While this collection drew raves when Bell & Ross first debuted it in all-steel two years ago, this 2019 debut extends the design’s pleasing ‘reverse Panda’ dial contrast. Viewed through its superbly domed sapphire crystal, the dial really tickles the nostalgia gene for fans of Bell & Ross’s extensive Vintage collections.
Note the superbly domed sapphire crystal.
More specifically, the eye-pleasing black dial and gold-hued subdials on this BR V2-94 Bellytanker Bronze nicely echo the gold-plated hands and markers. And they look almost luxurious on the wrist despite their sporty functions.
Further color contrasts are especially evident on the 41mm watch’s newly bronzed bezel with black aluminum insert. The dark bezel softens what could have a full-on bronze blare had Bell & Ross matched the bezel and case, as it did in the earlier steel Bellytanker. Even the case’s lighter-toned bronze alloy, which includes aluminum in the mix, lightens the watch’s overall visual tone.
The Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Bellytanker Bronze.
Inside, the BR V2-94 Bellytanker Bronze is fitted with the same movement as the earlier model, namely the ETA-based Bell & Ross Calibre BR-CAL.301, a chronograph with a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock and a central 60-second counter. The date sits between 4 and 5 o’clock.
On the back is an ode to Bellytanker racers made from fighter plane spare fuel tanks.
For reference, the name Bellytanker initially referred to the emergency fuel tank in the belly of fighter planes from the 1940s and 1950s, but today is a general term for the distinctive high-speed racecars made from these spare fuel tanks. You’ll find a printed ode to these cars on this watch’s otherwise clear sapphire caseback.
The watch, a limited edition of 999 pieces, is priced at $4,990.
SPECIFICATIONS:Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Bellytanker Bronze
Movement: Automatic Calibre BR-CAL.301 with hours, minutes, small seconds at 3 o'clock. Date. Chronograph: 30-min timer at 9 o'clock, central chronograph seconds.
Case: 41mm CuAI7Si2 bronze, with CuAI7Si2 bronze bezel with scale and anodized aluminum insert and tachymeter. Screw-down crown and push buttons, sapphire caseback, ultra-curved sapphire crystal. Water-resistance is 100 meters.
Dial: Black with metal applique numerals and indices. Metal skeleton SuperLumiNova-filled hour and minute hands.
Strap: Black calfskin leather with folding buckle in bronze.