch design. It resembles box sapphire crystal used in many retro-homage watches, but with an ultra-curved edge and high clarity colourless anti-reflective coating. To complete the motorsports inspired look, the pseudo rugged sports watch is fit with a black calfskin leather strap and a satin-polished bronze folding buckle.

The movement

The BR V2-94 Bellytanker Bronze uses the calibre BR-CAL.301; an automatic modular chronograph that uses a base Sellita or ETA 2824, 2836 movement. The chronograph records a 30 min lap and also displays a date at the 4:30 position. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph, the movement possesses about 40 hours of power.

Concluding thoughts

Bell&Ross’s BR V2-94 Bellytanker Bronze is a very well-executed design. What it lacks in creativity, it makes up for in material contrast and quality manufacturing. The case and dial are very well-made in terms of finishing and material choices. When freshly polished, the bronze case looks almost like a gold case, and creates a refreshing look with the polished black lacquer dial. The AR dome crystal adds the finishing touch to the timepiece.

While the steel variants look very much like the Omega Speedmaster and can likely be overshadowed, this bronze piece resembles more the Daytona, but in bronze and at a fraction of the price, it differentiates itself a lot more from the Rolex icon.

The watch is limited to 999 pieces and is priced at S$7,800 or US$4900. More details on Bell & Ross.