The BR01-94 is a great looking watch. Its military spec too...whatever that means

I really like them too notic ....they look like something a Navy SEAL would wear.

I like this limited edition model.

As a brand, I have some problems with Bell & Ross. They started about 15 years ago by a couple of guys who were like "Let's make some cool watches, attach them to 'extreme condition professions' and charge a buttload of money for 'em." Their watches are extremely pricey and feature common ETA movements - although you could say that for about a jillion other watchmakers so maybe it's redundent to even mention that.

Their BR 01 series watch, however, is marvelous and sits out as gorgeous ambassador for B&R. The look is unmistakably their own, and the aviation-style markings are absolutely spot-on. Heck, the watch even has a screw on the back that says "DO NOT UNSCREW." How cool is that?!



What I also love about B&R is the strap options they give you. They offer a bunch of straps in rubber, leather and canvas that look perfectly cool with a BR 01 and they present you with a boatload of options.

Another thing about the BR 01: It's as big as a desk-clock! If you have smaller wrists, just forget about it. The case is 46mm, and is square to boot. Heck - They even offer a deck clock mount for the damn thing!

LOL ....yeah ....this watch would look ridiculous on most guys ....you need to look the part.

Lu - From what I know, 1 USD is equal to about .7 ZAR. Am I right?

Even still, the world of respectable watches that can be had, or that you could possibly rationalize, is vast. Jump on Ebay or Google "vintage watches" and you'll be mesmerized for hours on end by what's out there.

Here's a primer:

FORTIS




Fortis was founded in 1912 and has an interesting history. In 1926 they were the first to mass produce an automatic movement. Today, they produce "instrument style" watches with consistently good face design across their entire line.

The watch I'm showing you here is their Spacematic Day Date. It's comes with equipped an automatic ETA movement with display back. At 40mm it's big, but not too big for my thin wrist. These can be found brand new for as little as $550 USD, but they also surface on Ebay from time to time. I'm thinking of getting one of these pretty soon.


Who doesn't love a display back?

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ORIS




Oris is a brand that I'm not really fond of, although sometimes they come thorugh with the goods. These two fellas here can be had new for about $500 USD and come with an attractive display back. From the looks of things, the band is very well constructed and gives off a good deal of "hey I paid alot for this damnit" sheen.



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ROBERT

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The world is composed of those who want a Rolex Submariner and those who secretly want a Submariner but don't want to admit it. And then there's those who fall into the 1st category, buy a fake, but keep their deep, dark secret to themselves.

Well, the aforementioned - instead of being dorks and spending $300 on a "AAA Quality" replica, should have just been man enough to buy a Robert.

Robert is what I'd call a "high quality knock-off brand." That is, they produce watches that are pretty blatent copies of popular designs, but they give you everything you'd expect in a high quality watch: 300m Water Resistance, ETA Movements, solid bands, the works! If you're willing to forego a brand name you pretty much get the whole package for a relatively low price.

Their other watches are pretty good looking and are a definite cut above other "budget premium" brands like UHR Kraft.



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OMEGA

Search "Omega Seamaster" on Ebay and you'll come up with a jillion listings and watches of every shape, size and color. The Seamaster line has been around since the late 50s and has encompassed all kinds of watches - from serious divers, to formal pieces. All of the watches I'm showing you below are in your general price range. Don't take my word for it though - check out Ebay and you'll be amazed by the sheer volume of Omegas out there.






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I got this particular Omega off of Ebay last month for only $185! It's of 70s vintage and is in great shape. I love it to death:



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There's also plenty of good watch dealers on the internet that have tons of good listings. A great place to start is here: - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (Check out their watches for under $300 pages)

Good luck Lu! Let me know when you've made up your mind.

Warning though: once you start, you're best off sticking with one watch you really love. My interest in watches has recently gone from a passing interest into a complete obsession. I'll probably have 5 or more by year's end at the rate I'm going.

I'm really not to fond of Bell & Ross watches. It is not like they aren't attractive but they are the type of watches which you add last to your collection. Josh, that Rolex watch seem to be a good copy but the brand name is just as despicable as wearing a fake watch. Though it isn't as sinful as sitting behind the wheel of this replica:



Anyhow I just did a quick search for watches on ebay and found some rather nice ones. The fortis watch you posted picture of seem to be a good choice but the looks are bit understated. I want a watch with more details and a chronograph.

Montre Noble 1969
I simply love it, especially the gold. On the other hand it can attract burglers and robers but it is also available with a silver bezel. It is timeless and classic, just like a primary watch should be.






Formex 4Speed GT325 Chronograph Chronograph

This one has a bit more sporty looks and also comes with two other bracelets.

I just saw Jacob Arabo, owner of Jacob & Co, is in big trouble -- being accused of money laundering for organized crime.

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Amazing that some people would spend so much money for a device that tells the time.

Me, I just use my cellphone as a watch.

Piaget Emperador







Piaget Altiplano



Piaget Altiplano Double jeu.



Piaget Altiplano XL




Piaget 1967.




The rest of Piaget Altiplano here.

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wow love that emperador--so hot and classy