It seems there is very little to discuss what makes a good Bell & Ross rep and what are the obvious give aways. So I am throwing together this quick little thread to show some common mistakes on the BR01-92 and BR03-92.
Lets start with the BR01-92. I am including photos i gathered to use as examples throughout this guide
1)The Caseback
-Spelling
An issue in some 01-92 reps is the mispelling of the word "Military" on the back which for some reason is spelled "Miliary"
It appears fixed on most newer reps i have seen but here is an example of it with the issue still present.
- Serial Number
Though it has been improved on in updated reps one common issue is the Serial Number, which is located on the back of the case. The serial Number on the 01-92 reps has a common error of appearing as BR01-94-S-0555 as opposed to the proper model number where it should appear as BR-01-92-00555 as seen in the previous photo. Though many newer reps have this issue fixed it is still present in some.
Sidenote: All BR01-92 replicas use 00555 as the serial number. I have yet to come across one that does not.
-The Hex Screws
BR01-92's have four 1.3 mm hex screws located on the caseback. Many replicas have these screws laser inscribed as oppossed to being present, also able to be seen in the previous photo. Though some updated replicas include actual screws. Below is one replica with the screws present as they should be.
2) The Dial
There are a few things that are common to be mistaken on the BR01-92 Dial so lets take them one at a time.
-The & sign in the Bell & Ross Logo
Always check the CQ pics to make sure this is as it should be. Look at gen's for the proper logo. It is often mishapen or off center in the circle surrounding it.
-The Model Number
It seems a few replicas are including the words LIMITED EDITION on the non-Limited Edition watches. They should only be there on those that are actually limited. Not those like the BR01-92 SS. Here is an example of this
-The Words "SWISS MADE"
These should always be present. As seen above they are not on this rep. They not only should be present but have a specific mistake that is common. That is that they are misplaced. Always make sure proper placement of these words. Below is a gen dial.
Now lets look at the BR03-92. The dial issues are the same in this one so refer to the previous section. This watch is actually very similar to the 01-92 except the case back and the size. The BR01-92 is 46mm and the 03-92 is 42mm. From what
1) The Caseback
-The Serial Number
A common issue with the BR03-92 reps is the improper serial number. The number should appear BR 03-92-s-xxxxx. In some instances as I have placed a photo below it appears. BR 03-97-S-xxxxx.
Also the serial number on all BR03-92's that I have seen is 00176
It should appear like this
The Dial has the same issues on the BR03-92 as it does on the BR01-92 so refer to the previous section.
Finally there is one more common issue on all Bell & Ross Reps that I want to point out and that is the screws which hold the band on. They should be HEX screws not Flat so always check that. This is the proper screw:
That wraps up my quick guide to B&R Reps. Hope this info is helpful.
Lets start with the BR01-92. I am including photos i gathered to use as examples throughout this guide
1)The Caseback
-Spelling
An issue in some 01-92 reps is the mispelling of the word "Military" on the back which for some reason is spelled "Miliary"
It appears fixed on most newer reps i have seen but here is an example of it with the issue still present.
- Serial Number
Though it has been improved on in updated reps one common issue is the Serial Number, which is located on the back of the case. The serial Number on the 01-92 reps has a common error of appearing as BR01-94-S-0555 as opposed to the proper model number where it should appear as BR-01-92-00555 as seen in the previous photo. Though many newer reps have this issue fixed it is still present in some.
Sidenote: All BR01-92 replicas use 00555 as the serial number. I have yet to come across one that does not.
-The Hex Screws
BR01-92's have four 1.3 mm hex screws located on the caseback. Many replicas have these screws laser inscribed as oppossed to being present, also able to be seen in the previous photo. Though some updated replicas include actual screws. Below is one replica with the screws present as they should be.
2) The Dial
There are a few things that are common to be mistaken on the BR01-92 Dial so lets take them one at a time.
-The & sign in the Bell & Ross Logo
Always check the CQ pics to make sure this is as it should be. Look at gen's for the proper logo. It is often mishapen or off center in the circle surrounding it.
-The Model Number
It seems a few replicas are including the words LIMITED EDITION on the non-Limited Edition watches. They should only be there on those that are actually limited. Not those like the BR01-92 SS. Here is an example of this
-The Words "SWISS MADE"
These should always be present. As seen above they are not on this rep. They not only should be present but have a specific mistake that is common. That is that they are misplaced. Always make sure proper placement of these words. Below is a gen dial.
Now lets look at the BR03-92. The dial issues are the same in this one so refer to the previous section. This watch is actually very similar to the 01-92 except the case back and the size. The BR01-92 is 46mm and the 03-92 is 42mm. From what
1) The Caseback
-The Serial Number
A common issue with the BR03-92 reps is the improper serial number. The number should appear BR 03-92-s-xxxxx. In some instances as I have placed a photo below it appears. BR 03-97-S-xxxxx.
Also the serial number on all BR03-92's that I have seen is 00176
It should appear like this
The Dial has the same issues on the BR03-92 as it does on the BR01-92 so refer to the previous section.
Finally there is one more common issue on all Bell & Ross Reps that I want to point out and that is the screws which hold the band on. They should be HEX screws not Flat so always check that. This is the proper screw:
That wraps up my quick guide to B&R Reps. Hope this info is helpful.
