Introducing the BR 126 Sport Heritage GMT & Flyback, A Modern Favorite With A Twist

September 22, 2014

To all those with frequent flyer miles, here is an interesting update: The Bell & Ross BR 126 Heritage Sport GMT & Flyback. Before we get into analysis, lets take a short, philosophical flight into Bell & Rosss venture C one that is often the subject of scrutiny by watchpurists.Theres no denying the widespread vintage appeal that has recently consumed the watch-market. Throwbacks are on the rise as watch lovers dig deeper into history and appreciate the genesis of timekeeping. Many brands bring us re-issues of their most memorable models from the last century. But, what about watches that werent alive in the 50s and 60s? What about watches that never struggled through the quartz revolution? We like pedigree as much as the next guys, but the reality is that these youngster-brands were raised in a world of abundant water resistance and astronavigation.Bell & Ross is one of these 90s kids. It cant bring you re-issues, because it was born too late. But, what it can do, like any diligent millennial, is try to solve your problem while giving your buck some bang. And thats what the new Bell & Ross BR 126 Sport Heritage GMT & Flyback tries to do. The new BR 126 (be sure to check out John Mayers thoughts on the original one) comes in a polished 43mm x 15mm round stainless steel case with straight lugs. Its got the telltale highly polished look that distinguishes it from the rest in its class. The dial is black with golden appliqu index and numerals. This adds the resemblance of patina, and coupled with a cambered sapphire crystal, the BR 126 is aimed at those who enjoy modern watches with some golden-age charm. Two sub dials C a running seconds counter at 3 and a 24 hour zone at 9 C have noticeable circular graining. The minute counter is a central airplane shaped hand. The pusher at 10 oclock is for setting the 24-hour time. Each push advances the subdial hand by one hour. Theres a date between 4 and 5, which probably works against the vintage look, but is useful to many modern flyers. And, of course, a black tachymeter bezel is the hallmark of sporty looks.As has always been the case, Bell & Ross makes very legible watches. In fact, founders Carlos Rosillo and Bruno Belamich have never hidden the fact that their goals are function oriented and meant to emphasize a utilitarian purpose. As such being the case, the watch is a flyers package deal. It is a 43mm legible tool with a second time zone and flyback chrono.We dont yet know whats beating inside, but the principles of detection are alive and well within veterans like us. Bell & Ross and the BR 126 line have a longstanding relationship with automatic ETAs, so looking at the running seconds, central counter and the flyback, were predicting an automatic 2892-2 with a touch of Dubois-Depraz. A couple touches, actually, given that theres also a 10 oclock pusher for what we surmise to be 24-hour advancement. Ergo, it probably beats at around 28,000 bph for around 45 hours. Elementary, my dear Watson.Only 500 of these will be made. The price will most likely be in the mid-to-upper four figures. If you enjoy complications and aviation, the Bell & Ross BR 126 Sport Heritage GMT & Flyback may be worth a second look.For more details, click here.