WatchGecko Review
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Model Wrist Sizes
7 inches - 7.25 inches
Products featured;
BR V2-92 AERONAVALE
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ZULUDIVER Iridescent Herringbone NATO Strap
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Kington Croco Dress Quick Release Watch Strap
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ZULUDIVER 328 Italian Rubber NATO Watch Strap
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Bell and Ross are a brand that many regard as long term established players in the watch industry. However, the brand was only set up in the 90s with an aim to bring watches to wrists where function shapes form. This is undeniably apparent when you look at a lot of their original models with aviation dial inspired models that have large, chunky features with a strong emphasis on legibility.
But newer models have taken this initial concept in another direction with a focus on ensuring that the brand DNA is not lost, but carried through into more conventional models, such as this the BR V2-92 Aeronavale…
The Bell and Ross BR V2-92 Aeronavale - What it does
If you think Bell and Ross models such as the B-01 and B-03 probably come to mind. These large square examples use dashboard instruments that you’d normally find in planes for inspiration and essentially transform them into something that can be strapped to the wrist. And you’d be right to think that, it’s those square cased models that are the most recognisable and synonymous with Bell and Ross. If this aesthetic is something you’re after, Bell and Ross are one of the only brands doing it to a high level of quality.
This round cased BR V2-92 uses a more conventional, approachable set up coming in with a width of 41mm, a lug to lug distance of 47.7mm of 12mm. Right away this watch is off to a great start with wonderful wearable dimensions. Interestingly, the case is fully polished. Think of this as the first of many clues that this watch isn’t all it seems on the surface. More on that later…
The polished case was the starter, so now we move on to the main attraction: the dial. Well actually before we jump straight in, the bezel on this watch deserves a bit of attention.
This thin subtle rotating bezel is an anodised metallic blue aluminium with a gilt gold-coloured 60-minute scale. Subtlety really is the name of the game here as bezels can quite easily feel dominating on watches. But this one is minimal with an emphasis on being there when you need it. It’s also bi-directional which is helpful for day to day wear. A nice nod to Bell and Ross' history with pilots watches as well as being clue #2.
And now, the dial. Clean elegance is harder than you might think and the BR V2-92 shows that when it's done correctly and in a thoughtful way, the end result is fantastic. To kick this dial off a metallic blue colour sets the tone, which quickly turns into applied gilt coloured indices for both 3,6 and 9 as well as every other indice. These aren’t just any normal indices though as each is vertically brushed giving off a stunning ‘glow’ when the light is just right. Mix in that sunburst blue dial as well and you’ll be looking at quite the marvel on the wrist (clue #3…). The blue and gold mix of colours here is said to be inspired by the French Navy's uniform hence the name 'Aeronavale'.
As you might expect the hands on the watch equally fall in line on the Bell and Ross with their gilt gold colour and in-offensive design. We can’t help but love a big old seconds hand on a watch as they slowly glide across the dial in a methodical motion with pinpoint accuracy. And yes, we get to experience exactly that with the BR V2-92.
A 4:30 date window normally divides opinion with many of the arguments saying move it to 3 or 6. But this execution has been pulled off incredibly well, it can definitely keep the peace. To start with its round which reduces the footprint and it is also colour matched to the dial, so it is incredibly easy to forget it’s even there until you need it.
Keeping all these dial details secure is an ultra-curved sapphire with AR coating. A curved crystal always adds character to a watch and a sapphire one at that is an even bigger plus.