The new additions to the brand’s vintage collection are not only inspired by sea rescuers, but they can also be used by them without missing a beat.

Bell & Ross has been showing us its passion for the military world since it came onto the scene in 1992. They also do a good job to enlist the expertise of those professionals to develop timepieces with optimal functionality. It’s not surprise that the same trend continues with the new Garde-Côtes series.

Indeed the luxury watchmaker with French roots has a very noticeable DNA based on the design codes of the military, more specifically the air force. Some of you might already know that aeronautical instruments have been the inspiration behind the brand’s releases.

But with the new Garde-Côtes timepiece, Bell & Ross pays tribute to professionals who rescue at sea. More specifically, to its helicopter pilots and divers. So we still have the aeronautical connection for which the brand is well known, but now paired up with the nautical world.

The result is a new series of watches that, in my opinion, represents a fine blend between the look of classic pilots’ and divers’ watches.

The series is based on the already popular Vintage collection. As a result, the new watches inherit the round case shape, which has nevertheless been slightly tweaked to provide a more sporty look.

Each watch features a trio of colours typically associated with the coast guard: grey, orange and white. The metallic grey dial is borrowed from the fuselage of the helicopters used by rescuers, the orange accents reflect the visual codes of maritime safety, while the white numerals, indices and hands provide the clean contract that makes these watches easily readable.

The collection is based on two automatic models. One is a classic three hands model powered by the BR-CAL.302 calibre. The dial has a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock, while imposing numerals appear at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock resulting is a very legible dial.

The second option is a sportier chronograph version that is meant for actual maritime rescue missions. The fixed bezel is adorned with a black anodized insert that is graduated with a pulsimeter. When coordinated with the chronograph - powered by the calibre BR-CAL.302 – the function can be used to measure the heart rate, something useful when providing first aid.

These new watches are packaged is a robust 41mm case in satin-polished steel. Another nice features is that they have in common is a sapphire case-back that is engraved with the symbols of sea rescuers: the buoy and the anchor.

Depending on the model and strap option – bracelet or rubber – the watches range in price from 2600€ - 4200€, which represents a good value when considering the overall package of robustness, legibility and a clean sporty look.