As of 1am this morning, Bell & Ross have unveiled an exciting new model into their vast portfolio of “round-within-a-square” watches. Named the Bell & Ross BR-X5, this next generation urban timepiece retains the sporty chic, integrated architecture of the BR 05 but with the addition of a power reserve indicator on the dial, and more importantly, a manufacture movement housed inside.
“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 Case:
If we ignore the centrepiece dial, the Bell & Ross BR-X5 watch appears just like that of the BR 05 watch first launched back in 2019. With flat surfaces, integrated bracelets and rounded square bezels, the BR 05 watches set its sights on those with a love of luxury integrated sports watches, destined for the wrists of those with an active, urban lifestyle. The same can be said for the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 watches which opt for a multicomponent case for durability, purity and lightness. The stainless steel or grade 2 titanium black DLC carbon-like architecture measures to 41mm wide and is built around a watertight container for keeping the central manufacture movement protected. As such, we’re warranted a water resistant rating of 100 metres.
Other elements of the Bell & Ross BR-X5 case include a satin-finished knurled crown a 3 o’clock protected by two crown guards machined by the same block as the case, round sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective treatment and a square bezel secured by the iconic four screws at each corner. The steel cases opt for a combination of polished, satin-finished and microblasted finishes for different levels of shine, adding to the urban-esque style of the timepiece. The integrated stainless steel bracelet also boasts its own set of finishes, completed by a folding buckle for easy application. You can also order each of the Bell & Ross BR-X5 watches on an open-worked rubber strap which mimics the links of the bracelet. The Bell & Ross BR-X5 Carbon Orange watch is currently only available on a orange rubber band.
The Dial:
Alongside the manufacture movement that we’ll get onto shortly, the other main novelty of the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 watch is the dial. It is distinctively busier than the dials of the time-only BR 05 models with a large curved date aperture at 3 o’clock and a rounded power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock which clearly states the movement’s power reserve of 3 days. The power reserve indicator is also nicely divided into three parts so you can monitor your watch’s autonomy, with the last part of its reserve highlighted in red. These two features plus the lack of Arabic numerals on the watch face gives the Bell & Ross BR-X5 a completely new identity, one that feels more technical compared to its BR 05 counterpart.
As with all Bell & Ross watches, the new BR-X5 collection ensures complete legibility with all the hardware coated in glow in the dark Superluminova. The long applique metal indexes for the hour markers are engineered from rhodium plating and filled with grade X1 Superluminova. The same glow in the dark material fills the metal skeletonised hands for the hours and minutes. The seconds hand is kept bare in silver. Surrounding the dial is a slanted flange for displaying the minutes. As it stands, there are currently three Bell & Ross BR-X5 dial colours for you to choose from: a classic black dial, a crisp icy blue dial and a carbon orange dial. The latter is a limited edition while the others are part of the core collection.
The Movement:
Typically modifying Sellita and ETA movements for their luxury watch collections, it’s a real surprise to see Bell & Ross utilise a manufacture movement for the Bell & Ross BR-X5 watch. According to the Swiss watch manufacturer, it took several years of development to ensure the necessary aspects and fine-tuning were established for the manufacture movement which was eventually entrusted to Swiss movement specialist Kenisii. The movement, named the BR-CAL.323 calibre, is automatic winding and chronometer certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Control Body for accuracy.
The BR-CAL.323 manufacture movement also promises a frequency of 28,800vph, a power reserve of 70 hours, rapid date correction and a gorgeous, personalised oscillating weight which can be viewed through the sapphire crystal case back of each Bell & Ross BR-X5 watch. The design of the rotor is inspired by a sports car rim showcasing elegant, skeletonised detailing. Both the movement and the case are guaranteed for 5 years.
“While daring was the guiding principle throughout the creative stages, the notion of risk was banished from our vocabulary when it came to reliability and precision”, explains Bruno Belamich, Bell & Ross Creative Director. The House adds a horological dimension to the BR 05 collection by equipping its new BR‑X5 with a manufacture movement designed by the Swiss specialist Kenissi. With the BR‑X5, we wanted to push back the technical and aesthetic limits”.
Price & Availability
The entire Bell & Ross BR-X5 watch collection launches today and is available to order on the Jura Watches website here. The non-limited black and icy blue models retail at £5,990 on the rubber strap and £6,500 on the bracelet. Meanwhile, the Bell & Ross BR-X5 Carbon Orange watch is a limited edition.
If you’d like to learn more about the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 watches and shop the full collection for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website or get in touch with our team of luxury watch specialists. You can call us on 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
