But only a little bit.In recent times the guys over at Bell & Ross BR 126 Sport Heritage GMT Flyback Replica Watch have diversified away from their iconic, chunky aviation inspired instrument pieces. Their Heritage collection, of which this handsome chap is the latest (limited) member still draws inspiration from the world of aviation, but the world of Sopwith Camels and Spitfires rather than that of MIGs and Hornets.
Clearly the wider watch industry agrees, as this Bell & Ross BR 126 Replica Watch has been shortlisted in the GPHG (the watch industry Oscars) in the Sports category. It just looks the business, neatly straddling the fine formal/sporty line.And while critics of Bell & Ross accuse them of adopting a sort of paint by numbers approach to watch design, cherry picking iconic design elements to make their watches, you can’t deny that the product looks good, and this guy is really a case in point.
The Bell & Ross Replica Watch is a finely pitched tribute to the golden age of civilian flight, when air travel was more about elegance, and less about economy. It takes the existing 126 Sport Heritage 43mm case and dial layout, and gussies it up with gold tones applied numerals and indices, and a black and gold tachy bezel. A handy little complication, especially f you flew planes in the pre electronic era. The chronograph is a flyback chronograph, meaning you can restart the chronograph and instantly keep measuring elapsed time. The final complication Bell & Ross have jammed into this little number is a GMT hand, which is still perhaps the most useful complication for globetrotters. It’s a strong visual look with just the right amount of bling.
