The Bell & Ross WW2 Regulateur Officer is an automatic watch built around an unusual regulator display: a large central hand shows minutes, while separate subdials show hours and seconds. Its distinctive layout is the main attraction—and a small learning curve. Published size figures conflict: Bell & Ross lists 49 mm, while a 2015 review gives 47 mm. The €4,900 figure is its French launch-era price, not an established current market value.
What makes the display different?
A regulator separates the time indications instead of placing three hands together at the center. On the WW2 Regulateur Officer, the prominent central hand tracks minutes; a subdial at 12 shows hours, and one at 6 shows seconds. The 2015 Monochrome Watches review describes a black lacquered dial with silver subdials and contrasting markings.
The layout makes the minutes visually prominent, but reading the hour requires looking to its own subdial. Robin Nooy wrote in his 2015 review that “A regulator takes time to get used to, there is no doubt about that.” He found the contrasting indications helpful for daytime reading. This is a reviewer’s observation, not a guarantee that every wearer will find it immediately legible.
Case size and wrist fit
The published diameter is inconsistent. Bell & Ross’s product listing identifies the reference BRWW2-REG-BS/SCR as 49 mm, while Nooy’s 2015 review describes a 47 mm case. The available sources do not explain the two-millimetre difference, so neither figure should be treated as a settled reconciliation.
#1 Best Overall
- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- THE HAWKER HURRICANE CLASSIC CHRONOGRAPH: A tribute to arguably the most iconic plane from the WW2 era. The Hawker Hurricane Classic Chronograph is characterised by a simplicity that echoes the design of its namesake. Clean, bold lines surround the dial on which the colours and graphics celebrate the fighter plane’s simple but striking motif that identified the Hawker Hurricane.
- CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT: A classic timepiece that speaks across generations - a stylish men's watch with Japanese Quartz Chronograph movement and date function
- THE FINER DETAILS: The Hawker Hurricane Classic Chronograph features a 42mm stainless steel case, a 22mm genuine leather strap, mineral lens and water resistance of 50m.
- 2 YEARS INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY: Your AVI-8 watch is warranted against any manufacturing defect for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase.
Nooy describes a polished steel case, articulating lugs and a black alligator strap with brown lining. He felt the flexible lugs helped the watch sit more comfortably across different wrist sizes. That is his fit impression, not a promise of universal comfort; the watch is large by either published measurement, and diameter alone cannot determine how it will wear.
Movement and reported specifications
Nooy identifies the automatic movement as the Dubois-Dépraz BR-CAL316 and reports a 42-hour power reserve. He also gives the movement dimensions as 30 mm in diameter and 5.2 mm thick. These are specifications reported in the 2015 review, not results of an independent performance test. The Watch Observer’s 2015 Baselworld entry also lists an automatic BR-CAL.316.
Rank #2
- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- THE HAWKER HURRICANE CAREY DUAL TIME: Designed as a tribute to one of Britain’s most distinguished fighter aces and commanders in both Europe and the Pacific during WWII, the Carey Dual Time is a perfectly wearable pilot’s watch drawn from a classic silhouette.
- DUAL TIME MOVEMENT: Dual time zones, for the world traveller - a stylish men's watch with Japanese Quartz Dual Time and Date function
- THE FINER DETAILS: The Hawker Hurricane Carey Dual Time features a 43mm stainless steel case, 22mm genuine leather strap, mineral lens with anti-reflective coating and water resistance of 50m.
- 2 YEARS INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY: Your AVI-8 watch is warranted against any manufacturing defect for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase.
| Specification | Reported detail | Source qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | BRWW2-REG-BS/SCR | Bell & Ross regional product listing |
| Case diameter | 49 mm | Bell & Ross listing; conflicts with the 47 mm stated in the 2015 Monochrome review |
| Case diameter | 47 mm | Monochrome Watches review, 2015 |
| Movement | Automatic Dubois-Dépraz BR-CAL316 | Monochrome Watches review, 2015; The Watch Observer lists BR-CAL.316 |
| Power reserve | 42 hours | Reported by Monochrome Watches in 2015 |
| Movement dimensions | 30 mm diameter; 5.2 mm thick | Reported by Monochrome Watches in 2015 |
| Water resistance | 50 m | Reported by Monochrome Watches and The Watch Observer in 2015 |
| Launch-era French price | €4,900 | Reported by Monochrome Watches and The Watch Observer in 2015; not a current valuation |
Water resistance, bezel and low-light limits
The 2015 review reports 50 m water resistance and a bidirectional bezel intended as an elapsed-time aid. The review explicitly distinguishes that timing use from diving. It also reports no lume, which limits reading the dial in low light. These sources do not establish suitability for swimming or night-time use, so the watch should not be treated as a dive watch on their basis.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price and availability today
Monochrome Watches and The Watch Observer both give €4,900 as the French public or launch-era price in 2015; The Watch Observer reports availability from June 2015. The Monochrome review described the model as non-limited at that time. None of those facts establish what the watch should cost now.
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- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- THE HAWKER HURRICANE: A tribute to arguably the most iconic plane from the WW2 era. The Hawker Hurricane Classic Chronograph is characterised by a simplicity that echoes the design of its namesake. Clean, bold lines surround the dial on which the colours and graphics celebrate the fighter plane’s simple but striking motif that identified the Hawker Hurricane.
- CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT: A classic timepiece that speaks across generations - a stylish men's watch with Japanese Quartz Chronograph movement and date function
- THE FINER DETAILS: The Hawker Hurricane Classic Chronograph features a 42mm stainless steel case, a 22mm genuine leather strap, mineral lens and water resistance of 50m.
- 2 YEARS INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY: Your AVI-8 watch is warranted against any manufacturing defect for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase.
Bell & Ross’s regional Singapore listing showed SGD 8,900 and sold-out status when indexed. That is a regional listing with volatile stock information, not evidence of a current global offer. Current secondary-market transaction prices have not been established here. Anyone considering a pre-owned example should verify the exact reference, authenticity indicators, condition, seller and current availability rather than relying on historical retail figures.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- AVI-8 - OUR STORY: The brand inspiration and design excellence originates from the collaboration between pilots and engineers who served in air forces around the world. Every collection is an explicit homage to the planes, people and history of military aviation. Each timepiece brings to life the detail and narrative of the inspiration to delight and engage the wearer.
- THE HAWKER HURRICANE CAREY DUAL TIME: Designed as a tribute to one of Britain’s most distinguished fighter aces and commanders in both Europe and the Pacific during WWII, the Carey Dual Time is a perfectly wearable pilot’s watch drawn from a classic silhouette.
- DUAL TIME MOVEMENT: Dual time zones, for the world traveller - a stylish men's watch with Japanese Quartz Dual Time and Date function
- THE FINER DETAILS: The Hawker Hurricane Carey Dual Time features a 43mm stainless steel case, 22mm genuine leather strap, mineral lens with anti-reflective coating and water resistance of 50m.
- 2 YEARS INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY: Your AVI-8 watch is warranted against any manufacturing defect for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase.
Rank #4
- Premium Craftsmanship – This men's watch features a 43mm stainless steel case with a sleek black PVD finish, complemented by a scratch-resistant mineral crystal lens with anti-reflective coating, ensuring durability and a refined appearance.
- Effortless Timekeeping – Equipped with a Japanese Meca-Quartz chronograph movement, this watch offers precise timekeeping with a smooth, mechanical feel. The black dial showcases luminous hands and markers, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions.
- Durable for Everyday Wear – With a water resistance of 50 meters, this wristwatch is suitable for daily use, handling splashes and brief immersions. Its robust construction ensures it withstands the rigors of everyday adventures.
- Comfortable & Secure Fit – The genuine black leather strap provides a comfortable and secure fit, making it ideal for all-day wear. The classic buckle closure allows for easy adjustment, ensuring a personalized fit for your wrist size.
- A Tribute to Aviation Excellence – Designed by AVI-8, this timepiece honors the legendary P-51 Mustang and the fearless leadership of Colonel Don Blakeslee during World War II. Every detail reflects the brand’s dedication to aviation history, paying homage to the aircraft and the daring pilots who redefined aerial combat.
Source notes
- Bell & Ross official regional product listing for reference, listed diameter and Singapore storefront status.
- Robin Nooy, Monochrome Watches, 6 August 2015 for the display, review-reported fit, movement, reserve, water resistance and historical price.
- The Watch Observer, 2015 Baselworld entry for the BR-CAL.316, reported water resistance, French public price and June 2015 availability.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
