Bell & Ross BR-X1

Inspired by its iconic model, the BR-01, with the BR-X1, Bell & Ross is getting into a new territory, that of skeleton watches. Keeping the same square aviation instrument shape, the limited edition BR-X1 is a tribute to the Bell X-1, the first American experimental rocket plane to break the sound barrier.

With the chronometer function and the red accents, the BR-X1 is a bold mix of a sport watch and a pilot piece. The 45 mm case is made from grade 5 titanium, and it is covered with a high-tech band made from ceramic and rubber.

Exploded view of the Bell & Ross BR-X1 case

It is interesting the B&R approach to ergonomics with the red accents. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they serve as a quick indicator of where to hold the watch when activating the chronograph. At 9 o’clock, the large red rubber grip and the two rocker push-buttons on the opposite side are designed to permit use the chronograph even when wearing gloves.

The dial made from grey-tinted mineral glass (or red-tinted on the boutique edition) also serves as a window on the skeleton chronograph movement developed by B&R in collaboration with Dubois Dépraz. The central hour and minute hands, as well as the applied metal indexes are filled with Super-LumiNova. There is a small second indicator at 3 o’clock, a minute timer on the chronograph function is at 9 o’clock and at 6 o’clock we’ll have the date dial.

The BR-X1 Red Boutique Edition

Limited to 250 pieces and with the retails price set at €15,000, the service ceiling of the BR-X1 is way higher than what we saw from B&R before. With the bold look and price of the BR-X1, Bell & Ross is proving to be willing to take risks to push the brand higher.

More about Bell & Ross at www.bellross.com

The skeletonized movement of the BR-X1 was developed by Bell & Ross in collaboration with Dubois Dépraz

A profile view of the BR-X1