Following on from the success of the B-Rocket motorbike and AeroGT, Bell & Ross is back yet again with another new ‘speed machine’ – the Bell & Ross Bellytanker. The one-of-a-kind retro-futuristic race car is a modern recreation of the iconic P-51 Bellytanker race car built and driven by hot rod legend Bill Burke during the 1940’s and 50’s. Using his engineering ingenuity, he fashioned the main chassis from a P-51 Mustang’s fuel tank which gave the car its unique missile-like shape and, more importantly, aerodynamic prowess. He would then go on to obliterate the land speed records of the time, 15 to be precise, on the famous Bonneville Salt Lake flats in the American West.
To celebrate this release, Bell & Ross has just revealed a new duo of racing-themed watches inspired by the famous hot rod, with dials finished in metallic copper just like the cars rims. Both models feature Arabic numerals and a satin-polished stainless-steel case which has been brushed to give it a retro finish that was popular in the 50’s.
The BR V1-92 at 38.5mm wide is the simpler and smaller of the two with a muted copper dial and black and white accents which match the markings located on the race car’s fuselage. It’s powered by the automatic calibre BR-CAL.302 which is based on the Sellita SW300-1, featuring a decent power reserve of around 38 hours and an added date function which overall looks neat and discreet on the dial.
The more expensive alternative, the BR V2-94, will be available with either a leather strap or steel bracelet and measuring slightly larger than the standard model at 41mm thanks to an added column wheel chronograph function. This is powered by the more complicated BR-CAL.301, based on the ETA 2894-2, which boasts a moderately improved power reserve of 42 hours. Unlike the V1-92, the caseback can be opened to reveal the movement. Both watches are water resistant to 100m guaranteeing a certain degree of safety in the water, something you definitely wouldn’t have seen during the 50’s.
From left to right: BR V1-92 Bellytanker (£1,950), BR V2-94 Bellytanker with brown leather strap (£3,400) & BR V2-94 Bellytanker with steel strap (£3,650). Limited to 500 pieces each; bellross.com
