Quite possibly the coolest watch we have ever seen, Bell and Ross surprised us this week with the release of the new Bell and Ross BR 01 Laughing Skull. This slightly terrifying but undoubtedly cool design boasts an automaton movement which allows the mouth of the skull to move up and down as the watch is wound by the crown, giving it the illusion of laughter.
Bell and Ross have been designing skull watches before they were cool with the first BR 01 Skull watch launching in 2009 and the more recent Burning Skull in 2016. Two years later and the Swiss watch brand have taken it one step further by creating an incredible skull shaped automaton movement: the BR-CAL.206. The mechanism has been designed to fit the case of the Laughing Skull watch perfectly with the extension of the 4 bones moulding to the 4 bridges to anchor the main plate of the case together, allowing the skull design to float in the centre of the watch.
The 46mm case of the Bell and Ross BR 01 Laughing Skull watch is crafted from striking micro blasted steel that has been decorated with a ‘Clous de Paris’ finish – in other words a really cool guilloche pattern. The skull face itself is made from metal applique and it isn’t until you look closely that you can fully appreciate the extent of detail, and yet, it is the effect of the skull floating above the movement that really gives this timepiece a daring and almost magical finish.
The dial is outlined to create its very own skull shaped outer ring with a railroad style minute track to pair with the sword-shaped skeletonised hour and minute hands coated in Superluminova. Turn the Bell and Ross Laughing Skull watch over and we can see a clearer view into the excellently designed skull shaped movement through the clear case back. The movement is beautifully decorated with the Bell and Ross logo as well as darkened components to match the rest of the deadly design.
Just like the other Bell and Ross Skeleton watches, the Laughing Skull is a limited edition of 500 pieces and is destined to be a sell out when its released in July. As a powerful statement piece, it is going to be a a one of a kind addition to those collectors of Haute Horlogerie watches. For more information on the Bell and Ross BR 01 Laughing Skull watch and where to pre-order your own, click here.
Specifications: Bell and Ross BR 01 Laughing Skull Watch (BR01-SKULL-SK-ST)
- Movement: BR-CAL.206
- Functions: Hours and minutes, moving skull when wound by hand
- Case Size: 46mm
- Case Material: Micro blasted steel with ‘Clou de Paris’ design
- Dial: Applique metal skull with skeletonised Superluminova filled hour and minute hands
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Case Back: Exhibition
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Strap: Brown alligator leather or black rubber with micro blasted steel pin buckles
- RRP: £7,900
- Limited Edition: 500 pieces
- Release Date: July 2018
