Actor Tom Hanks spotted wearing a Bell & Ross

At what appears to be a formal industry gathering or awards event, Tom Hanks was photographed in a black tuxedo examining what looks like a program or menu — inadvertently giving watch spotters a clear view of his left wrist. The timepiece strapped there is unmistakably a Bell & Ross BR Vintage 123 Automatic, sitting on what appears to be a stainless steel bracelet, its round case and dark dial cutting a purposeful, understated profile against the formal occasion.

The Bell & Ross BR Vintage 123 Automatic belongs to a lineage that predates the brand's signature square-case era. Launched in the early 2000s as part of Bell & Ross's Vintage collection, the BR 123 drew inspiration from classic pilot and field watches of the 1940s and 1950s. The round 41mm stainless steel case houses a self-winding mechanical movement — typically the ETA 2892 or a derivative — offering a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The dial features a clean layout with Arabic numerals, a date window, and a seconds subdial, all executed with legibility as the primary design directive.

From a collector standpoint, the BR Vintage 123 occupies an interesting niche. It represents Bell & Ross before the brand became synonymous with the square BR 01 cockpit-instrument format that dominates its identity today. As a result, these round vintage-inspired references tend to attract a different kind of buyer — one drawn to classical watch design rather than aviation-instrument drama. They are not flashy acquisitions; they are considered ones.

Tom Hanks's watch sensibility has long reflected his public persona: grounded, considered, devoid of performative excess. He has been spotted over the years with pieces that prioritize character over cost. The BR Vintage 123 Automatic fits that profile precisely — it is a serious watch worn by someone who clearly understands watches without needing to announce that fact.

On the secondary market, the BR Vintage 123 Automatic trades at a modest premium or slight discount to its original retail, depending on condition and bracelet integrity. It is not a speculative collector's piece, but its honest quality and clear design lineage ensure it remains a respected entry in Bell & Ross's back catalog.