Bell & Ross BR-05 Blue Diamond Eagle 36mm

Contemporary and refined, the smallest BR-05 becomes precious with the BR-05 Blue Diamond Eagle 36mm, asserting a femininity that is both strong in character, symbolic, and dreamlike. Playing with contrasts, the latest addition to the BR-05 collection combines the geometric rigor of a square case with the delicacy of a round, jewellery-inspired dial recreating the Eagle constellation. Set against an aventurine sky, seven diamonds reproduce the exact position of each of the stars that trace the majestic silhouette of the eagle soaring across our summer nights.

The symbolism of the eagle

The sky has inspired dreams since the dawn of time. With their gaze turned toward the star-studded firmament, humans have populated it with dreamlike and legendary creatures. Recognizable by the three aligned stars that form the bird's head, the Eagle constellation (also called Aquila) can be observed in summer and early autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Altair (whose name comes from the Arabic al-nasr al-'ir, meaning "the flying eagle") is the brightest star in this constellation and one of the vertices of the Summer Triangle, which heralds the return of warm days. With its wings outstretched, the bird represents Zeus's eagle in Greek mythology. It connects the heavens and humankind and perfectly symbolizes the DNA of Bell & Ross, inspired by aeronautics. The diamond-set Eagle constellation represents Bell & Ross's signature: an elegant reference to the conquest of the skies, embodying power, freedom, and the ability to rise above.

A work of horological art

The new BR-05 36MM stands out as an exceptional creation: a watch with a singular character, precious by essence, whose sovereign elegance is revealed in every detail. Its symbolic, poetic, and almost dreamlike dimension makes it far more than a timepiece a true work of horological art," says Bruno Belamich, co-founder and Creative Director of Bell & Ross.

The creation of this celestial tableau demonstrates the craftsmanship of Bell & Ross artisans.

An aventurine starry dial

Aventurine glass, commonly referred to simply as aventurine, makes it possible to create fascinating dials. Used in precious watches, this material (not to be confused with the mineral aventurine, a type of quartz) contains shimmering inclusions that evoke the sparkle of stars in a deep blue sky. Aventurine is believed to have been created in the 17th century on the island of Murano, where the Venetian glassmakers worked. Its invention is said to have resulted from the accidental fall of copper filings into molten glass a fortunate "accident" that contributed to the reputation of Venetian glassmakers. Sublime yet fragile, aventurine requires great technical precision. Sensitive to temperature variations and prone to micro-cracks, it must be cut, drilled, and machined with specialized tools and extreme care.

The dial of the BR-05 Blue Diamond Eagle 36mm is composed of a rigid brass plate that forms the structure of the dial, onto which an aventurine glass plate cut with micron-level precision is added. Thanks to proven expertise and meticulous craftsmanship, this deep blue dial (Goldfluss blue) perfectly evokes a night sky scattered with brilliant stars, upon which the setter traces the Eagle constellation.

A complex gem-setting technique

The dial of the BR-05 Blue Diamond Eagle 36mm is a tableau in which each stone intensely reflects the light and sparkles brilliantly. A true work of art to wear on the wrist, the watch embodies the fusion of material science, micro-engineering, and high-end artisanal craftsmanship. The exact position of each star in the constellation is represented by a diamond set into the aventurine dial. The largest diamond, positioned between 10 and 11 o'clock, represents the bird's head and the star Altair, the largest and brightest star in the constellation.

Three other medium-sized diamonds depict the wings and tail, while three additional diamonds one medium and two small complete the constellation's outline. With the twelve stones marking the hours, the dial of the BR-05 Blue Diamond Eagle features eighteen diamonds in three different sizes. Reproducing the precise alignment of the Eagle constellation's stars requires drilling accurate to the micron and specialized gem-setting expertise, due to the unique nature of the dial.

Each diamond is mounted in a custom-made brass setting secured by four prongs. This support is then inserted with great precision into the holes drilled in the dial. This step is crucial: the gesture must be precise and perfectly measured to avoid any stress on the glass and ensure the stability of the stones on the dial. Achieving this delicate balance is the result of the combination of the technical expertise of the brand's Swiss workshops and its excellence in manual gem-setting craftsmanship.

Technical specifications

Bell & Ross BR-05 Blue Diamond Eagle 36mm

Reference: BR05A-S-EA-ST/SST

Case

• Material: Satin-finished and polished steel
• Dimensions: 36 mm
• Thickness: 8.7 mm
• Crystal: Anti-reflective sapphire.
• Screw-down crown. Crown guard.
• Case-back featuring laser engraving of the Aquila constellation
• Water-resistant to 100 meters

Dial and hands

• Dial: Blue aventurine plate representing space.
• The hour markers are replaced with diamonds.
• Aquila constellation recreated with seven diamonds

Movement

• Calibre BR-CAL.329.
• Automatic mechanical movement.
• 54-hour power reserve.

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes and seconds.

Strap and buckle

• Strap: Satin-finished and polished steel.
• Buckle: Folding. Satin-finished and polished steel.

MSRP: CHF 4'500

For more information, please visit bellross.com