WW1 CHRONOGRAPHE MONOPOUSSOIR
AN ODE TO THE PAST
2011 stands out as a key milestone for Used Bell & Ross. the firm is bringing the first timepieces worn during the First World War back into vogue: the PW1 (Pocket Watch 1) and its wristwatch version, the Vintage WW1 (Wrist Watch 1).
Military history’s ultimate master watchmaker, Replica Bell & Ross is particularly passionate about aviation, which made precise timekeeping one of its key navigational tools. now, the firm is again demonstrating its expertise, with the creation of an exclusive model illustrating the unique parallel between the history of aviation and that of watch-making.
The creation of the Vintage WW1 Chronographe Monopoussoir is part of this history. A true ode to the past, it is the worthy successor to the first wristwatches used by pilots in the 1920s.
AN INSTRUMENT OF THE PAST
During the 1920s, in the early days of military aviation, chronographs addressed aviators’ need to calculate short time periods. They were not simply wristwatches, they were an instrument for achieving their mission.
A USEFUL COMPLICATION
The device very accurately reinterprets the authenticity of period aviation chronographs, which originally only had one button.
The
epitome of Bell & Ross’s watch-making expertise, the WW1
Chronographe Monopoussoir is a complication that is as practical as it
is functional.
This type of chronograph facilitates the measurement
of short periods of time by pressing a single button. Perfectly
incorporated into the crown, the single button operates all the
chronograph’s commands: start, stop and reset, for safer and faster use.
A DISPLAY PROMOTING LEGIBILITY
In
order to satisfy the requirements for legibility, Bell & Ross has
modified the mechanical design by increasing the counters’ centre
distance. Since these are perfectly aligned with the button, they
provide an intuitive and immediate reading.
A mirror image of the
single button chronograph of 1920s aviators, the Vintage WW1
Chronographe Monopoussoir emphasises legibility and functionality.
ONE CALIBER, TWO FACES
The WW1 Chronographe Monoupoussoir is available in two typical versions combined with period functionality.
WW1 CHRONOGRAPHE MONOPOUSSOIR HERITAGE: AN AUTHENTIC MILITARY SPIRIT
The
Heritage version of the Chronographe Monopoussoir refers to the history
of aviation while using the most modern techniques to recreate the
effects of passing time.
Its refined aesthetics capture the eye. its
dial, brown with a distressed look, its sand-coloured numerals, index
and hands are reminiscent of the dials of old watches down to the last
detail, giving an inimitable retro-chic appeal to the model as a whole.
The watch’s legibility lies in the contrast of the numerals and index against the brown dial.
With
its military finishes inspired by history and its natural leather
strap, the Chronographe Monopoussoir Heritage has the authentic appeal
of a measuring instrument of the era.
WW1 CHRONOGRAPHE MONOPOUSSOIR IVORY DIAl: A CLASSIC, ELEGANT STYLE
With its more classical styling, the Chronographe Monopoussoir Ivory Dial is characterized by its traditional finish.
The
eponymous ivory dial, the snailed counters and the pear-shaped
blue-steel hands give this model a period feel. the generous polished
case adds the finishing touch, resembling time pieces of the past.
The contrast of the black numerals and index lend optimal legibility to the information.
The WW1 Chronographe Monopoussoir Ivory Dial features a blue
alligator strap which perfectly completes its timeless elegance.
These two versions, each with its own distinctive personality, share common characteristics specific to the WW1 collection:
• The Swiss manufactured movement.
• The large fob-watch type diameter, which is the inspiration for the collection.
•
The simplicity of the horns, produced like wire handles soldered to the
case, and the elegance of the straps hark back to the first wrist
watches while being ergonomically perfect.
• The easy-to-use large grooved crown, inspired by the ones handled by pilots while wearing gloves.
•
The domed glass gives the watch a vintage look. its use of sapphire
crystal distinguishes it from the original. Sapphire crystal is
extremely resistant, making the timepiece remarkably durable.
• The dial, with its sober design, optimizes legibility, a particularity of all Bell & Ross watches.
REBIRTH OF AN AVIATION INSTRUMENT
The Replica Vintage WW1 Chronographe Monopoussoir has been designed with the greatest respect for the original device: the first wristwatch. This is one of the most striking tributes paid by Bell & Ross to the history of military aviation. Without concession or compromise, the firm has produced a genuine classic, which is retro, modern as well as extremely functional.