Bell & Ross BR‑X5 Steel: Black & Ice Blue

Bell & Ross often finds itself at the cutting-edge of innovative watch design, with its impressive range of aviation and aeronautically inspired timepieces pairing action-ready wearability with engaging aestheticism. In Bell & Ross’ latest timepiece, the French/Swiss brand once more finds itself at the forefront of novel creation, pairing exceptional design with manufacture movement, and unveiling the new BR-X5.

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Black Steel Ref. BR‑X5R-BL-ST/SST

BR-X5

Since its debut in 2019, the BR 05 collection has served as the jewel of strength in the French maison’s catalogue, embodying urban focused design in a unique and distinctly geometric fashion. In the BR-X5, Bell & Ross elevates the original integrated silhouette to its pinnacle, drawing from the strong DNA of the brand and presenting a new, sleek design that pairs sportiness with serious intrigue, all while being powered by a manufacture movement manufactured by Kenissi.

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Ice Blue Steel Ref. BR‑X5R-IB-ST/SST

Measuring 41mm in diameter with an approachable thickness of 12.8mm, the exceptional case of the BRX5 is at once familiar while simultaneously evolved and elevated, pushing the edge of creativity forward. Featuring a sandwich type construction, the timepiece’s precise facets and highly considered cuts touch a chord of the avant-garde, highlighting senses of streamlined lightness and industrial resistance. A bold sense of daring permeates through the aesthetic, with Bell & Ross’ design team making clear their propensity for originative watchmaking once more.

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Black Steel Ref. BR‑X5R-BL-ST/SST

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Ice Blue Steel Ref. BR‑X5R-IB-ST/SST

Multi-layer construction

At a glance, the multi-layer construction of the BR-X5 is discreet when viewed from the front, but comes into its own when seen from the side. The hollowed-out architecture of the case middle is captivating, revealing a technical construction that optimizes lightness without compromising on utility or water resistance. The different polished, satin-brushed and micro-blasted finishes throughout the case highlight the lines and surfaces of the design, and ensure the successful completion of this watchmaking puzzle.

The case of the BR-X5

In its construction, the case of the BR-X5 begins with a steel core, the central component machined from the same block of metal as the watch’s crown guards and in-effect ensuring the superior protection of the timepiece and its movement. Flanking the core are the watch’s square bezel, highlighted via a rubber ring, and its caseback, both fixed to the two steel plates that form the top and bottom of the case. The novel assembly is kept watertight to 100m by four screws that pass through the thickness of the case via four columns, each of which reinforce the solidity of the construction while providing a signature look.

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Black Steel Ref. BR‑X5R-BL-ST/SRB

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Black Steel Ref. BR‑X5R-BL-ST/SST

While forward looking in its sophistication, the modern watch remains in-line with the familiar attitudes which have helped define Bell & Ross, being perfectly balanced in its elevation by its versatility. Throughout the design a sense of sportiness and practical reliability carry through, these sentiments provided by both its steel construction and as well as integrated design between the case and matching steel bracelet or openworked rubber strap.

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Black Steel

Like the case housing it, the dial of the BR-X5 is the product of smart design work, with its style marking a highly refined expression of the original urban instrument shape. Available in two colorways— black and ice blue— each option represents two sides of the brand’s appeal. In the suave black, classic and timeless noir are channeled with bright, sharp accents of red highlighting the look. While in the ice blue, the tasteful spirit of sport and play which has defined the urban BR 05 is on full view.

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Ice Blue Steel

Inspired by aeronautics

Towards the 3 o’clock position, a date window evoking the aeronautical DNA of Bell & Ross is featured, channeling the influence of analog flight instruments into this contemporarily oriented timepiece. While on the opposite side of the display a stepped power reserve indicator is at work, with its 3-day scale hinting at the impressive mechanism powering the watch from within.

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Ice Blue Steel Ref. BR‑X5R-IB-ST/SRB

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Ice Blue Steel Ref. BR‑X5R-IB-ST/SST

A manufacture movement

Driving the BR-X5 is one of the most significant calibers in the Bell & Ross’ storied history: the Calibre BR-CAL.323. Developed in partnership between the French brand and the esteemed mechanical manufacture Kenissi, the mechanism resulted from several years of design, development, and fine-tuning, and features an exclusive configuration in compliance with the specifications defined by Bell & Ross.

Calibre BR-CAL.323

The automatic movement importantly represents a new era in mechanical thinking within the brand’s catalogue and a continued expression of Bell & Ross’ cutting-edge work. “While aesthetic daring was the guiding principle throughout the creative stages of the BR-X5, when it came to timekeeping reliability and precision, the notion of risk was banished from our vocabulary”, explains Bruno Belamich, Bell & Ross Creative Director.

As for details

the Calibre BR-CAL.323 importantly possesses an about 70-hour power reserve while running a smooth frequency of 28,800 alt/h. Incredibly dependable in its power reserve, the 28-jewel movement is furthermore incredibly precise in its timekeeping inpart thanks to a variable-inertia balance wheel, with it maintaining a chronometer-grade spec via a COSC certification. The movement is also equipped with a rapid date correction device, which seamlessly allows for a quick date adjustment without any effect on running timekeeping.

Calibre BR-CAL.323

In-line with the style of the BR-X5’s sleek case and display, the Calibre BR-CAL.323 is visible via a sapphire exhibition case back. The exhibition showcases a Bell & Ross signed skeletonized oscillating weight, with its entrancing movements enhanced via the movement’s apparent attention to detail and fine finishing throughout.