Ever more innovative and creative, the Franco-Swiss watchmaker now dresses its BR-X5 with an iridescent dial.

This captivating, futuristic version of the permanent manufacture collection features a dial color that changes according to the angle of observation or lighting. Some will find a color palette reminiscent of a beetle’s shell, while others will see a reference to the oily surface of soap bubbles or the precious hues of mother-of-pearl. Available exclusively in Bell & Ross boutique and e-boutique, this new version of the BR-X5 is designed for watch enthusiasts seeking a distinctive and innovative timepiece.

BR-X5 as a base
Launched in 2022, the BR-X5 draws its essence from Bell & Ross’ urban range and is positioned as a superlative BR-05. With its sophisticated conception and distinctive design, it symbolizes the elevation of the brand, notably
through its manufacture movement, guaranteed for 5 years and certified by the COSC, as well as its 41mm multi component case, closed by the four emblematic Bell & Ross screws. Its discreet front construction is revealed in profile. Viewed from the side, the hollowed-out architecture of the case middle emphasizes lightness without compromising strength. On the dial, indications are clear, sharp, and precise. Like all BR-X5 models, it features a large date window at 3 o’clock and a circular power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock. The hour markers and hour and minute hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova X1 for optimum legibility day and night. The bezel houses the numerical minute indications. Reliable and precise, the BR-X5 Iridescent is powered by the BR-CAL.323 caliber self winding movement. This caliber beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and has a power reserve of 70 hours. What’s more, this high-precision movement is equipped with a variable-inertia oscillating weight and balance, visible through the sapphire case back. Another feature of this manufacture movement is a rapid calendar correction device, enabling adjustment at any time.

A dial in 50 shades of blue
The BR-X5 Iridescent unveils a new face. Comparable to the wings of a butterfly or the fascinating scales of a tropical fish, the color of the dial changes magically with the light or the inclination of the timepiece. Blue with iridescent reflections, it offers a wide range of colors, from blue to green, then from green to blue, with touches of yellow and violet. The dial is transformed into a veritable rainbow of hues. Its unique color palette evolves with the slightest change in wrist orientation.

Innovation and technology at the heart of a timepiece
Iridescence, the fascinating property that causes certain surfaces to appear in changing colors depending on the angle of light or view, gives the new BR-X5 a rare aesthetic that is in constant metamorphosis. Resulting from a structural coloration, the iridescence of the BR-X5 Iridescent dial is obtained by superimposing several thin layers of PVD. “The creation of this piece is based on an elaborate chemical process. The PVD treatment applied to the dial gives it this striking visual appearance. The PVD layers, all with distinct tones, create light interference which, depending on the angle of observation, gives rise to this unique chromatic variation,” explains Bruno Belamich.

To accentuate the effect, Bell & Ross opted for a sunray dial. This iridescent BR-X5 illustrates all the creativity inherent in this Franco-Swiss watchmaker. “The treatment of this dial is original, playful and innovative. In short, it’s a good summary of the creativity that emanates from our company,” enthuses Bruno Belamich. Perpetuating Bell & Ross’ aeronautical heritage and incorporating the visual signature of the “round in the square”, the iridescent BR X5 represents the future of this sophisticated, bold and avant-garde collection, thanks to an ultra-modern dial.

Available with a steel or white rubber bracelet, this contemporary watch with its technical character takes the X5 collection to a new horizon, a new dimension.

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ARTLINE: ENGRAVING WITH STYLE

While the Maison has built its reputation on producing efficient instrument watches designed for professionals, Bell & Ross has never held back from giving free rein to creativity. This is the BR 05 Artline’s mission: a unique variation within the BR 05 line allowing for a freer range of artistic expression. The Maison aims to offer watches with ornate finishes: an ambition clearly expressed in the version embellished with gadrooning. “We wanted to launch a watch that was dressy and decorated. The BR 05 had potential, with a case with ample space for embellishment”, Bell & Ross’ Creative Director Bruno Belamich noted at the launch of the first Artline model.

Now, Bell & Ross is going further. Part of the Maison’s philosophy is pushing one’s limits. The BR 05 Artline Dragon moves into a whole new field by adopting graphic codes linked to the art of tattooing. Playing on light and shadow through the relative fineness and thickness of each stroke, this line work is crucial to transcending the realm of drawing to that of a metal tattoo.

THE WOOD DRAGON: A SYMBOL OF DARING

According to Chinese astrology, the year of the Wood Dragon will begin on Chinese New Year, which lands on 10 February 2024 – also known as Spring Festival. The dragon is more than a mythical creature; it is a major cultural and spiritual reference. It evokes power because it actively participates in the world’s equilibrium. Bringing rain for the crops, the dragon is an omen of life. To create the motif on the new BR 05 Artline Dragon watch,  Bell & Ross has invoked highly symbolic natural elements, such as the sun and moon, as well as references to flora and fauna, as with the swallow motif.

In popular culture, the dragon is the marker of strong, courageous, powerful individuals, but it also symbolises benevolence, prosperity and luck. The dragons of Asian mythologies bring good news.

For artists, the dragon motif is a tireless source of inspiration with endless variations, from the most figurative to the most refined. Dragons are thought to be an amalgamation of many animals, with their snake like bodies, deer antlers and eagle claws, not to mention their carp scales and eyes of a demon. The graphic designer’s work meets that of the watchmakers to create a harmonious motif across the entire watch, with engraving on its different surfaces.

The BR 05 Artline Dragon still features the collection’s principle of a bezel with rounded corners, attached to the case by four screws. It was also necessary to work around the readability of the watch’s time indications: another sign of boldness on this avant-garde timepiece.

THE ART OF ENGRAVING

On the BR 05 Artline Dragon’s dial and integrated bracelet, the decorative motif is finely engraved. The ancestral technique of engraving has been practised in China for more than a millennium.

In watchmaking, engraving is traditionally considered the first non-functional enrichment of a timepiece. With its new BR 05 Artline Dragon, Bell & Ross pays homage to Chinese culture and its art of engraving, while pushing its mastery of watchmaking techniques a little further. To produce the BR 05 Artline Dragon’s case and links on the integrated bracelet, an exceptional laser engraving technique is used. For the bracelet, this means engraving each link individually before assembly. There is no room for error: perfect precision is required to make sure the pattern is not distorted. Each link is a feat in itself, with continuity of design ensured from one component to the next.

BR 05: CONTEMPORARY ELEGANCE CONCENTRATED

Since its launch in 2019, the BR 05 line has been the tangible expression of Bell & Ross’ desire to offer an urban watch with contemporary elegance.

Ever faithful to the desire for technical excellence, which is the guiding principle behind the development of all Bell & Ross watchmaking instruments, the BR 05 Dragon features a BR-CAL.321 self-winding mechanical movement. It has a 54-hour power reserve, ensuring not only advanced chronometric precision, but also great ease of use for active lifestyles. The hour graduation is subtly positioned at the level of the flange so as not to compromise the design.

AN EXCEPTIONAL PIECE

Designed to celebrate the strong symbolism of the Chinese dragon on the advent of this new year, the BR 05 Artline Dragon is deliberately created as a rare piece – not only because of its character, but also the complexity of its design. This exceptional timepiece will only be produced in a limited edition of 99 pieces. The BR 05 Artline Dragon is on sale exclusively in Bell & Ross boutiques and e-boutiques.

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The LUM collection created in 2017

Whether in a plane cockpit or on a diver’s wrist, a central challenge for any watchmaking instrument has always been a display that glows in the dark to offer the best possible readability. Since the 1930s, various luminescent materials have been used to coat the hands, numerals and indices on timepieces intended for professionals, starting with the military – whether pilots or combat divers. With tritium and radium shelved due to radioactivity, Super-LumiNova is now the predominant material when it comes to achieving luminescence.

While every watch across the Bell & Ross collections displays the time even in the dark, some models go even further. This is the case for the brand’s LUM pieces, making direct reference to luminescence.

Bell & Ross launched its LUM line in 2017 with the BR 03-92 HOROLUM, followed a year later by the BR 03-92 NIGHTLUM, both of which featured exceptional luminescence on the numerals, indices and hands. In 2019, the  BR 03-92 FULL LUM was launched, this time with a dial covered entirely in Super-LumiNova, with a contrast effect that highlighted key elements for maximum readability.

With the year 2020 came the first appearance of the BR 03-92 GREY LUM, emitting a particularly intense green glow reminiscent of landing strip lights, followed by the BR 03-92 Diver FULL LUM, with a dial featuring  different shades of light green and pale yellow luminescence. In 2021, the torch was passed to the vintage limited edition BR V2-94 FULL LUM, showcasing the same double luminous effect. Finally, in 2022, the BR V2-92  FULL LUM was released, featuring the ultra-luminescent dial in a 3-hand version.

BRX5: the manufacture collection enriched

Continuing the tradition of aeronautical heritage and the brand’s iconic “round within the square” visual signature, in 2022 the BR-X5 added a new chapter to the Bell & Ross BR 05 range launched in 2019. In its design, style and technical features, the BR-X5 takes its place as a superlative BR 05: the BR-CAL.323 calibre, a prestigious manufacture movement designed by Kenissi, raises the BR-X5 collection to the heights of precision with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, while the architecture of its multi-component case prioritises purity and radicality, resistance and lightness. Now, Bell & Ross is completing its high-end line with its new model, the BR-X5 GREEN LUM. In its concept as much as in its design, the piece reflects the desire to innovate and dare to be different.

A BR-X5 with a luminescent case

Bell & Ross has chosen to take things a step further and explore a new avenue of creative expression. To this day, the concept of luminescence has been applied to the hands, numerals, indices and dial of the models, on this  new watch, it is the 41mm case that glows in the dark in a spectacular way, with a composite material developed specially for Bell & Ross: LM3D.

For the first time, the Maison’s manufacture collection is venturing out onto planet LUM.

A limited concept series

For the structure of this new version of the BR-X5, lightness comes first on the multi-component case, which alternates LM3D and grade 2 micro-blasted black DLC titanium in a multi-layer assembly.

Cut from a block of DLC-coated grade 2 titanium, the case housing the mechanism is inserted between two shields made from a photoluminescent composite material, LM3D, made of quartz fibres that diffuse a powerful green luminescence. In the dark, the entire case glows, highlighting the dial’s indications: hours, minutes, seconds, date and power reserve. Beyond its watchmaking function, with this innovation, the new 500-piece limited BR-X5  GREEN LUM series achieves the rank of one-of-a-kind conceptual art object.

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