INTRODUCING: Bell & Ross BR-X5

More than just a spin-off of the urban-chic BR 05.

Launched in 2019, the BR 05 successfully added another dimension to Bell & Ross, departing from its line-up of timepieces heavily inspired by aviation instruments and the military to appeal to the modern, urban audience. With the collection’s fast-growing prominence, one would be forgiven for mistaking the new BR-X5 as merely another variant from the burgeoning collection. After all, the BR-X5 inherited much of the BR 05’s sporty good looks, characterised by an integrated bracelet, circular dial in a rounded square-shaped case, and four exposed screws occupying each corner of its bezel. Well, the BR-X5 is all of that and more.

For starters, Bell & Ross has adopted a more technical approach when creating the BR-X5’s 41mm steel case, elevating the geometric silhouette of the BR 05 with a multi-layer construction. When the watch is viewed from its side, one can clearly see that its case middle has a hollowed-out architecture that optimises the watch’s lightness. Machined from the same steel block as the crown guards, this solid core offers superior protection to the watch’s movement.

The core of the timepiece is sandwiched between its caseback and its square bezel, which is highlighted by a rubber ring. The entire assembly is secured by the four functional screws that pass through the watch via four columns, keeping it water-resistant to 100m. Giving the BR-X5 its signature look, the multi-part construction also enables the French brand to showcase different polished, satin-brushed and micro-blasted finishes, highlighting the distinctive lines of the timepiece.

The dial of the steel BR-X5, whether in black or ice blue, benefits from the urban aesthetic of the BR 05 and Bell & Ross’ aeronautical DNA. Fitted with Super-LumiNova-filled hands and indices that ensure legibility even in the dark, the dial features a sunray finish and an oversized date window at the 3 o’clock position that recalls analogue flight instruments, while on the other side of the dial, a three-day power reserve indicator signals the impressive engine running within.

For the first time, Bell & Ross has collaborated with esteemed mechanical manufacture Kenissi to design and produce an exclusive calibre for its watches. Created especially for the BR-X5, Calibre BR-CAL.323 is an automatic movement that is endowed with an approximately 70-hour power reserve, quick date correction mechanism, and variable inertia balance wheel that enhances its precision. Visible via a sapphire exhibition case back, Calibre BR-CAL.323 is also chronometer-certified by COSC. Demonstrating Bell & Ross’ confidence in the quality of the new movement, the BR-X5 comes with a five-year warranty, an impressive bump-up from the French brand’s two-year standard.

Lastly, if you think that the multi-part case of the BR-X5 offers endless possibilities in material combinations, Bell & Ross is already way ahead of you. Alongside the debut steel versions, it also comes in a special Carbon Orange edition seemingly inspired by motor racing. Limited to 500 pieces, its case combines micro-blasted, DLC-coated grade 2 titanium with matt carbon fibre and is paired with a sporty rubber strap in striking orange.

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