Bell & Ross Reveals Wonders of Time

Time looks marvellous with the 5 novelties introduced by Bell & Ross which were revealed at the Watches & Wonders Geneva exhibition. In Malaysia, we were recently given a chance to look at some of these exceptional timepieces at the Bell & Ross boutique in Pavilion KL. This year, they elevated their urban collection through modern design and exceptional material.

BR 05 Black Ceramic

The new black ceramic pieces from Bell & Ross come in 3 distinct models. Two will become a part of the brand’s permanent collections with the third piece being a limited edition of 500 pieces.

Due to their impressive technical properties such as complete resistance to scratches, ceramic has become a key material in watchmaking. Ultra-resistant while being lightweight, for the first time, Bell & Ross has used this technical material in its urban line along with its favourite colour, black. With sapphire crystal backs, the BR 05 Black Ceramic, BR 05 Skeleton Black Ceramic and BR 05 Skeleton Black Lum Ceramic also reveal the black ruthenium finishes of their automatic mechanical movement. The watches come with a diameter of 41mm and offer 54 hours of power reserve. 

In the BR 05 collection, each of the three characterful watches is considered a milestone in its own right. The BR 05 Skeleton Black Lum Ceramic is particularly exclusive, as it is the one produced in a limited series of only 500 pieces. It’s available only with the integrated matte black ceramic bracelet.

As a highly technical material, working with ceramic is no small task. Sintering, or paste fusion, allows a mix of zirconium oxide powder and polymer binders to be vitrified at a very high temperature (generally around 1450°). This complex operation is essential in creating ceramic watches that are robust. To make the material homogeneous, a perfect mastery of the process is required and clearly Bell & Ross have mastered this technique.

Ever since its first ceramic watches, notably the BR 01 Ceramic in 2011, the Bell & Ross Maison has paid close attention to the rigour of the manufacturing process. A whole chain of expertise is needed for the new BR 05 ceramic watch design. 

As ceramic is completely stainless, hard-wearing and scratch-proof, watches made from this material can stand the test of time. Did you know that after diamond, ceramic is one of the hardest materials in the world, while being lighter than steel? Adjusting to the body’s temperature upon contact with the skin, as well as being hypoallergenic, the soft-to-the-touch material is particularly pleasant to wear. With such an array of technical and aesthetic properties, it undoubtedly appeals to fans of functional contemporary watches.

Imbued with the exceptionally resistant qualities of ceramic, the three new BR 05 models from Bell & Ross fully take on their status as instrument watches to be worn in all circumstances and on any occasion. The BR 05 range retains the guiding principle of the rounded square design with a modern finish. Emanating contemporary elegance, since their launch in 2019, the watches from the BR 05 range have gained recognition as pieces that are urban and versatile. These three new black ceramic versions convey the same philosophy, while allowing the BR 05 collection to keep growing.

Another strong point in this stylish timepiece is the integrated bracelet. “The bracelet is integrated into the case in line with the brand’s codes, while bringing another dimension to the watch: the first link is part of the case. This type of design has been an industry benchmark since the ’70s; when transposed to Bell & Ross, we get a watch with a shape that is at once compact, harmonious and ergonomic,” emphasises Bruno Belamich, Creative Director and co-founder of Bell & Ross.

BR 05 Chrono Grey Steel & Gold

An ultimate combination of performance and elegance, the contrast of gold and steel never fails to seduce lovers of sophisticated timepieces. Bell & Ross presents a watchmaking jewel with its new BR 05 Chrono Grey Steel & Gold, combining ruthenium and rose gold. 

The case is machined from steel, with satin finishes and polished to amplify the architecture of its lines. The bezel, and the central links of the integrated bracelet, are in 18k rose gold. At the heart of the BR 05 family, the new Grey Steel & Gold is part of the range of chronographs. This extraordinary timepiece offers a power reserve of 60 hours.

It’s a strikingly magnificent bi-material timepiece. In the 70s, particularly in the United States, watches made from a combination of gold and steel, including their metal bracelets, were very popular. This trend significantly contributed to the enduring popularity of the sport-chic style. For Bell & Ross, the decision to adapt their urban and sporting BR 05 watch to this style was a natural and obvious choice.

Bell & Ross has always defined its own aesthetic. The new BR 05 Grey Steel & Gold chrono perfectly embraces this distinct character by combining materials and colours.

The white hands and indexes, coated with luminescent material, further enhance the contrasts and the play of light, while ensuring perfect legibility of the hour, minute, second, date and chronograph functions. A notable detail is that the profile of the winding crown and chronograph pushers form a continuous line extending into the case, providing an additional elegant touch.

The BR 05 Chrono Grey Steel & Gold adopts a very contemporary watchmaking feature, namely the integration of the steel bracelet into the case. “Case and bracelet are one. This type of design evokes a style of watches that appeared in the 1970s. When transposed into the Bell & Ross aesthetic, it is possible to obtain a result where this is apparent, modern and visually striking”, emphasises Bruno Belamich, Creative Director at Bell & Ross, referring to a watch that is designed to be versatile and easy to read.

The rose-steel gold bracelet merges with the case creating a consistent whole. A black rubber strap can replace it, completely transforming the look of the watch and enhancing its sporting character. At the heart of the BR 05 family, the new Grey Steel & Gold is part of the range of chronographs and features the BR-CAL.326 self-winding mechanical movement. A well tried and tested device reworked by Bell & Ross watchmakers, this robust calibre shows great reliability and appreciable efficiency in all circumstances of modern life. Its rotor, visible through the glass caseback, is a finely skeletonised whole disc: a signature of Bell & Ross self-winding movements.

BR-X5 Black Titanium

Designed with a famously lightweight metal, the new BR-X5 Black Titanium elevates the urban collection of Bell & Ross. With a long history of use in aviation, titanium has also won its spurs in contemporary fine watchmaking.

Lightweight, comfortable, and resilient, this high-tech material offers a style all its own, with an understated colour. Assembled around a waterproof container which protects the manufacture movement, the 41mm case is hollowed out and made of titanium, making it lighter and more comfortable. Like every watch in the BR-X5 collection, the new BR-X5 Black Titanium is powered by a manufacture movement which offers a power reserve of 70 hours.

“With its manufacture movement and sophisticated design, the BR-X5 has become an iconic watch for the brand and its watchmaking expertise”, emphasises Bruno Belamich, Bell & Ross Creative Director and co-founder. Style and performance reach new heights in the BR-X5 line.

Functionality takes centre stage. The indices are clear and precise in their readability. The dial houses a large date aperture at 3 o’clock, and a circular power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock. The indices and hands (other than the seconds) are covered with SLN X1 type white luminescent material, for optimal readability by both day and night. The minute indices are displayed on a flange. Every professional instrument watch developed by Bell & Ross is decidedly modern.

Titanium has an attractive distinctive colour that differs slightly from stainless steel and white gold. Weighing in a full third lighter than steel and boasting an extraordinary weight-to-strength ratio, titanium has many more remarkable intrinsic qualities, from being hypoallergenic to being highly resistant to corrosion. These properties are compounded by the X5’s sandwich type case, which is also designed to be lightweight and durable. With its titanium design, the technical, innovative BR-X5 is a contemporary expression of Bell & Ross’ watchmaking expertise.

If you love time and contemporary amazing designs, you should take a look at the wonders of watchmaking introduced by Bell & Ross. This highly regarded brand never ceases to impress us with its expertise, innovativeness, creativity and eye for all that’s outstanding.