Baselworld Watches Under $5,000

In the sub-$5,000 category, firstly the new Heritage Ranger from Tudor that is creating quite a buzz here. 

Secondly, quite a cool, and extremely affordable entry from Bulova in the Accutron II Alpha watch inspired by the iconic Spaceview from the 1960's and 70's. This new one has a Precisionist-based quartz movement, not the unreliable tuning fork technology of the original, but the original Spaceview design traits are evident, and all at a price less than $1,000. 

Thirdly, a 35mm Longines Conquest Heritage harking back to the much loved Longines of old. Kudos to Longines here for the 35mm size.

And finally, a watch from a brand I would not ordinarily look at, Bell & Ross.  

Like the Tudor Heritage Ranger and the Longines Conquest Heritage, the new Bell & Ross WWI Guynemer uses an ETA based movement and is priced accordingly. 

Now I have always wondered why the French cannot for the life of them design a good looking and highly desirable automobile (yes, there were one or two in the last Century), but one thing is certain, their designing talent in other walks of life is clearly evident. What we have here is a tribute to legendary pilot Georges Guynemer. Now the design is really nothing new and clearly found its cues in the pilot watches of old. But I find the whole package of this new Bell & Ross strangely appealing, including a red stork that adorns the dial (a tribute to his squadron). The case is done tastefully in gun metal grey, with a white dial, and calfskin strap. It also has an anti reflective domed sapphire crystal and beige Superluminova numerals. 

Now usually I would not usually go for a watch with a big red bird on the dial, but somehow this one clicks. No word on pricing yet, but I am assuming less than $5,000.

What do you think?

Dean