With the introduction of its BR-01 model in 2005, Bell & Ross took flight with its graphic, cockpit-inspired design language, translated into the brand’s signature circle-within-a-square geometry. In 2019, the brand ventured into less military, more urban terrain with its BR-05, a luxury integrated sports watch. As with the transition from the BR-01 to the BR-X1, the sporty-chic BR-05 was soon joined in 2022 by the more powerful and technical BR-X5, powered by a Kenissi manufacture movement. Featuring a central, watertight case housing the movement, the modular, multi-part construction allows for more dynamic combinations of high-tech materials. For Geneva Watch Days, the BR-X5 returns in a more monochromatic guise, with a stainless steel case and a grey meteorite dial.
Robust to the core, the complex 12-part sandwich construction is assembled around a 100-metre water-resistant container protecting the manufacture movement. The signature square bezel and sapphire glass are fixed to two plates to form the top and bottom of the case, secured with four screws. Measuring 41 mm across, the thickness remains unchanged at 12.8mm but is visually attenuated on both sides of the case with hollowed-out areas. Fitted with powerful crown guards, the case flanks and guards are also hollowed to reduce bulk.
The dial of the BR-X5 features a slice of Muonionalusta meteorite. This iron meteorite crashed in northern Sweden about 1 million years ago and is estimated to be around 4.5 billion years old. Hidden beneath the permafrost, the meteorite was discovered in 1906. Like other examples of this iron meteorite, every fragment is unique thanks to the intriguing Widmanstätten patterns formed when the molten metal cools over millions of years. However, unlike many watch dials that incorporate a thin sliver of space rock, this dial is machined directly from solid meteorite without a brass base. It is coated with a thin PVD layer to preserve its natural appearance.
Framed by a sloping outer flange with a 60-minute ring, the dial maintains the layout of earlier models. True to its aviation-inspired heritage, the triple-date aperture at 3 o’clock emulates an altimeter gauge. The circular power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock, with its graphic bar, tracks the level of the 3-day fuel tank. The bathtub-style rhodium-plated hands and indices are filled with white Super-LumiNova, emitting a blue glow. The automatic BR-CAL.323, a proprietary Bell & Ross movement produced by Kenissi, is COSC-certified, operates at 4Hz and delivers a robust 70-hour power reserve.
The watch is available on an integrated steel bracelet or a sportier black rubber strap. It is a limited edition of 250 pieces. Price to be confirmed. More information at bellross.com.