Bell & Ross used to partner with Sinn to make their watches but parted company so as to make their own. The BR01 series was launched in 2005, making it Bell & Ross’s first significant watch family since Sinn were involved, and today makes up much of their “Instrument” collection.

The BR01 is influenced by Sinn’s major theme of practicality and quality, but Bell & Ross added legibility to their mission, making these watches seriously, practical instruments. The “Instrument” models pay homage to the circle-square-style clock from an aeroplane cockpit and adapt that aesthetic to fit on a wrist.

This particular BR01-94 was bought new in December 2013 and has been worn fairly regularly, and as such is starting to mimic the patina of the instruments it takes its inspiration from. The PVD coating has worn on the bezel’s edge between 11 to 2 o’clock and to the top right rounded corner of the edge of the case. Rather than detracting, these act as “highlights” to what is a very black watch, giving it extra depth.

Legibility is what this watch is all about and the bold “White on Black” dial with large, lume-applied hands and indices make timekeeping especially easy. The bright contrast of black on white means you can just glance down quickly to tell the time.

The same is true at night too, as the lume applied to the hands and the 5-minute markers glow strongly in green.

The chronograph makes use of sub-dials at 6 and 9 o’clock with the latter showing minutes. The sub-dial at 3 o’clock shows running seconds. Long rectangular pushers on the side of the case give a strong click, with a little bit of resistance when depressed, to start the chronograph, which is working as it should. All hands reset with exact alignment.

Although it is a large watch at 46mm square, it wears very comfortably on the wrist. This has a lot to do with the watch’s thickness, in that it is not thick at all. The case itself is less than 10mm in depth and even including the Sapphire Crystal, it’s less than 13mm.

So, big but thin!

The movement in this watch is the stalwart ETA 2894-2 chronograph that has proven itself many times over in other watch brands over the years. It’s a strong and robust movement, perfect for an Instrument or tool watch. What’s not to like?

Presented on an original Bell & Ross rubber strap with PVD buckle, this watch is in full STEALTH mode! It comes complete with both inner and outer boxes, operating instructions and a warranty card.

This is a fantastic and sturdy watch to wear literally as a “daily-beater” and it gets great compliments from those who are “in the know” about watches.

It will also pander to the “inner pilot” within you too!