Bell & Ross – Function Shapes Form
We’re always talking about watchmakers with a 100+ year pedigree, founded by folks who lived back when electric lights were still an astounding innovation.
Well, Bell & Ross is just a fledgling company in comparison, but they’ve made some major waves nonetheless.
Founded in 1992 by a pair of French university students and lifelong friends, Bruno Belamich and Carlos A. Rosillo, Bell & Ross began with a simple philosophy that would go on to define all of their watches: Function shapes form.
The pair wanted to make watches that could actually be used by professionals in extreme conditions. For example, their early models included the Space 1, which was the first automatic chronometer worn in space, and the protective wrist armor piece known as the Bomb Disposal Type.
As the company grew, they began utilizing the expertise of professional pilots, divers, bomb disposal professionals, and even astronauts in the design and testing of their watches to ensure maximum performance under pressure. And we’re not talking pressure as in your boss needs that article written before you leave for the day at 5:30. We’re talking pressure as in a 4G inverted dive in an f-14 Tomcat while some bogies in Migs are playing cat and mouse.
Top Gun lore aside, that’s not much of an exaggeration. Among the company’s illustrious list of clients are the Lafayette Escadrille, the Space Lab Mission, and of course the French Air Force.
Of course, that’s not to say you have to be somebody who isn’t happy unless you’re going Mach 2 with your hair on fire to appreciate the elegance of a Bell & Ross watch. They’re as handsome to look at as they are functional.
Let’s take a look at some examples, all of which are in-stock and ready to ship here at WatchMaxx.
The “Vintage” Style
Bell & Ross pieces are generally in one of two categories of model – The Vintage models and the Instrument models.
The Vintage style is one that pays tribute to key eras of aeronautics, featuring a traditional round case, a very legible face, and a usually simplistic design that places functionality above all else.
For Instance:
The BR 03-92 Black Steel Leather Strap
This Brand New Authentic Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Black Steel Leather Strap Men's Watch is all about channeling that rugged, old-school cool without sacrificing modern quality. The signature square case is a direct lift from vintage aviation instruments, giving it a serious, no-nonsense presence on the wrist—perfect for the kind of adventurer who studies antique navigation charts before plotting a route.
The design is classically functional. Rose Gold-tone accents on the hands and markers pop against the deep black dial, creating that desirable "gilt" look that makes it appear like a perfectly preserved artifact from an earlier era. Paired with a stitched brown calfskin leather strap, the watch screams heritage pilot watch—a look that's effortlessly stylish and versatile.
You can get this BR 03-92 Black Steel Leather Strap today at WatchMaxx.
The BR 05 GMT Silver Dial
This Brand New Authentic Bell & Ross BR 05 GMT Silver Dial Steel Men's Watch is the quintessential piece for the non-stop urban navigator. The design is a brilliant blend of the brand's iconic aviation heritage with a sleek, contemporary integrated bracelet—a silver steel powerhouse that makes a statement in any airport lounge or executive high-rise. The polished and brushed stainless steel flows together seamlessly, looking less like a watch and more like a high-tech armored cuff.
The Silver Opaline dial gives the watch a sleek, sophisticated feel, but the GMT function is the true game-changer, with vibrant red-tipped hands that are like a second brain, boldly tracking your home time against the 24-hour scale. The silver-tone hands and markers keep the primary time clear and uncluttered. Since it's a Bell & Ross, it’s built to handle any extreme situation you encounter while navigating the modern world, from a red-eye flight to Tokyo to a high-stakes, cross-continent Zoom call.
You can get your BR 05 GMT Silver Dial today at WatchMaxx.
The “Instrument” Style
The Instrument style watches are aesthetically inspired by the circle-square-style clocks from airplane cockpits. Their look is instantly recognizable and, if you ask us, incredibly cool.
The BR 03-92 Diver Blue Automatic
This BR 03-92 Diver Blue features a brushed stainless steel square case with a circular dial of the deepest oceanic blue at its center. The design as a whole is so stunning that it’s hard to peel our eyes away from it, but it gets even better when you take a closer look.
The four screws at the corners of the square are a trademark of these Instrument models, and they’re particularly striking in the stainless steel aesthetic. The dial itself is, as usual with Bell & Ross, completely flawless and clean in its design. The blue rubber strap ties everything together perfectly.
Buy your BR 03-92 Diver Blue Automatic today at WatchMaxx.
The BR 05 Steel Grey Dial
On the other hand, we have this BR 05 which is, well, about as minimal as you can possibly get. In fact, there are exactly two shades represented throughout the entire watch: Grey steel and black rubber, and we love it.
There probably isn’t a force on earth that can damage this thing, and the look will go with any outfit you can throw together. For instance, a wetsuit, a space ranger uniform, a race car driver jump suit, etc. It would certainly work with more traditional things like shirts and pants and all that, but wouldn’t you feel kind of boring wearing this if you weren’t about to put yourself into some sort of extreme situations involving heroics and action?
Though, now that we think about it, those dinner parties with the in-laws can involve a healthy amount of danger.
Regardless, this watch represents the “function shapes form” philosophy that powers the core of Bell & Ross in every millimeter of its powerful utilitarian design.
The only thing it can’t resist is the ever sharpened blade of WatchMaxx’s special pricing. You can buy yours today at a 22% discount.
Bell & Ross is a brand that’s risen quickly in the world of luxury watches, and their eye-catching designs and incredible build quality make it easy to understand why. Feel free to browse our entire catalogue of in-stock pieces. You’re bound to find one that's perfect for you and your many adventures yet to come.
