A Mechanical Architecture
Watchmaker Bell & Ross has become the specialist in aeronautical-inspired watches. However, some of its timepieces take off to other exciting worlds. In 2019, the brand launched the Bell & Ross BR 05, a new contemporary family that is evolving while maintaining the House’s DNA. Integrated strap and case come together in perfect harmony. This watch is for urban adventurers. The Skeleton collection, part of this family, has been a huge success since its introduction. With the open dial revealing its fascinating watch mechanism and details. 2019 marked the launch of the first all-steel Skeleton, which was followed by different variations: the Skeleton Blue in 2020, the NightLum in 2021 and the Skeleton Green in 2022.
The Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton once again updates its look with the golden hue of the dial. This new Golden version is both urban and chic. The skeletonised version of the sporty-chic Bell & Ross BR 05 collection sets the standard and adds a new colourful, refined and precious tone to the range. A jewel in the world of watchmaking but also in the world of design.
An Integrated Case
The 40 mm diameter steel case features the iconic “round within the square” design. The flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment is held by the satin-brushed steel bezel, which is fixed by four polished steel slotted screws. This ensures water resistance up to 100 metres. The case middle, discreetly underlined by two polished 45° bevels, is satin-brushed on both sides. The caseback is fitted with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal allowing the rear of the movement to be seen, with a particular emphasis on the 360° oscillating weight. This is a fine example of craftsmanship and design, since the whole timepiece does not exceed 5.45 mm in thickness.
A Transparent Dial
The reinforcement of the galvanised golden flange, diffuses an amber light, with honey reflections creating a voluptuous impression. To maximise the readability, the large numerals, household feature of Bell & Ross watches, give way to baton-shaped applique golden indexes. The skeletonised baton-shaped hands are coated with Grade X1 White 10 Super-LumiNova®, a substance with green luminescent emissions. Thanks to its translucent dial, this watch willingly reveals its mechanical mysteries. But it chooses to do so in a subtle way.
A Skeleton Movement
The centre of attention is the movement which appears transparently and through contrasting effects, under the coloured surface of the dial, which acts as a filter in photography… A watch mechanism that brings the timepiece to life. In line with the creative signature of Bell & Ross, the plate and the upper bridge of this movement, built in micro-blasted ruthenium, benefited from high precision work respecting an architectural and visionary plan. This original and modernist skeleton design voluntarily departs from Baroque decorative effects in favour of a linear and geometric approach.
“We started from a good movement to create a beautiful movement”, states Bruno Belamich, co-founder and Creative Director of Bell & Ross, detailing the finishes of the self-winding Swiss Made calibre BR-CAL.322.
Two Bracelets Available
The work of integrating the central link of the bracelet into the case is an additional indication of the level of technicality of this watch, as well as of its stylistic roots. “The integration of the bracelet into the case is carried out according to the brand’s codes while at the same time bringing another dimension to the watch: the first link is part of the case. This type of design has been a reference since the 1970s and when we transpose it to Bell & Ross, we obtain a result that is both obvious and ergonomic”, says Bruno Belamich.
The structure of this attachment system allows the Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton Golden to be presented either with a steel bracelet – the finishes of which are in direct harmony with the alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces of the case, and fitted with a folding clasp – or with a rubber strap whose amber colour blends with the golden hue of the dial. In all its combinations, the Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton Golden relies on homogeneity and consistency.
Urban Chic
With this specific skeletonised movement, the Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton Golden is aimed at fine watchmaking enthusiasts. Aesthetes attentive to design and to detail. They appreciate a form of pure beauty without any artifice. Intrinsically technical, as are all the watchmaking instruments developed by Bell & Ross, the BR 05 Skeleton Golden boasts a minimalist elegance to fit into the day-to-day of a modern lifestyle.
With this new Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton Golden, the House once again goes beyond the horological reinterpretation of technical instruments inspired by the world of aeronautics. With its proportions and its distinctive and contemporary lines, the Bell & Ross BR 05 collection offers a new reading of the complex equation between technique and aesthetics. This new timepiece is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces.
Discover the Bell & Ross collections online or at our boutiques at your nearest location.
