Review of the BR02

[Coeuss]

This is a quick review of the BR02 that I purchased for $127 from Narikka, but before I do the review here are the other BR02 Threads with pics

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...077&hl=BR02

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...775&hl=BR02

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=64176&st=0

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=66553

First off this watch is what it is. I've said this before in another post but you get what you pay for and this is not for those that are serious collectors looking for a 1-1 rep. Not even close.

DIAL The Dial is one of the things that impressed me about this watch. The numerals just stand off the watch and look great just like the original. The font for Bell & Ross should be a little bolder/whiter like the original, the second hand is shorter than that of the original and of course the calendar dial is white instead of black. On mine the calender dial doesn't actually match up with the hole on the dial. And on the minute hand there's a dent in the middle of the hand that's really noticeable in daylight.

Inner Bezel The inner bezel rotates but is bumpy and not smooth. The threads for the bezel crown (as well as the crown) needs silicon grease. Also if you look at the inner bezel crown you can see there's a gap between the crown and the case, it looks like the case wasn't cut correctly for the inner bezel crown so there's a gap. When it rotates sometimes you can see the inner bezel lift off the dial. Mind you the inner bezel is strictly for cosmetic looks and not for any actual diving or anything else.

The Case The case is Stainless Steel 44mm excluding the crown. The finish is good for a rep of this price. No flaws that I can see. On the left side of the case is the helium valve it's pretty accurate rep of the original. I think the valve itself is just a flimsy mylar type piece of metal (I was too afraid to poke at it). Anyway I would advise no swimming or showering as this could be the weakest link in the watch as far as waterproofing.

The Crown Pretty accurate in terms of the B&R crown, looks really nice. The only issue I have is that when I go from position 0 to position 1 you can feel the friction on the threads, screaming for silicon grease just like the inner bezel one, but unlike the inner bezel I think the threads are going to strip. Also if you look at the pics the two metal pieces that book end or bridge the crown was placed on to the case crooked and is not flush (you wouldn't notice this unless you are looking for it. Also I hate the purple stuff that the factories put on it, it's tough to get off, like a thick plastic.

The Movement Asian 21J Automatic with Hack function. I haven't opened the caseback yet so I have no pics.., but I can tell you that sometimes when you go from position zero to position one you don't get the click that lets you know whether you are setting the date or the time. Also, the movement is loose in the watch and like I said before it sounds like googly eyes. I don't have the tools to fix it yet but as soon as I receive them I will. In regards to keeping time it falls behind 3 min everyday. Every morning I have to reset the time.

The Caseback Looks good but the B&R symbol should be recessed not embossed.

The Crystal The crystal is mineral glass which gives off the fishbowl/bubble/thick glass effect. And of course it has no AR. In the below photos you can see what I'm talking about in terms of the fishbowl effect and no AR.

Fishbowl effect

No AR

The Lume I found the lume to be pretty decent. During the day I can see the loom in the shadows and while walking through darkened corridors of the office building. And unlike the BR03-92 It lasts a long time. Here's a pic.

The Strap 32/24mm Rubber Divers strap (with all logo marks) I wasn't impressed with the rubber strap. It's somewhat flimsy, not at all like the thick rubber ones on the BR03-92 models. With that said it's still comfortable. I was impressed with the construction of the tongue and buckle though. The tongue is thick and looks heavy.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS I like this watch alot given some of the issues I've mentioned. I think it's worth $125 but I also think for that amount of money there should be some QCing before it even goes out to the customer. The uneven bridge next to the crown, the threads being somewhat screwed up, the calendar dial being white and even the dent in the minute hand are all excusable but the movement moving around really disturbs me. I've worn this watch everyday to work and it turns heads, couple of my friends want me to buy them one they like it so much. Overall I give it a B- or a 6 out of 10. Not bad at all.

[Coeuss]

Btw I just wanted to mention that if you're thinking about buying one and you want it now Narikka has them and for $127 it's a steal. I looked at all the other websites that are carrying them but none of them have the helium valve from what I can see. Shipping was fast it only took 7 days from start to finish.

[FxrAndy]

Thanks Coeus, i am getting one of these when Narikaa is back in uk, it will make a nice beeter or sports watch, also for my wife to wear in the kitchen ( she is a chef and currently wears a SFSO for the job) glad to hear that you found the lume to ge good.

[hambone]

Thanks Coeuss, that was a very balanced and well written review. You are right that for the price you cannot expect to be blown away, but it does seem like a 'steal' indeed. Good looking watch. I like it more than the big box style B&R is known for. BTW....Rene Magritte has always been one of my most favorite artists, nice avatar.