Bell & Ross and aeronautical instrumentation
From the cockpit to the wrist
The Watch Quote™ - July 2nd, 2012
The Aviation collection is directly inspired by the instrumentation of aircraft cockpits and addresses four fundamental requirements: legibility, functionality, precision and water-resistance.
In 2005, the BR 01 was inspired by the cockpit clocks of 1970s airplanes. This iconic watch was produced using high-tech materials and complications reflecting the finest Haute Horlogerie craftsmanship. 
Exploring aeronautical navigation instruments further, Bell & Ross developed two completely new high-tech models – the BR01 Compass and Radar – in 2010 and 2011, respectively. With these two models, Bell & Ross conceptualized an entirely new way of reading time.
The result was a collection of exclusive watches with an innovative display of uncompromising legibility, an absolute necessity for professionals and for every Bell & Ross watch.
Three watches inspired by the instrument panel
in 2012, as part of its continuing quest for innovation and performance, Bell & Ross introduces three new versions inspired by aeronautical instrumentation with a particular focus on the instruments vital to air navigation: the BR 01 Horizon, the BR 01 Altimeter, and the BR 01 Turn Coordinator.
In the cockpit, the essential instruments are laid out in a T shape for optimal legibility. they are grouped according to their function and importance and include essential tools for flying (attitude indicator, altimeter, etc.) and navigation (compass, turn coordinator, etc.).
- The attitude indicator makes it possible to monitor the aircraft’s position relative to the horizon, whatever the visibility conditions.
- The altimeter calculates the aircraft’s altitude based on the measurement of atmospheric pressure. it is a valuable instrument for determining altitude based on a reference point: i.e. the ground, the sea (altitude measurement) or an isobaric surface.
- The turn coordinator indicates flight symmetry, without which the aircraft slides or slips. the turn indicator is a gyroscope used to visualize the rate of turn (roll). it features a bearing that moves in a curved tube to represent the aircraft’s sideslip. the bearing functions using gravity.
From the cockpit to the wrist
With these three watches, Bell & Ross recreates the graphic style of these navigation tools as closely as possible, once again going beyond the traditional approach to telling time. produced as a limited edition, these three watches in their boxes will give watch collectors a sense of owning a piece of an aircraft cockpit...
