The company was founded in 1992 by Bruno Belamich and Carlo Rosillo, who named it Bell & Ross after their surnames. The company is based in Paris with a manufacturing workshop in Switzerland, La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Since its beginning in 1992, Bell & Ross mainly specialises in Swiss Made watches targeted at professionals such as divers, pilots, bomb disposal experts and others who work under high-pressure situations. They also make watches for people who aspire to wear the same function-first tools. Such professional experts might not be a large market.
The watches were initially produced by the German company Sinn, and many models were modified versions of those sold.
In 1997, Chanel became a minority shareholder in Bell & Ross, and the two companies began making watches together. In 2002, Bell & Ross dissolved its partnership with Sinn and moved manufacturing to its facility in Switzerland.
The French watchmaker's most distinctive feature is its highly readable dials, usually featuring large numerals and hands, and its robust construction.
With the introduction of the BR 01 collection in 2005, Bell & Ross watches became known for their square design and resemblance to aeroplane cockpits and instruments. The company has continued to produce variations inspired by the BR theme with different movement types, cases, sizes, and dial designs.
*Bell & Ross BR01 Tourbillon Watch print ad from Automobile 2008
In 2017, Bell & Ross released the BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor watch, which features an ultra-thin skeletonised movement and case sections made from sapphire glass. According to Business Insider, The Bell & Ross BR X2 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor is a luxury timepiece with a minimalist design and high-quality movement. The self-winding movement comprises 257 pieces and is protected by sapphire faceplates on the front and back. Only 99 of these exclusive timepieces were made in 2017.
In addition, Bell & Ross is also well respected for its vintage-inspired collections of pilot's watches and jumping-hour models.
*Bell & Ross Watch print ad 2017 Time Instruments
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