Bell & Ross BR-X5 Black Steel automatic black dial steel bracelet 41 mm

From cockpit to wrist

Continuing Bell & Ross' aeronautical heritage and visual signature of the "round in the square," the BR-X5 adds a new chapter to the history of the BR 05 collection. "The BR-X5 comes from the BR 05, which comes from the BR 01, which comes from the cockpit," says the company. This aeronautical heritage, a direct link between the past and the present, is reflected in the letter X, a symbol of secrecy, experimentation and the future. With the BR-X5, this avant-garde aspect of the brand's history is now part of the permanent collection.

A bold new design!

At Bell & Ross, the Bauhaus precept that function defines design is never far away. In the genesis of the BR-X5, the quest for performance concerns both the mechanism and the case. Thus the architecture of the multi-component case favors purity and radicality, lightness and resistance.

The 41 mm wide case, made entirely of steel, is built around a waterproof container, a sort of central core that protects the manufacture movement. The crown guard is machined from the same block as the container. The square bezel with its round sapphire crystal, on the dial side, and the open back, on the movement side, are fixed on the two steel plates that form the top and bottom of the case. The plates-container-bezel-bottom assembly is kept watertight by the 4 screws that go through the thickness of the case, passing through 4 columns that reinforce the solidity of the construction.

This multi-layer assembly is discreet from the front, but takes on its full dimension when you look at the BR-X5 from the side. The hollowed-out architecture of the case middle jumps out: we then discover a technical construction that optimizes lightness without making any concessions on strength. The different finishes, polished, satin-finished and beaded, redefine the lines and surfaces of this watchmaking puzzle. A rubber ring highlights the bezel to enrich and personalize the case finish.

Of course, to consolidate its sporty-chic design, this BR-X5 is dressed with an integrated steel bracelet, which is securely fastened to the case to form a perfectly ergonomic whole. The articulation of the attachment links offers remarkable comfort when worn.

A Black Steel dial featuring new displays

The dial design of this BR-X5 optimizes information reading. The hours are marked by long metallic applique hour markers with a rhodium-plated outline and a center section filled with X1 grade SuperLumiNova® for optimal readability day or night. The flange houses the numerical minute indications.

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But that's not all! Its new caliber allows new functions to be displayed on the dial. The latter hosts a date window with a large opening positioned at 3 o'clock and a circular power reserve indicator at 9 o'clock. The latter, divided into three thirds, makes it possible to check the autonomy of the watch. These features offer a new face to the new BR-X5 and sign its visual identity.

Caliber BR-CAL.323: A Manufacture movement designed by Kenissi

"While audacity has been the guiding principle throughout the creative stages, the notion of risk is banished from our vocabulary when it comes to reliability and precision," explains Bruno Belamich, creative director of Bell & Ross. The company is adding a watchmaking dimension to the BR 05 collection by equipping its new BR-X5 with a manufacture movement designed by Swiss specialist Kenissi. With this new caliber, the brand seeks to push its technical and aesthetic boundaries.

In compliance with the specifications defined by Bell & Ross, several years of development will have been necessary to ensure the design, development and fine-tuning of the manufacture movement. Equipped with a customized oscillating weight and a variable inertia balance, the BR-CAL.323 caliber beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. This so-called "weekend proof" capacity means that the watch can be left on Friday evening and picked up again on Monday morning without having to be wound. Another asset of this manufacture movement lies in its quick date correction device that allows adjustment at any time, without altering the operation of the watch.

Of course, this brand-new caliber is visible through a large sapphire crystal caseback, allowing one to contemplate the operation of this exceptional movement, and in particular that of its customized weight with a design inspired by a sports car rim. The mechanism is also COSC certified, a first for the French brand.

With this new BR-CAL.323 manufacture caliber, the house values precision and reliability more than ever. Both the movement and the case are guaranteed for 5 years. Lovers of fine mechanicals will appreciate.

In brief:

• A sporty-chic design with an integrated bracelet
• A brand new Manufacture calibre developed by Bell & Ross and Kenissi
• COSC certification and a 5-year warranty