The (Once Again) Friendly Skies

And a meditation on the BR V2-93 GMT Blue from Bell & Ross -

Courtesy of Bell & Ross

I don't want to jinx it, but not unlike the optimism many of us feel by the second or third week of March when we think that maybe spring has truly "sprung", I am feeling more and more optimistic that the worst part of the pandemic is now truly behind us and we can all spread our wings again!

For my part, I was grounded until this past July when I participated in the Watches, Whiskey and Wine show in Hagerstown, Maryland. That felt okay, so I went to Switzerland in September. And as things seemed to be going well, I went again in November! And then just before the latest variant ran rampant across the globe, I snuck down to New York just after Thanksgiving. 

And then... well, you know the story. But we got through it, and now we're finally all thinking that the time might be right to grab our passports (or at least our flip-flops and sunscreen) and head out. And that means that we will not only want something sporty for paddling around the pool (tidal or hotel), but something that will keep us informed not only of our current time (which as it's vacation, we're ignoring) as well as the time back home (where reality, children and work live).

So now, gentle reader, allow me to inform you as to why the BR 03 - 92 should not only be a choice, but in fact the default choice for those seeking a high quality GMT watch that will not break the bank. Unlike the Rolex GMT Master II "Unobtanium", the BR V2 - 93 GMT Blue can actually be purchased by mere mortals.

Courtesy of Bell & Ross

First and foremost, in a world of Rolex "homages", Bell & Ross defiantly went "the other way" with this one. The day/night bezel insert is blue and grey. Not blue and black, black and black or blue and red.

Secondly, although this spiffy globe trotter can be had with the Bell & Ross stainless steel bracelet -

Courtesy of Bell & Ross

this particular iteration comes with a fantastic NATO style strap which is produced by strap savant Erika of Erika's Originals. I own one of her straps, and it truly is the Shit That Killed Elvis.

A third reason is "obtainability". While a lot of Watch Town's offerings are clearly priced in Crazy Town, the BR V2-93 GMT is realistically priced for normal, human consumption. The movement is industrial, which I have come to decide is much better in the long run than anything manufactured. Sooner or later your watch is going to need servicing, and ideally not at a "superlative" price. Bell & Ross has got you covered.

And finally? I just dig it! I was in a discussion panel not so long ago where myself and other chatterboxes who write, speak or YouTube about these things were asked what intrinsic qualities a watch must have. After what seemed like several hours of posturing, self-promotion and (frankly) endless bloviation from my peers -

my answer was remarkably succinct -

"You either dig it, or you don't. But don't fake the funk."

And the BR V2-93 GMT Blue has a friendly price, $3,500 US with the strap. If you want the bracelet, it's $300 more.

So if you are of a similar mindset, and ready to embrace your inner traveler again, here are the pertinents -

Movement: calibre BR-CAL.303. Automatic mechanical.

Functions: hours, minutes and central seconds and date. Second time hand of 24 hour rapid-setting, independent from the hour hand.

Case: 41 mm in diameter. Satin-polished steel. Bi-direction. al bezel with 24 hour scale. Blue and grey two-colour anodised aluminium disc. Screw-down crown. Sapphire case-back.

Dial: blue sunray. Numerals and indices coated in white Super-LumiNova®. Metal skeletonized Super-LumiNova®-filled hour and minute hands.

Crystal: box-type sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

Water-resistance: 100 metres.

Strap: grey and blue elastic canvas or satin-polished steel.

Buckle: folding for metal bracelet.


Ref: BRV293-BLU-ST/SF