Bell & Ross BR 01 Laughing Skull Light Diamond 46 mm

Backdrop

What began as a watchmaking project between college students, Bell & Ross started taking its shape as a serious contender in the world of watchmaking. This brand is preferred by special forces around the world and is one of the few that provides these forces with rugged mechanical watches. Apart from its ruggedness, the brand is also known for creating concept vehicles inspired by the military aviation industry. Taking its cue from its manufacturing know-how and enthusiasm for the military, the brand launched the Bell & Ross Concept collection.

The Skull

Riding on the hormones of nostalgia, Bell & Ross decided to resurrect its first watch that they created independently, the BR 01. But no nostalgia is fulfilled with a touch of tribute to it. With the BR 01 Skull, the tribute is to the legendary parachutists from the second world war. From the fields of Operation Market Garden to the rescue of Mussolini, these paratroopers redefined the role of infantry in the military. In a very short span of its insurrection, these men became the symbol of death and what better way to pay them a tribute other than the “Jolly Rogers”. This symbol was used by pirates back in the 18th century to ward off the enemy and misfortune. All the BR 01 Skulls are engraved with a skull on the dial.

The Flight Instruments

Modern aviation is more about technology as compared to the analogue one. One instrument that defined the era of analogue aviation was the radio receiver. A device that would help the pilot navigate through heavy rain or fog by the use of beacons on the ground. This onboard device particularly helped the pilots with the position and direction of the aircraft. Taking its inspiration from the radio receiver, the BR 03-92 Radiocompass features highly legible hours, minutes, and seconds hand.