Help deciding on Bell and Ross watch

[BigChief]

Im looking to get a BR 03-92 and am looking for some advice on which one of these watches is the better watch.
Im new to BR as well as new to reps, so any advice will be be appreciated.

These are the watches im looking at.

http://www.watcheden.com/bell-ross-br-0 ... 2-p-1.html

http://www.timeshops.net/BR8556_-_Bell_ ... 9-2866.htm

 

[Spiccato]

There was a post here somewhere where someone said they were never
going to buy any more Asian Swiss ETAs or something like that.
JMHO...I'd get the less expensive of the two. I'd wager the watch will keep just as good time as the Asian ETA model.

Wristshots!

 

[swissaddict]

Unless I'm missing something, those two are the exact same watch.. same movement, just different dealer descriptions of it.

 

[BigChief]

I think the only difference is the movement. One is an ETA 2892 and the other a 4813.
Ive never ordered from either of these dealers but both seem to be reputable.

This will be one of my first purchases so I wont to make sure im making an educated decision.

 

[Corporate]

I think the one from Timesshop also has the newer case.

 

[BigChief]

What are the differences between the newer case and the older case?

 

[levelmanroger]

I'm not a B&R man, so can't advice you there. However, if it were me, I'd go with the 2892 simply because it is a very common movement and I've never read much about them going bad. I'm just not familiar with the 4813 - it might be great. But it seems the 2892 would be a safer bet and easier to get parts/service etc.
Just my $0.02 and possibly worth less.

 

[If you see Kay]

Well the 03-92's are not going to be accurate because all the reps (from the cartels, at least) have the Limited Edition on them; the gen does not (except for the orange version).

For the blue one you linked to, the blue is not blue enough. The rep blue is almost a baby blue, whereas the gen blue more of a deep blue.

The only accurate 03-92 would be the Military type. The only visible difference, other than maybe the case thickness would be the rep has green screws dial whereas the gen has black dial screws.

The only B&R I would get would be the military type. Unless the blue 03-92 removes the Limited Edition on it and has a deep blue dial, then it would be a contender.

 

[BigChief]

Thank you so much for all the information.

 

[swissaddict]

in this case, i'm pretty sure Asia ETA 2892 = Asia 4813 = DG4813 = ETA 2892 structure = chinese high-beat movement

it's the same watch.

in addition to differences between rep and gen already mentioned, rep case is thicker than gen, rep lume is quite weak and sort of unevenly applied, the font for 12, 3, 6, 9 has little serifs on the rep but not on the gen, and the minute markers should all be the same length (not shorter near the screws). the lume is maybe the most obvious flaw because gen B&R lume is pretty nice, and the 12, 3, 6, 9 font is the probably the second most obvious flaw because no gen B&R hour marker fonts have serifs. but assuming you're not in a dark or dim environment, and assuming critical eyes are at least a foot or two away.. it's unlikely anyone would spot that it's a rep (heck, it's unlikely you'll run into anyone who's even heard of B&R )

 

[If you see Kay]

and the minute markers should all be the same length (not shorter near the screws).

this is only true of the 03-92 models. on the 01-92's the minute markers are actually smaller and this is where the rep matches the gen.

 

[swissaddict]

and the minute markers should all be the same length (not shorter near the screws).

this is only true of the 03-92 models.

Yep, and we're talking about the 03-92 models here As for the 01-92 reps, they are more accurate in some other ways also, like the lack of serifs on the 12, 3, 6, 9 font. But holy moly, 46mm is a monster, especially for a square shaped case :shock:

 

[BigChief]

I would be willing to bet no one I interact with daily has ever seen or heard of Bell and Ross.
I like the 46mm watch, but man that would dwarf my wrist.

 

[If you see Kay]

I would be willing to bet no one I interact with daily has ever seen or heard of Bell and Ross.
I like the 46mm watch, but man that would dwarf my wrist.

I met someone with a gen 01-97 power reserve model. It fit him well, but it was still big and very shiny :lol: I complimented him on it and he confirmed the model to me.

 

[nielsen]

I'm wearing my Military Type as I write this and love it. One comment: you cannot buy a green nylon strap for it, but an artist friend of mine painted a black one to match the green. Using acrylic artist paints results in a strap every bit as durable and essentially indistinguishable by all but an expert. I really think the Military Type needs that green strap! One of these days I'm going to paint the green screws on the face black, as they should be. There's no lume except a bit on the hands. There are, however, all sorts of people here who can fix that for you--another thing I'd like to do. The watch has served me well for a year now.

 

[Dogma]

You're right JMW! Knowone will ever know the difference.
I would go with Timeshop myself. Spend as little as possible to get as close as possible.

 

[watcher13]

I bought this exact watch from Mark a 7 months ago. I personally love the watch. I have nothing but praise for Mark ...and the watch has been reliable so far. I really like the strap, however it may not be for everyone. Good luck. enjoy the watch whomever you choose you should be OK. Regards