Bell & Ross Unveils World War I-Inspired Watches

Watchmaker Bell & Ross introduces a watch line based on a World War I-era pocket watch. The Vintage WW1 (Wrist Watch 1) pays tribute to the first wristwatches worn by pilots during World War I with its very simple design consisting of just a black face with silver hands and case, removable wire lugs welded to the sides of the watch and an elegant-looking leather strap.

The WWI-92 edition watch (which goes by the nick name “Military”) has a mat grey steel housing and distressed strap. Its face is inspired from military aviation watches as the graduation emphasizes the minutes instead of hours. Meanwhile, the WWI-97 (code name “Reserve de Marche”) has a simpler clock face with a large date, crocodile leather strap, and a power reserve indicator.

If you want to go really retro, the PW1 (Pocket Watch 1) would be your thing. This B&R pocket watch features similar design details from the WW1 line. It also comes with a chain, a polished case, and a barleycorn guilloché caseback.

Check out the rest of the Bell & Ross WW1 and PW1 watches on its official website. They may be expensive, but B&R would rather cater to what the call “true purists.”