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Bell & Ross BR 126 Blackbird Modernizes Vintage

Bell & Ross BR 126

Bell & Ross is one of our favorite brands here at S5Z so when ever they have a new release we take notice. The latest addition to their Vintage Chronography collection is the BR 126 Blackbird, a watch that pays homage to one of the most storied US spy planes of all time, the Lockheed SR-71 aka “Blackbird.” The SR-71 was in service from 1964 until 1998 and flew over 3,500 missions in some of the most hostile locations throughout the world. Capable of flying up to 2,200 Mph at altitudes as high as 80,000 feet, the Blackbird, with its low radar signature, managed to evade over 2,500 missiles during its service while providing essential reconnaissance information.

Bell & Ross BR 126

Like this stealth bomber from the Cold War era, the BR 126 Blackbird features a flat black color but with white and orange accents for easy identification. Matte black is often used in cockpits for its antireflective properties and white for its legibility. And in keeping with the brand’s signature color, orange is featured on the dials. The watch has a 43mm diameter category 316 L steel case (which is very solid and oxidization resistant), a matte black PVD finish and sapphire crystal. It is water resistant to 100mm.

Bell & Ross BR 126

The BR 126 Blackbird is part of the Bell & Ross Vintage collection but reflects this classification in style only. The guts still offer the latest advancements n watchmaking with a Flyback automatic chronograph movement. As an aviation-inspired watch manufacturer, it makes sense the Flyback complication is incorporated into this timepiece. For those unfamiliar, the Flyback was original developed for pre-WWII pilots to facilitate immediately stopping and resetting their chronograph at a moments notice based on commands to either alter course or drop bombs. The Flyback complication is unique as it allows for stopping and restarting in a single action as opposed to having to press stop, reset and restart like on standard chronographs.

 

Bell & Ross BR 126
Like the SR 71 Blackbird, the Bell & Ross BR 126 Blackbird is being produced in limited quantities. Luckily for us, the number is 500 and not 32. The list price is $6,700 so if you want to get in on the action, head on over to an authorized dealer posthaste.

Bell & Ross BR 126

 

Source: Bell & Ross