News Central

Bell & Ross is pleased to announce that it has partnered with TIVOL in creating a special watch display at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, in Kansas City, MO.   Debuting on August 18^th, the exhibit will showcase the brand's Vintage military inspired timepieces and is being held in commemoration of the Great War's 100^th year anniversary.

"To be an international partner and resource for commemoration of the history, policy and humanity of World War I."

Centennial Mission Statement, National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial

Soon after the war ended in 1919, the citizens of Kansas raised over $2.5 million in funds (the equivalent of $34 million today) in just ten days, reflecting the strong public sentiment toward the conflict that changed the course of history.   Two years later in 1921, over 100,000 people gathered to witness the supreme Allied commanders make a formal dedication to the site of the Liberty Memorial.  This was the first time in history the five leaders were gathered together in one place.  In 2004, the Museum was designated by Congress as the nation's official World War I Museum, beginning construction on a new 80,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that also houses the Edward Jones Research Center underneath the Liberty Memorial.  Since its opening in 2006, the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial has had over a million visitors including President Barack Obama, former Vice President Dick Cheney, Senator John McCain and the country's last surviving WWI veteran Frank Buckles.

Today, the Museum is dedicated to honoring those who served in the Great War by keeping its history alive. Exhibitions and educational programs geared toward a diverse audience enrich the museum's mission in keeping the public involved through thought and dialogue.  In addition to maintaining the Liberty Memorial as a symbol of freedom and courage, the Museum is also dedicated to the collection and preservation of historical materials from World War I, holding the most diverse collection of objects and documents in the world.  It is the second-oldest public institution dedicated to the history and personal experiences of the war.  Between now and 2018, the museum will be offering a host of programs and special exhibitions marking the 100^th anniversary of the first global conflict in human history and its effects on the world today.

Bell & Ross is proud to collaborate with TIVOL in exhibiting its Vintage watch collection on occasion of the Great War's centennial anniversary.   The museum's historical narrative will be the perfect backdrop for displaying the brand's collection of military-inspired timepieces.    Beginning with the PW1, a nod to the pocket watch worn by French soldiers during the Great War, the brand developed its WW1 collection that traces back to the wristwatches tested by pilots in the late teens and early twenties.   These watches carry Swiss movements fitted in large fob-watch type cases.  The horns replicate the original wire handles that were originally soldered to the case, evoking the design of the first wristwatches.  Bell & Ross has remained historically true in every attention to detail, including fitting the watches with grooved crowns similar to those pilots of the era could easily turn while wearing gloves, and adding domed crystals for an overall vintage effect.  The watches come with a variety of complications from which to choose: Grande Date, Reserve de Marche to the ultimate efficient function for any aviator of the day, the Monopoussoir Chronograph.    This exhibition of historically inspired watches from the Great War will be enhanced with other Bell & Ross aviation watches, including the iconic Bell & Ross BR 01 models.   

For more than a century TIVOL has been Kansas City's premier jeweler, providing its customers with luxury timepieces and jewelry and exceptional service.  Founded in 1910 in downtown Kansas City by immigrant Charles Tivol, the retailer today boasts two locations, in Country Club Plaza in Kansas City and Hawthorne Plaza in Overland Park, KS. The four-generation family-run business has become an institution and is today home to Bell & Ross watches in the area.

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of Bell & Ross timepieces will be donated to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial.