Memphis Bell watches pay homage to a particular aircraft - the Memphis Bell owned by pilot commander, Robert K Morgan. The aircraft was intended to be named after Morgan’s sweetheart, Margaret Polk, whose nickname was “Little One” however, having watched the movie, Lady of the Night with his co pilot Jim Verinis, Morgans decided the give the fuselage a name from the Riverboat that featured in the film. The aircraft was customized with pin up artwork created by artist, Corporal Tony Starcer, taking inspiration from Morgan’s fiance. Blue would feature on the aircraft’s port side while the starboard would be finished in a striking red colour. 25 bomb shapes would be adorned to the nose of the Memphis Bell. In its time, the fuselage would complete 25 missions between the years 1942 and 1943, avoiding any damage during the ongoing Second World War. After it flew its last flight, it was relocated to a dedicated area of the Mud Island River Park.
Memphis Bell the watchmaker, has paid tribute to the historic national treasure and has dedicated the last 20 years to creating over one million luxury timepieces in honour of the legendary aircraft. The founders of the company, Alessandro Roman and Giovanni Panucci shared a vision for creating a unique business based in Italy, consolidating their ideas and creating wristwatches that would stand the test of time both whilst thousands of feel in the air or on the ground. Memphis Belle watches show commitment to excellence and values of heroism, sturdiness, high quality materials, and above all, powerful movements. They are tested against some of the most demanding conditions and subject to dangerous missions for professionals and civilians too. The entire collection offers diver’s watches, military watches and chronographs made in collaboration with the armed forces.
The Memphis Bell Heritage collection is home to the Caimano series of wristwatches, which create a bold presence on the wrist with somewhat hefty cases and bold dial details. The wristwatches from this collection are crafted from various materials from traditional stainless steel to the more unusual bronze, capable of ageing and developing its own patina over time. These timepieces boast charm and character and have been finished on vintage leather straps that have been reinforced with stitching and an anti sweat interior for endurance sport. The manual winding components that power the hands around the dials of these watches from the Memphis Bell Heritage collection capture the traditional craftsmanship carried out at the company’s facilities.
For something sportier and vibrant, Memphis Bell offers models from its Super Professional collection. These broad cases measure 44mm diameters and have been topped with rotating bezels and highly readable markers for effortless measuring of elapsed time. The models from this collection create a presence on the wrist thanks to their colourful leather straps and their cases finished with dynamic PVD coatings for a sleek look. Legible dials with luminous coated hands and indexes are additional features promised in the design of a Memphis Bell Super Professional watch.
Memphis Bell watches can tell a story through their unusual designs. Intended to follow in the footsteps of the successful Memphis Bell aircraft which triumphed throughout the Second World War, these luxury watches, whether the dive type, the pilot type or a sports watch type, are mechanically powered and developed authentically in Italy. Combining all the features required for a professional tool, Memphis Bell watches continue to assist the wrists of aviation pioneers, divers and soldiers alike.
