The new Racing Bird collection by Bell & Ross features a more modern design than the BRV2 vintage-themed collection introduced earlier this year while maintaining the same attractive proportions.
The BRV2-94 Racing Bird Chronograph comes in a 41 mm diameter stainless steel case and is available with a blue calfskin strap ($4,400) or on stainless steel bracelet ($4,700). The stainless steel bracelet variant is limited to 999 pieces. Alongside the chronograph, there’s also the new BRV1-92 reference which has three hands and comes in a 38.5 mm steel case on a leather strap, limited to 999 pieces ($2,300).
All three watches are water-resistant to 100 meters and are powered by basic off-the-shelf Swiss movements. They also share the same blue, orange, white color scheme as the Tudor Heritage, although I would argue in this instance the Bell & Ross has a more appealing aesthetic.
The Racing Bird features a triple date window, which is visually unique, although I wonder if it was really necessary considering all that is going on with the dial. I do like the dual register 30-minute chronograph layout, and the cross-hair marks on the running seconds subdial.
While it would be nice to have a more feature-rich movement, as opposed to a low power reserve, nothing added ETA/Sellita, the dial design and overall look of the chronograph is interesting and unique, all within a case that looks and is sized comparatively to the Rolex Daytona, without being a blatant ripoff. I think the chronographs will do very well.
