Weird Watch Wednesday: Bell & Ross BR01-94 Carbon Fiber Chronograph
This week’s watch is unique for a rather obvious reason: the case is manufactured entirely from a single block of carbon fiber. In fact, pretty much the whole thing is carbon fiber, which certainly makes for an interesting look, to say the least. Who would do such a thing you ask? The enterprising fellows over at Bell & Ross of course, with yet another variation of the now notorious BR01 Instrument. Still, this one does stay far truer to the heritage of B&R than other models the brand has released.
Lightweight and Practical
As you would expect from a watch made almost entirely from carbon fiber the BR01-94 Carbon Fiber Chronograph is exceptionally lightweight as well as remarkably strong. As such it is excellent candidate for military personnel and other highly active outdoors people who require a good tool watch. The 46mm diameter and chronograph function further add to its credentials as a watch designed for action.
Keeping the theme consistent the dial and strap are also made of carbon fiber, with the indices, numbers and hands covered in a lume to ensure high visibility even in the darkest corners of the planet. Don’t despair though if you spend all your time out in the sun as the flat sapphire crystal has also been given the anti-reflective treatment, making it easy to read in all conditions.
Although the watch has a screw-in crown, the main detractor in my mind is the limited water resistance of only 100m, which could really limit the usability of this piece.
Stable Power
Powering the watch is an uninspired but nonetheless reliable ETA 2894 mechanical self-winding chronograph movement. It features hours, minutes, seconds, date and chronograph counters that display 12 hours, 30 minutes and 60 seconds. No doubt if this model does well, we may see other variations with functions like dual time zone, etc.
The watch is limited to 500 pieces worldwide and pricing is yet to be announced.
The Final Word
My views on Bell & Ross’s continued variations on the same theme are pretty well documented, however, I think the new BR01-94 Carbon Fiber Chronograph will be well received by hardcore B&R enthusiasts. Namely because it is a practical tool watch which will actually offer the wearer some benefits, other than just expensive wrist candy.
Although I would like to see the guys over at B&R introduce something new for a change, as variations go this one is not too bad at all.
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