Bell&Ross: BR-X5 Carbon Orange

The BR‐X5 collection represents a new chapter in the Bell&Ross history, a watch that follows on from the BR 05 and the BR 03, encapsulating a brand‐new conception. With its avant‐garde design, the BR‐X5 symbolises the developments made by the brand to attract connoisseurs and lovers of fine watchmaking. Faithful to its aeronautical heritage, the watch features the household “round within the square” design, which allowed the French‐born brand to be easily recognisable since the beginnings.

THE NEW BR-CAL.323 MOVEMENT

It is at the heart of the case that lies one of the major assets of this unique collection. The automatic mechanism belongs to the world of manufacturer movements, making craftsmanship an essential feature of these models. The BR‐CAL.323 calibre designed by Kenissi, raises the BR‐X5 to the heights of precision, an achievement testified by the “Chronometer” certification issued by COSC.

The automatic BR‐CAL.323 calibre is equipped with a personalised oscillating weight – its design is inspired by a sports car rim – and a variable‐inertia balance wheel. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), it has a 70‐hour power reserve, known as “weekend proof”, the watch can be stored for the weekend with peace of mind, knowing it can be worn on Monday morning without having to be rewound. Another advantage of this manufacturer movement lies in its rapid date correction device offering the freedom to carry out the adjustment at any time, without interfering with the operation of the watch. 

A large smoked‐glass sapphire crystal caseback reveals the movement finishing chosen by Bell&Ross to fulfil its desire for both aesthetic and technical perfection. Further evidence of Bell&Ross’ commitment to high quality is that the movement and the case are guaran‐ teed for 5 years. 

THE CARBON AND TITANIUM CASE

The concept of multi‐component construction is pushed further with the inclusion of multi‐materials, as explained by Jean‐Paul Suchel, Technical and Production Director at Bell & Ross: “Two carbon fibre plates surrounded by the DLC titanium monobloc container housing the movement and integrating the shoulders of the crown”. This design in five successive elements has made it possible to separate the support and protective elements, which enabled for the design to push the boundaries when it came to materials, colours, and finishing. 

Discreet when viewed from the front, this construction reveals itself when turned on its side. The entire 41 mm wide case is airtight by four screws. The light‐weight materials, like carbon and titanium, emphasise the high‐tech aspects and the high degree of comfort for the wearer, which is further enhanced by the orange rubber strap: fitted with a folding clasp in DLC steel, it is attached to two links independent from the case to ensure perfect ergonomics. 

Like previous steel models, the latest BR-X5 Carbon Orange is water-resistant to 100 meters and brings together two functions that are particularly useful in everyday life: an oversized vertical date and the power reserve indicator. Applied indices filled with Super-LumiNova and skeletonized hour and minute hands filled with Super-LumiNova ensure, as always, excellent legibility in any situation. (Price €. 11,900 – Limited to 500 pieces)