Must apologize for the lack of updates.
2014 is a turning out to be a pretty busy year.
Nevertheless, I am able to present a review of a piece that has been on loan to me by my kind brother in law since January.
It's the Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation.
To start things off, I must admit that I wasn't a fan of the square Bell & Ross "inspired by cockpit instrument" style watches.
They look like a fad, gaudy... more fashion than function.
Well, things have changed a fair bit after having it for 6 months.
Watch is powered by a swiss quartz caliber.
I believe it's similar to the one found on Breitling's Aerospace and also Victorinox's Swiss Army Classic XLS MT.
Dial is highly legible.
Monochromatic black and white theme is cool.
Case is 42mm DLC stainless steel.
Solid case back with the model number and relevant information engraved.
I apologize for the dirt and dust stuck in the engravings.
My brother in law told me he wore the watch almost daily for work.
He works in mining. So, I am impressed how the watch is holding up so far.
A very nicely made crown.
A multitude of functions is accessed using this crown alone.
GMT, Stop watch, Timer, Alarm and so on.
Truly multifunction.
Case is well made.
So far, I have not seen the DLC getting worn out.
Still as black as the day I got it on loan.
Design of the lugs make the watch easy and comfortable to wear.
Bezel is 60 clicks bi directional.
Dial Printing is crisp and clear.
The slightly modern numeral font makes the watch feel a little more modern compared to the other BR03.
I like it.
Watch is currently on a recently purchased Wotancraft strap.
Expensive, but well worth it.
Leather is supple and feels comfy.
Overall, I feel the watch is comfortable to wear.
I must say after this watch is worn on rotation with my other watches, it has become the "grab and go" watch.
It used to be my Panerai PAM000, but now it has been dethroned.
Reason being a quartz, I need not worry about the time being off.
The wrist presence is comparable to that of PAM.
(I am sure hardcore PAM fans might beg to differ but it's not the focus of the review)
The only con I can think of is the pricing.
This particular watch retails at RM13,300.00 which is kinda hefty for a quartz.
Good thing is one can usually be found on the secondary market for way less...
There is another version in non DLC stainless steel case.
Those go for RM11,600.00
I know... still abit too much...
But since I have this on loan from my brother in law... I will just enjoy it till the day I return it.
By that time, let's see if I am still itching for one.
