Speed and “extreme machines” have always been a big effect on Bell & Ross, the cult watch brand founded in Paris in 1992 which has been steering course towards more horologically perfect replica watches since opening its own manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1992. This brand, which pays homage to fighter jet instrumentation in recent years, has been creating concept cars and motorbikes alongside watch collections echoing the speed, style, and beauty of these machines. 
In 2014 they launched the B-Rocket, a retro-styled streamlined motorbike evoking those built to break land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. In 2016 they made the Aero GT aircraft-inspired supercar concept with a more modern “stealth fighter” vibe. Now, let’s move on to the fake watches by Bell and Ross.
The Belly tanker watches combine both aeronautical influences and numerous nods to the watch making world, as Bell & Ross puts it. The bodywork – essentially part of an airplane that’s been re-purposed with four wheels – equates to the case of a watch. The glass covering the cockpit is the watch’s crystal. Copper detailing is a nod to the decoration on certain 1940s-era timepieces. And you can take it where you will from there. The first watch in the new Belly tanker Collection is the BR-V1 92, a classic round-dialed piece with an offset date window which is otherwise aimed at pleasing purists. The solid case back features an engraved image of the Belly tanker, while the “ultra-curved” sapphire crystal brings to mind the glass covering an airplane cockpit. The metallic copper dial is echoed on the race car’s wheel rims. And the aircraft-shaped counterweight on the seconds’ hand is one of Bell & Ross’ new signature details. 
The BR-V2 94 meanwhile is the real closer. A chronograph version of the BR-V1, it apparently stakes stylistic cues from the replica rolex Daytona and Speed master models but with a distinctive Bell & Ross edge and a nod to the famed P-51 Mustang fighter. Available on either a brown leather strap or stainless steel bracelet, the case size is better suited to men of style at 41 mm, while the sapphire case back reveals the chronograph movement. The bezel features a typical tachymeter scale. And the “panda” dial with its contrasting black sundials is a real winner. The black of the minute track evokes the “stealth” paintwork on the Belly tanker’s nose. And the metal skeleton hands are filled with Superluminova for visibility in all conditions. Both are being produced in a limited edition of 500 pieces, so apparently, the BR-V2 94 at least is destined to become coveted by collectors.