Bell & Ross Takes a Hedonistic Pause with the BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont

BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont

For its fourth special edition inspired by the world of cigars, Bell & Ross enters into an unprecedented partnership with the French maison S.T. Dupont, renowned for its lighters and smoking accessories. Presented in an exceptional case and accompanied by a cigar cutter and a lighter, the 150 pieces of the new BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont capture the spirit of epicureanism associated with the cigar world, with exclusive brown, gold, and steel finishes that are highly evocative. A specialist in professional instrument watches, Bell & Ross allows itself a hedonistic pause with its new BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont.

The Connoisseur’s Watch

Bell & Ross Takes a Hedonistic Pause with the BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont - Cortina Watch — Credit: Bell & Ross

In the eyes of cigar enthusiasts, there are casual smokers and true connoisseurs. For these epicureans, the cigar is a gateway to olfactory and gustatory worlds as varied and rich as those of fine wines. From the meticulous selection of tobacco leaves to the composition of blends—without forgetting the careful hand-rolling of each cigar —the cigar universe is one of complexity, craftsmanship, and excellence. There are many parallels with watchmaking. Just like choosing a watch, enjoying a cigar—alone or with friends, in celebration or contemplation —is a lifestyle rooted in rituals and a sense of sharing. A philosophy that Bell & Ross fully embraces. The new BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont adopts the codes of the cigar world and boldly merges them with its urban BR-05 line, for the pleasure of connoisseurs.

A Watchmaking Signature with Amber Reflections

The BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont by Bell & Ross embodies an exceptional watchmaking interpretation of the cigarworld, where deep browns and golden highlights come together in a perfectly mastered aesthetic. This 42 mm automatic steel chronograph features a two counters dial, enhanced by a sunray brown finish with shifting reflections, evoking the depth and richness of noble materials. The gold-toned indices, numerals, and hands—enhanced with photoluminescent treatment—ensure optimal legibility in all conditions while harmonizing with the bezel and integrated steel bracelet. Alternatively, a gradient brown alligator-style leather strap adds a more organic, patinated sophistication. This piece belongs to a limited edition conceived as a complete work of art, echoing a matching S.T. Dupont cigar cutter and lighter—true extensions of an exclusive lifestyle.

The Heritage of Cigars Sublimated by Time

Inspired by the cigar universe, Bell & Ross’s Edición Limitada line celebrates the subtle alliance of gold and brown tones, signatures of refined elegance. It first appeared in 2006 with the BR Vintage 126 XL Edición Limitada, a sporty chronograph with complications, featuring a large date and annual calendar. Housed in a round rose gold case and limited to just 99 pieces, this exceptional watch was presented in a humidor case capable of holding 50 cigars. The collection continued in 2015 with the WW1 Edición Limitada, whose 42 mm round red gold case with delicate lugs paid tribute to early wristwatches. Its curved brown dial, full of warmth, reinforced its unique aesthetic. Also limited to 99 pieces, it was accompanied by a dedicated humidor for 50 cigars, once again affirming the collection’s roots in an exclusive lifestyle. More technical and contemporary, the 2022 BR-05 Chrono Edición Limitada expanded the appeal of this theme with 250 pieces featuring a color palette of brown, rose, and deep red —evoking the Maduro cigar, with its dark brown wrapper and red-and-gold band. This year, the BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont reignites the flame with 150 numbered pieces of this exceptional new Edición Limitada, created in collaboration with the French maison S.T. Dupont.

The Story of a Meeting Rooted in Craftsmanship

Carlos Rosillo, co-founder of Bell & Ross, and Alain Crevet, President of S.T. Dupont, never run out of topics when they meet. Epicureans and lovers of the art of living, the two entrepreneurs share a deep respect for fine craftsmanship. The synergy between the two French maisons is evident, with shared values between Bell & Ross’s watchmaking workshops—whether in Paris or Switzerland—and the Faverges manufacture in Haute-Savoie, where S.T. Dupont has been designing and producing lighters, accessories, pens, and leather goods since 1924. A specialist in lacquer technique—an ancient craft mastered by very few artisans in Europe—S.T. Dupont briefly entered the watchmaking world in the early 2000s before refocusing on its core expertise, particularly its iconic lighters. Mutually inspired by their shared pursuit of excellence, the two maisons naturally joined forces for this new addition to the Edición Limitada series—an association guided by craftsmanship and a distinctly French art de vivre.

An Exceptional Triptych Between Watchmaking and Cigars

Watch and cigar enthusiasts will be delighted by the precious presentation case accompanying the new BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont. Each of the 150 pieces is presented in an exclusive cigar box crafted from Macassar ebony, a prestigious and refined wood known for its striking finish and complexity to work with. On the lid, the emblems of Bell & Ross and S.T. Dupont symbolize their exclusive partnership. The interior is made of Spanish cedar, a noble and aromatic wood prized by connoisseurs for maintaining ideal humidity levels, enhancing tobacco preservation, and naturally repelling pests. The interior layout, convertible into a humidor for 50 cigars, showcases the BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont watch, flanked on the left by a Ligne 2 lighter with steel and gold finishes, engraved with both brands’ names and decorated with a gradient brown lacquer matching the watch dial and leather strap. On the right, a cigar cutter completes the set, its finishes perfectly harmonized with this exclusive triptych.