Category: Bell and Ross Watches
BELL and ROSS BR 03 Diver
In 2017, Bell & Ross launched the BR03-92 Diver, bringing the “circle in a square” aesthetic to the underwater world. It was a proper dive watch with a rotating bezel and 300-metre depth rating, and it met the international standard ISO 6425 requirements. There are now five new models for 2024 that bring improvements such as upgraded mechanics, updated typography, enlarged indices, redesigned hands and adaptable straps. Both ceramic and steel cases are offered, although ceramic options like the BR 03-92 Diver Tara in Blue Ceramic have been available since 2019. Let’s take a closer look at the 2024 collection of the Bell & Ross BR 03 Diver.
The case dimensions remain as previous editions of the BR 03 Diver, at 42mm x 42mm with an approximate thickness of 12mm. This new collection comes in satin/polished stainless steel or black ceramic. The steel options feature three dial colours, black, blue and white, while the ceramic model has either a matte black or pale blue all Super-LumiNova dial. For the steel models, there’s a 60-minute unidirectional rotating bezel with colour-coordinated ceramic bezel inserts – black with the black and white dials, and blue with the blue dial. A detailed 15-minute scale is included for diving.
Larger applied indices and new arrow hour and minute hands have white Super-LumiNova inserts (pale green on the white dial) and a circular, dial-matching date window blends in well between 4 and 5 o’clock. The familiar arrangement of an exposed screw at each corner of the square case remains, while the screw-down crown is fully guarded and matches the bezel colour. Water resistance is again rated at 300 metres with ISO 6425 compliance.
The black ceramic models follow the same aesthetic as their steel counterparts, but with a stealthier vibe. The standout is the pale blue Super-LumiNova dial that glows in tandem with the indices and hands for maximum legibility in darkness. This was first seen in 2020 with full-lume ceramic BR 03 Diver models, although those were limited editions. All five models have AR sapphire crystals and solid casebacks secured via four screws. While the BR 03 Diver collection included bronze models as well in the past, like the BR 03-92 Diver Bronze introduced in 2018, this style hasn’t been renewed (yet). Straps are black textured rubber or black ultra-resistant synthetic canvas, with the blue steel model getting a matching blue strap.
Powering all of the new BR 03 Diver models is the Caliber BR-CAL.302-1 automatic, based on the Sellita SW300-1. It has 25 jewels, a beat rate of 28,800vph (4Hz) and an extended power reserve of 54 hours – an upgrade we’ve also seen on the classic BR 03 Collection update last year. Functions include central hours, minutes, hacking seconds and date. This is a proven workhorse and solid performer, and has been used with the entire BR 03 Diver collection.
BELL & ROSS BR 05 Black Ceramic
In watchmaking, lightweight and highly resistant ceramic has become a favourite material, embraced by most brands, such as Bell & Ross. Renowned for its extensive use in the aerospace industry, ceramic is a highly technical substance that aligns seamlessly with Bell & Ross’s design philosophy rooted in aviation. Inspired by aircraft instrument panels, the brand naturally gravitates towards offering timepieces crafted in ceramic, with a particular affinity for the distinctive aesthetic of black ceramic.
While black ceramic has been a staple in various B&R collections, it had yet to take centre stage in the BR 05 series, launched in 2019 and aimed to provide Bell & Ross enthusiasts with timepieces in the popular steel integrated bracelet sports category while retaining the signature design language of the iconic BR 03 collection. Now, we gladly introduce a trio of new and captivating models: BR 05 Black Ceramic, BR 05 Skeleton Black Ceramic, and BR 05 Skeleton Black Lum Ceramic, just unveiled at the Watches and Wonders 2024 event in Geneva.
As we anticipate the addition of models with various functions to the BR05 Black Ceramic line in the future, the models unveiled today consist of a time-and-date reference and two skeleton three-handers, sharing many common features.
The square case of the new BR05 Black Ceramic series measures 41mm in width and 11.2mm in thickness, slightly larger – by 1mm than other similar BR05 references in the collection. Bruno Belamich, the Creative Director and co-founder of Bell & Ross, elaborated on this decision. The black colour tends to visually shrink objects, prompting an adjustment in the case dimensions to maintain the pieces’ powerful presence.
The BR 05 Black Ceramic and BR 05 Skeleton Black Ceramic boast a combination of satin-finishing and polishing. At the same time, the BR 05 Skeleton Black Lum Ceramic flaunts a matte surface achieved through sandblasted ceramic, offering a sportier and crisper appearance. All models feature a water resistance of 100m, a screw-down crown flanked by guards for protection, and sapphire crystal on both the front (with AR coating) and back. The dials mark the key distinctions among the three new references. The BR 05 Black Ceramic, featuring a time and date display, boasts a glossy black sunburst dial. Rhodium-plated skeletonized hands and baton indices, filled with white Super-LumiNova, emit a green glow in the dark. White-printed numerals accompany indices at 12, 6, and 9 o’clock, while the aperture at 3 o’clock showcases a white date on a black-coloured disc. The brand’s logo and indications of automatic movement and Swiss-made origin complete the dial-side information. In contrast, the BR 05 Skeleton Black Ceramic presents a transparent, black-tinted dial adorned with applied baton indices filled with Super-LumiNova. The 12 o’clock position features a double index. The hands maintain uniformity across the series – skeletonized and luminescent for hours and minutes and rhodium-plated for seconds. Through the dial, rhodium-plated movement components discreetly peep out, preserving Bell & Ross’s favoured stealth-like aesthetic.
Lastly, the BR 05 Skeleton Black Lum Ceramic’s semi-transparent dial is crafted from black smoked sapphire crystal. The applied indices are treated with C5 Super-LumiNova, appearing green in daylight and low-light conditions. The rhodium-plated skeletonized hands receive a touch of the same high-shine green luminescent material, ensuring visibility in all lighting environments. For timekeeping, the time-and-date BR05 Black Ceramic utilizes the automatic calibre BR-CAL.321 (based on the Sellita SW-300) with approximately 54 hours of power reserve. The oscillating weight, adorned with decorative elements, is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. On the other hand, the two Skeleton references employ the calibre BR-CAL.322, boasting similar characteristics, including 54-hour autonomy and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour.The BR 05 Black Ceramic and BR 05 Skeleton Black Ceramic are permanent additions to the collection. They come with an integrated matching bracelet and a black rubber strap, each secured with a steel folding buckle. In contrast, the BR 05 Skeleton Black Lum Ceramic is a limited edition of 500 pieces and exclusively features an integrated black matte ceramic bracelet. Pricing details are yet to be confirmed and will be updated during the W&W fair (expect starting prices of about 6K euros).
BELL and ROSS BR 03 Cyber Ceramic
Bell & Ross has transformed one of its cornerstone collections, the BR 03, into an ultra-modern, angular, black-on-black stealth machine that is reminiscent of early aughts super watches, yet not far off from the BR 03’s signature look. The BR 03 Cyber Ceramic combines the utilitarian, cockpit instrumentation look of the BR 03 collection with the Cyber collection’s graphic, futuristic codes. The result is a 3-dimensional interpretation of the signature square case, but with more and thicker angles and sharp edges, creating extra depth and a multi-level architectural construction.
Every line and edge of the case and skeletonized movement are faceted, which Bell & Ross says is a direct homage to the brand’s aeronautical roots and cockpit-instrumentation aesthetic. The faceting “evokes the powerful design of stealth aircraft, with their sharp-edge fuselages boasting the technical feature of reflecting waves,” says Bell & Ross co-founder and creative director Bruno Balamich. “This is how spy planes, drones and strategic bombers become undetectable to radars.” He adds, “The faceting on the lines is a nod to the digital arts. When a digital image freezes, it reveals the pixels of which it is made.”
The dial is openworked to display the inner workings of the time-only, automatic movement, BL-CAL.383, the special feature of which is that it is skeletonized in 3D form. It is treated in a matt black finish. The large (42mm x 43.7mm) case is made of black ceramic, a near indestructible material that is difficult to machine into these angles. The black rubber strap has been fully integrated into the case in a seamless design that eliminates the need for lugs, so despite its large size, the watch hugs the wrist. Metallic indexes and logos are printed underneath the sapphire crystal.
The new BR 03 Cyber Ceramic limited edition watch by Bell & Ross boasts a unique technical and stylistic expression that looks to the future. The idea was to transform the design of the iconic BR 03 line without distorting everything behind the strength and identity of one of the Maison’s cornerstone collections. This exclusive timepiece combines the emblematic BR 03 design with the Cyber collection’s graphic and futuristic codes. For this, Bell & Ross’ co-founder and Creative Director, Bruno Belamich, worked on redefining reality with faceted 3D designs.
The personality of a watch is expressed through the lines making up its case. The new BR 03 Cyber Ceramic’s unique quality lies in its faceting, which immediately evokes the powerful design of stealth aircraft, with their sharp-edged fuselages boasting the distinctive technical feature of reflecting waves.
In creating a watch inspired by stealth design, Bell & Ross transposes the readability of flight instruments to the wrist with a graphic edge. Pushing the concept of stealth invisibility further, Bell & Ross has chosen to openwork the dial and main components on the mechanical self-winding movement, the BR-CAL.383 calibre, with particularly spectacular 3D skeletonizing.
BELL & ROSS BR 05 Artline Dragon
When it comes to the Chinese zodiac, there are some signs which are easy to celebrate and others which aren’t – take that from someone born in the Year of the… erm, Rat. If you’re involved in something more glamorous, like the Year of the Dragon, it’s much easier to make a song and dance about it.
That’s exactly what we’re about to move into, and it has spawned a lot of inspiration among the watch industry. We’ve seen new releases from TAG Heuer, as well as a five watch collection from Swatch.
Now, Bell & Ross are joining the fray. Their new BELL & ROSS BR 05 Artline Dragon takes inspiration from the dragon design with a laser engraved case and bracelet. That’s not a random choice, either. Engraving as a practice has been part of Chinese culture for more than a millennium, and this is designed to pay homage to that.
For the BELL & ROSS BR 05 Artline Dragon we’re looking at here, that means a painstaking process. Each individual piece of the case and the integrated bracelet is engraved before it is assembled.
And let’s be frank – this is likely to split opinions. The engraved case design is far from standard fare. I strongly suspect that will make around half of prospective users very excited, and the other half wince and grimace.
Whatever your opinion is, though, you won’t have long to hesitate. Limited to just 99 pieces, this watch is likely to sell out pretty quickly – even with a slightly eye-watering BELL & ROSS BR 05 Artline Dragon .
Personally, I’m a fan of this. Okay, are you going to wear it to that crucial once in a lifetime business meeting? Probably not. But let’s be serious – many of these are unlikely to see much wear anyway. Short limited runs like this will almost exclusively be snapped up to sit in a safe for 20 or so years.
But if you’re looking for a quirky piece to add some intrigue to your collection, this is a great option with a timely inspiration.
Bell and Ross BR-X5 Green Lum
Every so often, a watch brand will unveil a timepiece with a dial that’s entirely luminescent, such as the Citizen Promaster Full Lume Divers or the TAG Heuer Monaco Night Driver that came out earlier this year. This isn’t just practical for superb visibility at night but looks rather spectacular as well. However, a fully-lumed case? That’s a novelty that’s certainly unprecedented, but also a head-scratcher when it comes to construction. Well, Bell & Ross, whose BR-X5 Green Lum series launched in 2017 and has featured some fully-lumed dials in its own right, has now debuted a radical version of the BR-X5 Green Lum with a case that glows bright green. For starters, let’s look at the case composition, for which Bell & Ross has employed a luminescent fiberglass composite material called LM3D. This material sandwiches a DLC-finished micro-blasted grade 2 titanium in between for extra sturdiness. The top part of the composite also sports the titanium material for the bezel insert, screw-down crown, crown guard, and caseback. At 41mm, the case boasts 100m of water resistance and is integrated with the openworked rubber strap. While the case glows green at night, the matte black dial also features a nice dose of lume, including on the skeletonized hands, hour markers, and power reserve indicator subdial. Like the other BR-X5 Green Lum , there’s a wide date window at the 3 o’clock position and a minute track on the outer flange. Bell & Ross’ Kenissi-based BR-CAL.323 automatic movement powers the watch, which features a 70-hour power reserve and can be viewed through the exposition caseback.
I’ve long been on record as an appreciator and fan of the wilder designs from Bell & Ross. Few watch brands, in fact, have a wider design purview than B&R, which has fairly traditional aviation inspired watches at one end of the spectrum, bronze skull watches on the other, and their standard square case instrument watches right in the middle. The BR-X5 Green Lum series, an ongoing collection of watches that use luminescent material in a manner that can only be described as Maximalist, sits somewhere near the skulls, I think. Watch enthusiasts, of course, are notable in that we tend to love inventive applications of lume, but bold designs centered around the stuff still feel fairly niche. The new BR-X5 Green Lum takes the brand’s experiments with lume to a new level, giving the case itself the full lume treatment.
Bell & Ross BR 03-94 BLACKTRACK
The new BR 03-94 Blacktrack chronograph from Bell & Ross, in a limited edition of only 500 pieces, goes perfectly with the new Blacktrack BT-06 motorcycle, designed jointly by designer Sacha Lakic and Bell & Ross. More than a simple collaboration, it is the extension of a unique machine to a new Bell & Ross instrument watch. Power dressed in an ultra-graphic fairing. For its new instrument watch, Bell & Ross reconnects with its love of motorcycles and continues its exploration of dynamic forms. Inspired by the avant-garde lines of stealth aircraft, the new BR 03-94 Blacktrack chronograph watch matches perfectly with the Blacktrack BT-06 motorcycle, created jointly by Sacha Lakic and the watch brand’s designers.
Some designers are truly gifted. From automotive and industrial design to interiors, architecture, furniture and even bicycles and scooters, for Sacha Lakic, nothing can stop inspiration. Sacha Lakic expresses his talent in many creative fields: furniture design with the Bubble sofa, an emblematic piece of Roche Bobois, urban furniture with Stay Concrete, and even designer furniture for dogs and cats for Bogarel, the brand that he co-founded. But speed and movement remain at the heart of the designer’s work. At the origin of the style of exceptional Venturi electric vehicles, Sacha Lakic has received several awards for his daring creations. His concepts are at the origin of several extraordinary motorcycles, notably for the French brand Voxan, before diversifying and creating his own brand in 2016: Blacktrack.
« The goal is to create functional and passionate products that give their owners pleasure and arouse emotions. Blacktrack creates that rare feeling that emanates from an extraordinary encounter between performance and form, color and distinctive design », Explains Sacha Lakic. This approach is directly manifested in its cafe racers and, more recently, in the launch of a range of accessories lifestyle.
It’s no secret that Bell & Ross is intrinsically linked to aeronautics. But fans of the brand are also aware of its forays into the world of motorcycles over the past ten years. This exciting adventure combining design, technique and performance began in 2011, when Bell & Ross teamed up with Shaw Harley-Davidson to create a unique motorcycle: The Nascafe Racer Bell & Ross. Among its notable features, the special BR 01 Carbon watch inserted in the center console, like an on-board tool. In 2014, Bell & Ross paid creative homage to the golden age of two-wheel speed records with the spectacular B-Rocket. Inspired by the first jet planes designed in the United States, the concept bike was created with engineers from Shaw Harley-Davidson. The B-Rocket directly inspired Bruno Belamich, creative director of Bell & Ross, to create two instrument watches: the BR 01 chronograph and its little sister, the BR 03 B-Rocket. In 2023, the BR 03-94 Blacktrack opens a new chapter in this fascinating and daring saga. At the heart of the project, the idea of a motorcycle fairing inspired by the facets of stealth aircraft, with the desire to create a machine with flat and angular surfaces. Once again, Bell & Ross’ iconic design is manifested in a surprising way with the new BR 03-94 Blacktrack chronograph, featuring a 42mm case in matte black ceramic, water-resistant to 100 meters. Its appearance is always inspired by the world of aeronautics. This creative source is also found in certain design elements of the Blacktrack BT-06 motorcycle, whose faceted angles directly reference the technical design of stealth aircraft. Bikers will immediately notice the black calfskin strap inspired by the engine, hemmed with a red edge and lined with a high-strength technical material. The strap fastens with a black PVD-coated steel pin buckle, while the quilting of the strap itself is a nod to motorcycle seat covers and riders’ overalls. Innovative and iconoclastic, the new dial of the BR 03-94 Blacktrack takes on the appearance of a dashboard. Bell & Ross is known for transposing the precision of cockpit instruments to the wrist. For the first time, the counters of this chronograph adopt the very specific design of motorcycle handlebar dials. The link with motorcycle instrumentation is obvious. In the red tone of a gauge, the chronograph’s 30-minute totalizer is immediately readable. The dial has a subtle detail: the superposition of the chronograph seconds hand, off-center, on the minute hand creates the “B” of the Blacktrack. This faceting work is also found on the bezel which, seen from above, has an octagonal shape. With a subtle contrasting mix of gray and black, remarkable on the numbers, all the information is present and readable on a dial that leans towards dark tones, decorated with an openwork cooling grid. On the flange and indexes, the typography of the numbers is carefully worked. The indexes are treated with Super-LumiNova
, as are the skeletonized hands. To mark the link between Bell & Ross and motorcycles, the BR 03-94 Blacktrack chronograph can be inserted in the center of the motorcycle console, thus allowing the instrument watch to move from the wrist to the dashboard: symbiosis between the two machines is complete. Like all Bell & Ross watches, the BR 03-94 Blacktrack does not stop at the finesse of the aesthetic execution. Above all, it is an instrument watch designed to be precise, readable, functional and reliable. A focus on performance and reliability is at the heart of this collaboration. Thus, the design is equipped with a beautiful motorization: at the heart of this contemporary and sporty timepiece is the BR-CAL.301 self-winding mechanical movement. Caliber with refined finishes and a 42-hour power reserve, it allows the display of hours, minutes, seconds and date, as well as chronograph functions. It perfectly meets the performance of the 1,200cc that equip the Blacktrack motorcycle. Efficiency meets personality.
BELL & ROSS BR03 Replica
We’ve told the story of Bell & Ross many times, and most of you will be familiar with its most emblematic watch, the BR Instrument. A circle within a square, a watch directly modelled after dashboard instruments found in antique military aeroplanes, this watch (and all variations) is the brand’s icon. Recognizable among all is the BR 03 (the smaller version of the BR 01, which has become the standard model), which has been around for more than 15 years now. It was about time to give it a slight update. But with such a cult status, it had to respect some codes. Let’s find out about the updated Bell & Ross BR 03 Collection in this article and our video above. Bell & Ross was founded in 1992 as a university project by two friends: Bruno Belamich (the Bell in the name) and Carlos Rosillo (the Ross in the name). The initial idea was to create instrumental pieces inspired by everything military – special forces, diving commandos, air forces and field action in general. The first watches were made with German manufacturer Sinn and quickly gained recognition from civilian enthusiasts and military personnel. But the real turning point in the brand’s history occurred in 2005, with the creation of a watch that would become the emblem of Bell & Ross BR 03 , the BR 01 Instrument.
It was the brand’s declaration of independence, a watch with its own design and identity. A key watch for Bell & Ross, it gave the brand international exposure. The main reason for the success of this watch lies in the simplicity of its design. Unique and easily recognizable, it is permeated with military roots. The distinctive design came from transferring the shape of vintage dashboard instruments from a plane to the wrist. This no-nonsense design made it into a wristwatch with the now-emblematic circle within a square, held by 4 functional screws (one in each corner) and an extremely legible dial in the centre. Soon after, the imposing BR 01, with a 46mm width, gave birth in 2006 to a smaller version, the 42mm BR 03, which has now become the cornerstone of the collection, derived in dozens of versions, even some directly inspired by the display of dashboard instruments. With more than 15 years of existence, this design is getting a discreet but welcome update in 2023 with the new Bell & Ross BR 03 Collection. Rest assured, the emblematic, instantly recognizable shape and the military and aviation inspirations are still at the heart of the watch. But it’s been lightly revamped to make it even more attractive.
First of all, the new collection respects the original canons of the watch: it still has a square case with a perfectly round dial under a flat sapphire crystal, it is still secured by 4 screws, and it still has one of the purest and most legible dials in the industry. However, some changes have been made to make the BR 03 slightly more appealing without denying its military roots. First, the case is now 41mm x 41mm, meaning it’s now 1mm smaller. And considering that a square watch has more presence than a round watch with an identical width, every millimetre counts. More subtle changes have been made to the case. The lugs, for instance, are now 4mm in width, compared to 4.5mm in the past. Also, they have a new faceted profile, which brings more curvature towards the wrist. In the same vein, the rounded corners have a slightly larger radius, and the lateral bevels on the side of the case and the bezel are much larger than before for more depth. The case retains its comfortable 100m water resistance, with a solid back and a sapphire crystal on top. The small changes can be felt, and the watch wears slightly smaller and sits more comfortably on the wrist. The design is more refined, thanks to more rounded corners and larger bevels (polished on the steel models). More importantly, the rubber strap has been redefined, with a narrower profile and a more tapering effect at the buckle, again increasing comfort.
Following this evolution, the new Bell & Ross BR 03 only bears very light changes on its ultra-legible dial. Mainly, the hour hand is slimmer, while the tracks and numerals are slightly more pronounced. Thanks to high-contrast matte dials and the generous use of Super-LumiNova, time is visible at a glance in all situations. The date window at 4h30 will remain a point of debate; we think the watch could do without it.
The BR 03 new generation is presented as a complete collection of eight references. It comprises three classic black ceramic case models – Black Matte with white numerals, Phantom with a full-black look, numerals and hands included, and Heritage with a retro look. The three classic steel versions are back too, with the Black Steel, Blue Steel and Golden Heritage models, respectively, with black, blue and brown dials. Also, Bell & Ross introduces two new models. First is the BR 03 Copper with a galvanized brushed dial, engraved black numerals and indexes that give it further depth. It has blue metallic hands, a steel case and a brown strap. The second is the Bell & Ross BR 03 Military Ceramic, with a black ceramic case and a khaki green dial, as the most military inspired model of the collection. Last but not least, Bell & Ross also updates the movement with an upgraded calibre 302. It uses the latest innovations of Sellita with an extended power reserve of 54 hours versus 38 hours in the past and is based on the Swiss manufacturer’s SW300 architecture. All in all, the new Bell & Ross BR 03 collection isn’t a revolution. And this is exactly why it is a clever move. It would not have been clever to dramatically alter a watch with such a recognizable design. Instead, gradual evolutions to bring slightly better specifications and refined design feel like the best solution to ensure the BR 03 retains its emblematic status over the years.
Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono Green Steel
In September 2019, Paris-based Bell & Ross debuted its most ambitious watch in years: the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono Green Steel. The BR 05 (BR05) was ambitious because, for the first time, Bell & Ross was producing a watch simply designed to look and feel good, as opposed to needing inspiration from a particular world of sport or activity (such as flying, racing, or diving). The BR 05’s development was fueled by popular watch collector demand for easy-to-wear steel watches that came on integrated steel bracelets, and in some ways, it shared an aesthetic with watches that came before it. That said, the Bell & Ross BR 05 is most inspired by the past work of Bell & Ross itself. The amazing watch is among the most satisfying I’ve worn in a while — and then Bell & Ross decided to come out with the Chronograph version in the BR 05 Chrono. Today, I review the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono Green Steel reference BR05C-BU-ST/SRB in steel with a deep metallic blue dial and matching blued rubber strap. I will readily admit I was reluctant to review a watch so specifically designed to fit on a bracelet… on a strap. I’m actually really glad I did. While it can be particularly satisfying to review a watch such as the BR 05 on the companion bracelet that is designed to go with it, there are times when life doesn’t get any better than a supple rubber strap. Bell & Ross debuted the BR 05 Chrono (on aBlogtoWatch here) about a year after the original three-hand BR 05 models came out. The BR 05 Chrono has the same 42mm-wide steel case, but it is a little bit thicker on account of the automatic chronograph movement. The automatic is, indeed, a bit larger of a watch as compared to the three hand-model, but when worn snug it is very comfortable, and the case proportions are lovely.
Speaking of the case, the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono Green Steel itself is a thing of beauty that takes the square case look of the Bell & Ross BR 01, then softens it and gives it fancier polished angles and surfaces for the BR 05. It’s the Gerald Genta watch Bell & Ross made — that simple. As a tool watch, the BR 05 is still pretty competent, even if it is designed for lifestyle appeal. The case is beefy and water-resistant to 100 meters, with a screw-down crown and a sapphire crystal over the dial. The side of the case has an attractive crown and chronograph pusher guard, and the dial legibility is very good, overall. I particularly like the design of the two subdials, whose shapes mimic that of the BR 05 case itself. Bell & Ross chose a bit of style of functionality for the dial of the BR 05 Chrono, on account of the fact that the hour-counter chronograph register has been removed, even though the movement offers a full 12-hour chronograph. This means the base Swiss Made ETA 2894-2 automatic movement (which Bell & Ross calls its calibre BR-CAL.301) is outfitted to have a 30-minute chronograph, along with the time and a round date window located between 4 and 5 o’clock on the dial. Through the rear of the watch you can admire the movement, which has been perlage-decorated for use in the BR 05 Chrono watches and given a custom Bell & Ross wheel spoke-style automatic rotor. This latter design element is a bit random, even though it does tie into the larger DNA of the Bell & Ross brand. The movement operates at 4Hz with about two days of power reserve.
Returning to the watch dial, I really admire how Bell & Ross skillfully played with levels and materials. The combination of slightly recessed subdials, applied hour markers, and the sloped flange ring gives the BR 05’s dial a welcome and handsome sense of depth. While you can opt for a more classic black-dial version, this blue-dial version of the BR 05 Chrono further delights with the dynamic way the dial color plays with the light and goes from deep midnight to glossy ocean blue. One of the interesting surprises when wearing the BR 05 case on the available (and lower-priced) rubber strap is how much I like it — not only how it feels but how it looks. Visually, the lack of a bracelet actually enhanced visual attention to the case, while also emphasizing its squareness and unique looks. It all sort of blends together when on the matching steel bracelet. Thus, wearing a Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono Green Steel on a strap or a bracelet makes for an entirely different style experience. There is also the matter of simple comfort. The tapering rubber strap is closed with a comfortable fold-over steel push-button deployant clasp. This combination of elements makes for extremely comfortable wearing experiences, as proven to the watch industry by Hublot. Now Bell & Ross has built a product that not only has an available Gerald Genta-style bracelet but also a luxury sports watch rubber strap option. Good for Bell & Ross — because this wearing experience is not really found elsewhere at these price points.
Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono A523
For the first time, Swiss watchmaker Bell & Ross celebrates their partnership with the Alpine F1 racing team with their urban-inspired BR 05 watch collection. The brand has elected the chronograph variant of the sports watch, combining its integrated architecture with the blue livery of the motorsport team. Meet the new Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono A523 watch…
Bell & Ross is best known for its association with aviation, creating cockpit instruments and pilot’s watches for military personnel. In more recent years however, the luxury watch brand has begun making their mark within the world of motorsport. They originally announced a partnership with the Renault F1 racing team back in 2016 and in turn released several special edition and limited edition watches in collaboration with the team. Then in 2021, the Renault F1 squad changed its name to the Alpine A1 team and so a whole new set of Bell & Ross A521 watches were launched. Over the last two years, the collection has continued to grow with each design boasting the bold blue attire as seen on the Alpine team’s attire. For the first time however, the collection introduces a design based upon Bell & Ross’ popular BR 05 integrated sports watch.
David Gendry, VP Sponsoring, Partnerships and Communications at Alpine speaks on the partnership: “When it comes to our partnership with Bell & Ross, our philosophy is one of style and performance. We work in a high-pressure environment where precision and performance are essential to deliver results. Wearing a Bell & Ross watch is not only a constant reminder of our goals, but also an integral part of how we achieve them: through precision, punctuality and reliability”.
Bruno Belamich, Co-founder and Creative Director of Bell & Ross, also adds: “This year, the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono A523 watch completes the series of Alpine timepieces, subtly adopting its colour code while perfectly meeting the needs of the team’s drivers. But beyond style and colourways, above all, we are designing a tool that serves the driver: an ally at all times… The choice of chrono movement meets the needs of Team Alpine, who are of course measuring speed and sports performance. Bell & Ross conveys the Alpine identity in each of its designs through the colour code and logo.”
The Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono A523 watch fulfils much of the same specification as previous BR 05 Chrono watches, reaffirming its sporty chic nature with a 42mm stainless steel case with integrated lugs and straps, a rounded square bezel and a flat chronograph pushers. The steel architecture presents alternate polished and satin-finished surfaces for elegant reflections of light and features a screw in crown with large crown guards and a screw down sapphire crystal exhibition case back for a 100 metre water resistant rating. The case also lies at 14.25mm in height.
It’s predominantly the dial of the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono A523 watch where the newness takes place. The dial is generously adorned in electric blue accents to honour the livery of the racing team. A blue tachymeter scale is added around the edge of the smooth black dial to pair with blue hands for the central chronograph seconds and 30 minutes totaliser. The two subsidiary dials for the small seconds and 30 minutes chronograph counter are outlined in recessed silver tracks, blending nicely together with the large silvered Arabic numerals and central hours and minutes hands with added Superluminova. Additional references to the Alpine F1 racing team are included to the central chronograph hand with its A-shaped counterweight and beneath the lettering for “Automatic Chronograph” at 6 o’clock, where the French flag is incorporated.
Powering the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono A523 watch is the self-winding mechanical BR-CAL.326 calibre with hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock, central chronograph seconds, 30 minutes counter at 3 o’clock and date functions. It also delivers 25 jewels, a frequency of 28,800vph and a power reserve of 38 hours. The Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono A523 watch is completed by the iconic BR 05 integrated bracelet or a black calfskin leather strap with sporty blue stitching and lining. Both straps are completed by satin-polished stainless steel folding buckles.
The Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono A523 watch is limited to 500 pieces and retails at £6,100 on the leather strap and £6,500 on the metal bracelet. You can learn more about this new release and order both models on the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at
Bell & Ross BR 03 Cyber Rainbow
For the 10th edition of Only Watch on November 2023 in Geneva, French luxury watchmaker Bell & Ross is bringing along an eye-popping variation of its iconic BR 03 timepiece, the Bell & Ross BR 03 Cyber Rainbow. I don’t believe I have seen a BR 03 this colorful before.
The Cyber Rainbow is an audacious, unique, and unique innovative timepiece that brings a multicolored take to an original and futuristic design exclusively for the 2023 edition of Only Watch.
The Bell & Ross BR 03 Cyber Rainbow for Only Watch 2023 features a full 3D skeleton movement and an oscillating weight. The bridges, which are made from DLC micro-blasted metal, boast pockets filled with varnish while the micro-blasted metal hands are enhanced with white SLN for optimal legibility.
It has a unique black DLC titanium case with colored varnished pieces, “meticulously applied using a specialized process” and is paired with a rubber strap that has been varnished with a soft and colored material.
This unique strap design together with the case creates a consistent mosaic pattern that seemingly emanates out from the center of the watch. Colorful does not quite resonate with futuristic but in the case of the Bell & Ross BR 03 Cyber Rainbow it kind of does. Speaking of the center of the watch, it has color bridges with the same mosaic pattern.
For this one-of-a-kind timepiece, a specially developed caliber is responsible for the clockwork that features a self-winding system that provides a reliable power reserve of 48 hours.
The Bell & Ross BR 03 Cyber Rainbow will be auctioned off at the 10th edition of Only Watch which will take place on November 05, 2023, at 2 PM (CET), in Geneva. I honestly don’t know what’s going on with this watch but I don’t think that matters. Aimed at November’s Only Watch auctions, this wild, rainbow BR 03 features a skeletonized movement and a completely rainbowed-out face and band. The band itself has color embedded into it to minimize the transition between the case and the band.