Limited to 100 pieces each, these two handsome chronographs are the result of a collaboration between The Rake and Revolution magazines and watchmakers, Bell & Ross. Called the Bellytanker, they are named after the detachable aircraft fuel tanks which, after WW2, were converted into cars for salt flat racing and record attempts in California. The drivers of these cars would have worn chronographs to time their runs, so this watch is named after them.
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| Bell & Ross x Rake and Revolution Bellytanker in steel and bronze |
Given a vintage look, these handsome watches follow in the tradition of the Omega Speedmaster and Rolex Daytona. Of course they don't have the heritage and history of those classic watches (Bell & Ross has only been going since 1992) but I like the fact that they are open about this and don't claim a real heritage for these watches. Anyway, who cares either way? I love this style of watch; classic and yet quite original in looks.
The vintage look hasn't been overblown (as it sometimes is) and the movements are visible through the sapphire casebacks. At £4,152 (steel) to £4,596 (bronze case) you're buying into a limited edition. These Bell & Ross watches are available through The Rake.
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| A bellytanker racer |
This is an unsponsored post. Note that I haven't yet had a chance to inspect one of these watches.