BR 01 Commando Series – Where Will It End?
In yet another variation of their infamous flagship model Bell & Ross have introduced the new Instrument BR01 Commando which is supposedly dedicated to the elite forces who operate in the shadows (perhaps in the shadows of the minds of B&R’s marketing people?). In my opinion this new offering is completely uninspired, but read on anyway, you might disagree!
The BR 01 Commando Limited Edition
So what makes this new model so limited? Surprisingly little. From what I can tell it seems that all the design gurus over at B&R have done is tweak with the colour scheme of the original BR01 Insturment and that’s about it.
The marketing copy reads that the black case, grey dial and matt finishes make it the superlative camouflage watch. However, given the fact that B&R only just recently released the BR-S Phantom model which is available in all black and that the original BR-01 Instrument comes in black I find this a bit of a weak selling point.
On the upside the sapphire crystal has a double anti-reflection coating and dial is photoluminescent making it easily readable in any condition. As a further novelty you have the option of choice of two mechanical movements, one with a power reserve and the other with a large date.
Why you wouldn’t need both features when undertaking your covert missions beats me but obviously B&R has decided that commandos can only process so much information at any one time.
The Final Word
Personally I am a big fan of the BR-01 Instrument series (including most of the many variations) but at the BR 01 Commando Limited Edition I have to draw the line. I simply don’t see the point. This is yet another example where the marketing division has had far too much involvement in watch design and development to potentially detrimental effect.
I think its time that B&R realized that if they continue to rehash this iconic model they will eventually destroy their credibility in the market and completely devalue the brand.
If you disagree please let me know below, I am dying to hear what other people think about this.
Category: Watch Reviews
This is better than the novelty models which truely devalue the brand. I used to own an 03-92 and have since sold it, partly to do with some of the wacky ideas that came out at basel world from B&R. With Phantom watches becoming more and more prevelent, I think this is a nice watch that will most likely sell well. It keeps the phantom look and remains visable and readable during all conditions. The problem I have with Bell and Ross is aside from their tourbillon watches, they don’t have spectacular movements to justify the prices. I am essentially paying for their marketing, which, like you said, is immagineering new ways to sell the same watch over and over again. I feel Bell and Ross’s next move is to begin making meaningless special edition versions of their flagship watch in a similar fashion as Hublot. Oh….wait, The Airborne skull BR01-Airborne already exists. Damnit!
Hi Ryan, thanks for your comment, I think you raise some very good points. Maybe you’re right, maybe this is sticking more to the true spirit of the BR-01 and I’ve just been so overwhelmed by the myriad of other variations that I immediately have a negative reaction to yet another one!
With regards to your comment about movements I think you 100% correct. I mean really what sets apart B&R from a brand like Lum-Tec? Lum-Tec make tough, hard-wearing watches that are functional and look good and cost about 1/10th the price of a standard B&R plus they have much more depth to their range! I challenge B&R to tell me why I should choose one of their watches instead?
I’m just a bit over brands churning out LEs that are nothing more than vaguely changed iterations of already existing models. Not just B&R. At some point I think that some brands need to stop this, as it can only undermine that particular model/ line, reputation wise, plus that line will be in danger of dominating the rest of the brand’s offerings. Which is what you said. Montauk Highway? Las Vegas strip?
Glad to hear we are on the same page. This model SHOULD be made and should be available because it aligns with what B&R should be as a brand. I think B&R offers something different with the bold design of the square case. Different is good, until it becomes exploited. I think the more pressing issue with B&R is the lack of definition of the brand. They are trying to fit their bold, square design into too many markets under the same brand. If they are going to make functional, hard wearing watches, stick to that niche; don’t try to price up the watch in order to give it false luxury. With more and more of their models offering diamonds, SKULLS(!?) and mother of pearl dials, they are just confusing the would-be consumer. For example, the 02 model, a solid diver with a unique and functional look does not compete with say, an ulysse nardin maxi diver. But they are priced similarly.
It’s funny you mention lum-tec in the same league, because I sold the 03-92 because I had already signed up for the new M-13 from lum-tec and anxiously awaiting its arrival. I didn’t see a point in having two brightly lumed tool watches, especially when one is $3k more than the other and not getting the wrist time to justify it’s existence.
I’m biased – I bought a plain BR 01 (black dial, white hands & numerals, no date) a couple of years ago – I like the brand, and ignoring the stupid skull thing they did this year, like the watches.
But who are we trying to kid here? Does anyone really think that a “superlative camouflage watch” is going to be worn with anything other than t-shirt & jeans. OK, maybe with a suit, but are Special Forces about to rush out and order them?
None of which means I wouldn’t like to add one to my collection – maybe the camouflage will mean my wife won’t notice the purchase!
I could be wrong but I doubt the special forces would wear anything other than all black. Nice marketing attempt though.
Not bad, but not really for my tastes either.I like the original incarnation a bit more I think.
I think by perfect camouflage they mean if you wrap the box in bright shiny paper and put it under the tree, no one will know it’s a watch.
@Robert That’s exactly what I thought. Camouflaged perhaps if you’re on a mission in the Arctic?
Absurd. Bell& Ross once upon a time — together with Sinn, made great watches. Tool aviation watches. Now, they make overpriced junk essentially. The whole square thing is U G L Y. I hate when there are useless screws meant only for cosmetic purpose. On a “tool” watch? Come on….bad bad bad. This release is silly. It is ruining what was once a good company. If you look at rolex or IWC or Ulysee Nardin — there is a tendency to restrict the number of watches lest the exclusivity fades. I happen to think AP…great as they watches are…is doing this. Its an interesting time in luxury marketing. Might be time to re-visit Ball and especially Tutima and Sinn. Perhaps of necessity they are sticking to what they know. The Sinn U1..the diver watch…..thats a very cool watch. Simple. Functional. The Tutima chronographs. Some still have Lemania 5100 movement. Very cool for under $2000. No — thumbs down on B&R.