Skip to main content

The Manual Wind: Bell & Ross BR Desert Type

It is sometimes forgotten that the timepiece is fashion accessory.  Although watch brands tend to beat the their own drum in that sense, on occasion a watch will be introduced that does follow trend.  Camouflage has been done right by a few watch brands over the years; Hublot most notably.  Now Bell & Ross has subtly brought back the desert theme in their classic casual square.  They have introduced a series of black DLC cased watches; Desert Type.


The desert type is offered in a chronograph and non-chronograph in their BR-03 42mm case as well as a quartz version in their smaller Type S case.  Holding true to this classic and simple square, the desert type has one major trait, dial and strap color.  The sand color dial and strap play for a great contrast against the black case and black hands and marking on the dial.  A sandwich layering of the dial makes for nice detail on the piece as well.  A rugged yet soft look, the Desert Type is a great casual weekender.  All Bell & Ross BR line watches come with an addition black cloth velcro strap for added sportiness that would fit perfect on this watch as well.

16brdesert2a
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Whereas the Camouflage Hublots of years past may have been out of reach due to their high price point, the Bell & Ross is attainable.  With a price tag around $4,000 for the BR03-92 non-chronograph, my choice of the three for simplicity, this piece will not leave your wallet high and dry.

Topics
Ian Schwam
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…
Wax London believes polos shouldn’t be boring
Get creative with your polos with Wax London
Wax London polo black floral

The men's polo is one of the staple shirts every man needs. It is something that has endured since the days of LaCoste wearing them on the tennis courts. Nowadays, it is the paramount piece for any man looking to wear a basic business casual wardrobe. Of course, that doesn't mean it has to be basic. Most men tend to opt for a solid golf polo and a pair of basic chinos, paired with a hybrid dress shoe. While that has led the polo down a path to gaining a dad shirt image, that doesn't mean it needs to stay there. Wax London is one of the leaders in making everyone, from celebrities to dads, look stylish, and they don't think a polo needs to be boring or basic. Instead, Wax London polos this season emphasize patterns, standing out, and being seen as a celebrity, even if you're just a dad.

Wearing the polo like a celebrity

Read more
Now is the perfect time to layer with UNTUCKit spring pieces
The spring collection for UNTUCKit is stocked with seasonal pieces
UNTUCKit quarter-zip

As the April showers come to a close, the May flowers will be in full bloom. While that sounds like a great time of year (unless, of course, you struggle with allergies), there is one thing that stubbornly sticks around this time of year, especially if you are north of the Mason-Dixon Line, and that is the cold snaps. The unpredictability of the spring means you are bound to have those days where you are a bit chilly in the morning and a little warm in the afternoon. The best way to combat this little problem is with the subtle art of layering. UNTUCKit is known for creating some of the most comfortable shirts of the last decade and a half, and they have released a spring collection that makes layering the simplest it's ever been.

Layering made simple

Read more
Hockerty uses AI models to showcase SS25 collection
Different models of different backgrounds creates a collection inclusive for all
Hockerty SS25 men on a car

We're living in a world of ever-evolving technology. While we look at trends from the past and see that we're pulling from yesterday to curate a stylish aesthetic, there's no doubt that technology propels us forward. Now, we were promised flying cars by 2015 in the movie Back to the Future, and we fell short of that. However, artificial intelligence is still surging forward and changing the way nearly every industry does business. Hockerty took the path of utilizing AI models to showcase their new spring and summer collection with diverse LLM models from different ages and backgrounds, ensuring it works for everyone. The Hockerty SS25 Collection is redefining classics with fabrics of the future and putting linen front and center.

Using linen to create timeless sophistication

Read more