Jewellery & Watch News
Bell & Ross combine the bold stylings of their BR-X1 with the urban nature of the BR 05 to launch the brand new Bell & Ross BR-X5 watch collection. Boasting a new manufacture movement, a technical dial and the iconic integrated bracelet, these 2022 releases are set to be another flagship for the Swiss watch brand.
Since 1992, Bell & Ross have celebrated the precision, power and beauty within aviation by creating their own range of pilot and military-inspired watches. One of their most significant launches was, and still is, the BR 01 which with its “circle-within-a-square” aesthetic revives the stylings of dashboard instruments. Shortly after, the BR 03 watch arrived followed by a series or BR-X1 watches - the “X” in the name indicating experimentation. The Bell & Ross BR-X1 watches stand out from others in the portfolio for their muscular profiles and highly technical, often skeletonised dials. Then in 2019, Bell & Ross took a step away from their aviation heritage and created a range of urban-inspired watches called the BR 05. Characterised by their integrated bracelets and refined lines, Bell & Ross BR 05 watches have felt very much at the centre of the brand’s attention with the majority of their latest releases fitting into the family. Now, combining the integrated architecture of the BR 05 with the masculine, technical personality of the BR-X1, we’re welcomed to a whole new line-up of Bell & Ross BR-X5 watches.
“The BR‑X5 originates from the BR 05, which originates from the BR 01, which originates from the cockpit”, explains Bell & Ross. “This aeronautical heritage, a direct link between the past and the present, translates into the letter X, a symbol of secrecy, experimentation and the future. With the BR‑X5, this avant-garde piece makes its entry into the permanent collection.”
The profiles of the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 watches are almost identical to those of the BR 05 with a square bezel fixed by four round screws at each corner, integrated bracelets and rubber straps and a well protected crown. The stainless steel cases come in a little larger at 41mm to match a 12.8mm height but there’s still the same round sapphire crystal glass on the dial side, an exhibition case back, and a 100 metre water resistance. The cases also present a combination of polished, brushed and matte treatments across the surface.
The most noticeable difference between the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 watch compared to the BR 05 is the dial. While the latter elected a significantly more classic display dressed in time-only, chronograph or GMT complications, the BR-X5 feature a triple-digit date window at 3 o’clock and a pleasing power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock for displaying the 3 day power reserve. The dial is currently available in two shades: a classic sunray-brushed black or a gorgeous sunray-brushed ice blue. There is also a Bell & Ross BR-X5 Carbon Orange watch, a limited edition of 500 pieces which pairs its own black display with a creative carbon fibre case and an orange rubber strap. For the classic black and ice blue models, their rubber straps are coloured in the same shade as their dials or you can elect our personal favourite, the integrated steel bracelet.
A dramatic addition to the Bell & Ross BR-X5 watches is a manufacture movement made by Kenissi. Calibre BR‐CAL.323 is a solid automatic movement with a 3-day power reserve, variable inertia balance, a transversal balance bridge and a frequency of 28,800vph. We’re also told it is COSC certified so you can expect a high rate of accuracy and it comes with a 5 year warranty. As previously mentioned, you can admire the movement and its Bell & Ross specific finishing through the sapphire crystal case back of each Bell & Ross BR-X5 watch.
If you’re as excited as us about the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 watch collection and you’d like to try one on for yourself, head over to the W Hamond website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01947 603330 or send us a message at info@whamond.com.
