Bell Ross Vintage 126

French watchmaker Bell & Ross merges reliable functionality with classic minimalist design, creating timepieces that are as striking as they are rugged. Whether they’re donning the sleek, mysterious Bell & Ross Phantom — the design of which is inspired by stealth bombers — or the pragmatic BRV192 Military, wearers of Bell & Ross watches know they’ve got a trusted asset strapped to their wrists that also just happens to hold great visual appeal.

Bell & Ross began in 1992 as a university project between two good friends Bruno Belamich and Carlos A. Rosillo. The brand derives its moniker from the first few letters of each of their last names. They drew inspiration directly from aviation and military specs, as these two fields demand the highest level of performance from all tools that they employ. The duo wanted to create a timepiece that stood out in terms of appearance, but it also had to withstand extremes of temperature, impact and pressure. They also desired for their brand to be the one that military, aeronautic and diving experts preferred.

Belamich and Rosillo’s university project quickly morphed into a full-blown company. Today Bell & Ross consults expert divers, aviators and even bomb-disposal professionals to aid in their design. Once a schematic is complete, master watchmakers build the prototype at the production facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds and models that fit the bill are pushed on to production. Although Bell & Ross is largely known for its robust aviation and quartz dive watches in black coated steel and that feature durable alligator skin straps — the Hydromax model won the world record for water resistance in the late 1990s —  the brand has created numerous styles to meet a range of needs for the everyday wearer.

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Antique, new and vintage wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

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