Here is a little review on the latest 1:1 BR02 PVD coating. This watch is a new range of instrument watches from Bell&Ross following the tremendous success of its instrument siblings BR01 and BR03. Its shape departs from the distinct square Bell&Ross shape we all come to love. That is because it is a diver and not a aviator watch. After many unsuccessful attempts of replicating a decent BR02, the popularity of the lower end models previously released has probably helped the factory to make up its mind on getting something decent out.
The stainless steel version came out first but it suffered from a lack of AR. This version is the latest and it has really good AR this time round. Perhaps, this version is from another factory. First off here is a photo of the gen.
Initially, I really dislike the look as the case is too rounded and I thought is just looks funny. However, after trying on the gen at the AD, it really grew on me. The spirit of the instrument range of its previous Bell&Ross is retained with its matt black and bold numbering on the dials. Moreover, the picture of the diver with the BR02 is simply brillant and that totally sold the watch for me.
Now lets move on to the rep. The overall feeling of the watch feels very gen right down to the PVD. The texture of the PVD is spot on. Is it not a coincidence that the Breitling Skyland Blacksteel has very gen like PVD or rather DLC? Maybe the factory has bought new capabilities to do this right finally. They should release a PVD Panerai and I cannot wait to see how good it will be. From the front, the only things that do not look quite right are the screws. The front screws are shiny and not PVD like the gen.
Look no crystal!
Great Dial. Lume is shiny and dial printing is sharp.
Side of the case
Look at the orange He valve. This time they got it right.
Crowns look weird though. Engraving could be deeper and not sure if the entire top is supposed to be polished.
Great crown guard. The tip is a little sharp though.
Back of the watch
AR Shot. AR is as good as the HBB
Lets open it up. The movement is supposed to be swiss. How is it swiss? It is nickel plated compared to gold plates on the asian. The winding and setting time and such are smoother. However, if you ask me, I think it is not really swiss. There are no eta engravings and finishing swirl although looked finer is still rough compared to my gen watches.
There is a anti-magnetic cap as well.
Now lets move on to the straps. Rubber is anti-dust and feels soft. From the pics, you can see it does not disappoint here.
Buckle is PVD to the same as the case.
Last but not least. Lume. Great rep lume is what you get. Not fab compared to superlume but it is certainly one of the best rep lume around. Exposure is 1 sec.
Shot before the lights goes out...
Shine baby shine!
Conclusion: This is a must buy for B&R fans. Absolutely the best BR rep around now. Quality is outstanding and visually the most accurate. Most BR01 have bad dials (Bell&Ross wordings not centered). BR03 case is too thick. So you have it, the BR02 has finally become a Super Rep to be reckon with... Cheers...
Updated with wristshot:
Strap is a little short. I am already wearing the 5th hole, so those with big wrist might not be able to wear this.
The stainless steel version came out first but it suffered from a lack of AR. This version is the latest and it has really good AR this time round. Perhaps, this version is from another factory. First off here is a photo of the gen.
Initially, I really dislike the look as the case is too rounded and I thought is just looks funny. However, after trying on the gen at the AD, it really grew on me. The spirit of the instrument range of its previous Bell&Ross is retained with its matt black and bold numbering on the dials. Moreover, the picture of the diver with the BR02 is simply brillant and that totally sold the watch for me.
Now lets move on to the rep. The overall feeling of the watch feels very gen right down to the PVD. The texture of the PVD is spot on. Is it not a coincidence that the Breitling Skyland Blacksteel has very gen like PVD or rather DLC? Maybe the factory has bought new capabilities to do this right finally. They should release a PVD Panerai and I cannot wait to see how good it will be. From the front, the only things that do not look quite right are the screws. The front screws are shiny and not PVD like the gen.
Look no crystal!
Great Dial. Lume is shiny and dial printing is sharp.
Side of the case
Look at the orange He valve. This time they got it right.
Crowns look weird though. Engraving could be deeper and not sure if the entire top is supposed to be polished.
Great crown guard. The tip is a little sharp though.
Back of the watch
AR Shot. AR is as good as the HBB
Lets open it up. The movement is supposed to be swiss. How is it swiss? It is nickel plated compared to gold plates on the asian. The winding and setting time and such are smoother. However, if you ask me, I think it is not really swiss. There are no eta engravings and finishing swirl although looked finer is still rough compared to my gen watches.
There is a anti-magnetic cap as well.
Now lets move on to the straps. Rubber is anti-dust and feels soft. From the pics, you can see it does not disappoint here.
Buckle is PVD to the same as the case.
Last but not least. Lume. Great rep lume is what you get. Not fab compared to superlume but it is certainly one of the best rep lume around. Exposure is 1 sec.
Shot before the lights goes out...
Shine baby shine!
Conclusion: This is a must buy for B&R fans. Absolutely the best BR rep around now. Quality is outstanding and visually the most accurate. Most BR01 have bad dials (Bell&Ross wordings not centered). BR03 case is too thick. So you have it, the BR02 has finally become a Super Rep to be reckon with... Cheers...
Updated with wristshot:
Strap is a little short. I am already wearing the 5th hole, so those with big wrist might not be able to wear this.
