Inspired by the instrumentation of aircraft cockpits, Bell & Ross is enhancing the Aviation collection in 2013 with three new instruments based on the BR 01 (BR01) case. With this new trio – BR01 Heading Indicator, BR 01 Airspeed and BR01 Climb, Bell & Ross recreates the graphic style of navigation instruments as closely as possible.
• The gyrocompass, course indicator or heading indicator, is a vital instrument for flying, used during both manual flight and autopilot, which indicates the course the plane is on.
• The anemometer, or airspeed, indicates speed. It measures an aircraft’s speed in relation to the air through which it is moving and allows the plane to be flown in a controlled way without visibility.
• The variometer or vertical speed indicator, climb, indicates to the pilot at all times whether the plane is ascending, descending or in level flight. This instrument works using atmospheric pressure and is graduated in hundreds of feet per minute.
All pieces are stainless steel black PVD measuring 46mm; Crystals are AR-coated sapphire, and they are water resistant to 100 meters; Movements are the Swiss automatic ETA caliber 2892-2 and the ETA caliber 2897. These three new models are available in limited editions of 999 pieces, though Bell & Ross will be offering the first 99 purchases an exclusive collector’s box containing all six timepieces : : BR 01 Horizon, Altimeter, Turn Coordinator, Heading Iindicator, Airspeed and Climb.
BR 01 HEADING INDICATOR – DISC-BASED DISPLAY INSPIRED BY THE HEADING INDICATOR
Bell & Ross designers have borrowed the graphic characteristics of the heading indicator to create an original and innovative display of time.
• The dial comprises three independent concentric discs, graduated for the hours and minutes. The seconds are displayed in the center on a
disc, which is not graduated, but features a yellow marker. The hour reading is indicated by the yellow triangle, which appears on the outer
hours’ disc. Minutes are read from the middle disc.
• The WES (West, East and South) indications are also displayed on this disc, as on the original instrument, and the N for North indication has
been replaced by a yellow triangle marker for reading the hours.
• To allow the markers to stand out against the background, an airplane identical to the one found on the original instrument and yellow
index marks are engraved under the glass.
• The anti-glare, matt black carbon finish of the case is inspired by the color of an instrumentation panel, designed to make the dials easier to read by eliminating glare.
• Since each disc weighs 30 times more than a watch hand, ultra light discs needed to be created in order to not reduce the power reserve nor the accuracy of the watch. furthermore, each disc needed to be sufficiently resistant so as not to become deformed or risk any friction.
• As they rotate, an adjustment to the nearest micron ensures that the discs are constantly parallel.
BR 01 AIRSPEED – DESIGN THAT ENHANCES LEGIBILITY
Bell & Ross designers have borrowed the graphic characteristics of the anemometer, or airspeed, to create an original and extremely legible
display of time.
• To enhance legibility, the hour, minute and second graduations have been separated to promote the minutes on the main dial as in the
original instrument , while the hours are displayed in the center.
• The three colors that indicate levels of criticality in the original instrument green, white and yellow also appear on the watch dial and
indicate the zones by quarters of an hour.
• The hands and index marks are covered in a white photo luminescent coating, contrasting with the black of the dial, echoing the legibility
principles of professional aeronautical instruments.
• The anti-glare, matt black carbon finish of the case is inspired by the color of an instrumentation panel, designed to make the dials easier
to read by eliminating glare.
BR 01-97 CLIMB – A GRAPHIC STYLE INSPIRED BY THE VARIOMETER OR CLIMB
Bell & Ross designers have borrowed the graphic characteristics of the climb to create an original and innovative display of time.
• The frame reflects the style of the original instrument. Instead of the variometer, a power reserve indicator allows the user to measure
remaining power, which is vital for the smooth functioning of the movement. This indicator is yellow, contrasting with the black of the dial
and the other time information. The date is also displayed in a window at 3 o’clock.
• The typeface of the graduation is reminiscent of CLIMB. Since it only has one white hand, the hour hand has been darkened to render the
best imitation of the original instrument.
• The hands and the digits are covered in a white photo luminescent coating, contrasting with the black of the dial, and echoing the legibility
principles of professional aviation instruments.
• The anti-glare, matt black carbon finish of the case is inspired by the color of an instrumentation panel, designed to make the dials easier to read by eliminating glare.
[ Source: Bell & Ross ]