From our friends at WatchTime Middle East ? who recently launched their own English-language website ? comes this review of the recently released Bell & Ross BR123 Aeronavale. The timepiece is inspired by the regal ceremonial uniform of French naval aviators, but how does it fare as an everyday watch"
The watch is inspired by the ceremonial uniform of naval aviators.
The Bell & Ross Heritage BR123 Aeronavale is not the typical fare you expect from the French brand, known for its strong, aviation design aesthetic. For one, it does not have a square dial and looks nothing like the military watches the brand is synonymous with. Instead, the watch takes its inspiration from the ceremonial uniform of French Naval Aviation officers ? hence the blue and gold color scheme. The Aeronavale BR123 and its sibling, the BR126 chronograph, sit within the brand?s Vintage range, which references designs mainly from the watches used during World War I and World War II. Despite the noble inspiration, the BR123 has sports-watch proportions at 43 mm in diameter. And with that distinct blue bezel, the gold accents and brilliant blue color scheme, this watch does feel like something that?s halfway between a dress watch and a sports watch. Is that a good thing" Well, that depends on what you are looking for; if you think a dress watch is a bit dull to wear every day, then this might be the kind of watch that takes you from boardroom to the beach effortlessly. The flip side is ...