As a tribute to servicemen, who were the first professionals to use the wristwatch as a tool to assist them in carrying out their missions, Bell & Ross offers two limited editions of 999 watches of the Desert 126 XL chronograph type and of the Desert 123 watch in a genuinely military version: the Desert Type series.

Designed in the early forties following imperatives set by British and American military specialists, the "Desert Type" watch meets the requirements of operations carried out at that time in the arid and desert areas of Saharan Africa.

True to the principles of performance, readability, water resistance and precision which have built up Bell & Ross's reputation in professional circles, the beige dials are readable by day or night, the crowns and backs are screwed down to guarantee water resistance down to 100 metres minimum, the sapphire glasses are scratch-proof and finally the mechanical movements are "high-precision" adjusted (maximum amplitude :0/+10 seconds per day).

The particular shape of the safety strap with its large removable leather part, perfectly meets the reliability requirements of service men, since it limits the risk of losing one's watch in case of violent shock.

Like all genuine military watches, the famous red symbol is screen printed on the dial (in this case the acronym "&" symbolizes the combination of expertise) shows that a photolu-minescent coating (Superluminova ©) has been used to make reading in the dark easier.

To the greatest interest of quality watchmaking lovers and collectors, this tribute to the past has thus resulted in the creation of two watches that are complementary in their performance, authentic in style and modern in their elaboration.

The techniques used are at the leading edge of watchmaking. Movements are assembled, set and controlled by highly qualified master watchmakers. To equip these precious time-keepers, Bell & Ross has used two specific "high precision" mechanical movements.

The automatic Desert 126 XL chronograph is equipped with a "Côte de Genève"-decorated two-counter calibre in the purest tradition of old Geneva craftsmen. The 3-hand automatic movement of Desert 123 model has been designed to ensure the simplest reading of the dial while keeping the date indicator and the second-hand both at 6 o'clock.

Text/Photos: Bell & Ross