A Closer Look at a Bell & Ross Classic: the Vintage 123 Grade 1 Replica Watches

The chronograph has one extra detail exclusive to the Garde-Côtes, not found on another Vintage-series watches: a pulsometer from the aluminum bezel insert for measuring a patient’s heartbeat, instead of the more commonly found tachymeter scale. Now, how practical this would be in a crisis scenario is most likely available for debate. Nonetheless, it is a neat thematic touch, because let’s be honest — we weren’t all cut out to be saving swimmers (in fact, most of us weren’t — that the program is proud of its notoriously high attrition rate, which rivals that of the Navy SEALs). The Bell & Ross Garde-Côtes collection prices begin at $2,900 for its 3-handed BR V2-92 on the rubber band, also jumps to $4,300 for its bi-compax chronograph variant.Though likely famous for its more affordable, instrument-inspired pilot and field watches, French watchmaker Bell & Ross continues to assert itself as a great deal more than a one-trick pony, with the most recent addition to its BR-X “Experimental” collection: the wild Bell & Ross BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire.Standouts in this occasionally divisive collection have contained that the stealthy forged carbon BR-X1 (hands on) and also the more exotic Bell & Ross BR X2 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor Automatic watch (hands-on). With its micro-rotor and ampersand-adorned flying tourbillon, the BR X2 was a step closer to this latest creation not least because it had been something of a sapphire sandwich. Sapphire crystal is more or less scratch-proof, but its hardness has made it particularly difficult to work with in anything aside from very simple shapes. Technology and techniques have significantly improved in the last several years, however, with more fully sapphire-cased watches, and even prices for them starting to come down like using the Hublot Big Bang UNICO Sapphire (hands-on) – though they tend to remain more infrequent and costly even than precious metal case watches.

When thinking of Bell & Ross many relate the company to the popular and conspicuous designs of the BR “Instruments.” It is pretty obvious that these square watches were responsible for exploding the manufacturer’s popularity, but Bell & Ross was very active even before the BR timepieces existed. Bell & Ross had built a solid collection of more traditional watches, of which one of the best sellers was the Vintage 123. The Vintage 123, attracted many watch enthusiasts thanks to its palpable high quality, simple and clean design, and great value. These are all reasons why it is still in demand today.

Presently the Vintage 123 is attracting many clients, albeit different from those who are attracted to the BR Instruments. The first aspect about the Vintage 123 that captivates watch enthusiasts is its purity. The watch is well designed. It is simple and clean without any frills and the same is also apparent on the movement’s elements within the case. The stainless steel case is 39mm in diameter. Some may consider this small by today’s standards, but if you can easily picture yourself wearing a Rolex Submariner (39-40mm) or an AP Royal Oak (39mm), then you will not. Vintage is an apt name when considering the watch’s sixties-like, minimalistic, classic style. The dial is also styled in accordance to the name. The hands and hour markers in particular.

Aside from the style, the other aspect that attracts many to the Vintage 123 is the quality of the watch. The best way to appreciate the quality is to take a close look at the details. The brushed finishing on the case is evidently done by hand with visibly unidirectional grooves and well defined corners. The back of the case displays deep, sharp engraving for both the company ampersand logo and the case markings. Through the sapphire crystal window, the same quality engraving and finish can be witnessed on the movement. The crown screws in easily and feels quite solid, and the 100 meter water resistance rating is a testament to the cases durability. Another nice feature is the ‘deployante’ clasp that is fitted to the leather strap. It is comfortable and sturdy and protects the leather from creasing too much.

The Bell & Ross Vintage 123 is not an attention grabber. Unlike its young BR cousins, it is content with looking sharp in a quiet way. When wearing it you are likely to receive the majority of compliments from those who are knowledgeable about watches, and the exhibition window on the case back can be used to impress the others. The Vintage 123 is the definition of “classic” and at the same time demonstrates that to be classic, something must stay fashionable indefinitely.

Written by Marco, a specialist of Bell & Ross watches at Matt Baily.