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Bell & Ross - BR-X1 Skeleton Chronograph - Carbon Forge®
Both lightweight and extremely b, Carbone Forge® plays a key role in the aeronautical and space industry, notably in the production of structural parts used for fuselages that are subjected to extreme mechanical stress.
Carbone Forge® is a material obtained using a unique, patented conversion process. The technology behind the process involves compressing carbon fibres with a thermosetting resin at high temperature in a steel mould.
To meet watchmaking quality criteria, the engineers have reworked the carbon fibres and the composition of the resin. The result is a non-porous, water-resistant single-unit case with clean edges, in a deep black, which is the colour of the carbon fibres. The marbled appearance of each piece is unique thanks to the random way the carbon fibres are mixed. The matt finish reduces reflection for better legibility, and makes it soft to the touch.
To protect it from the ravages of time and any possible impacts, a "bumper" in high-tech ceramic and rubber surrounds the square case of the BR-X1. High-tech ceramic, a material also borrowed from aeronautic and space industry, is used to design parts that are subject to very high temperatures, acid attack, corrosion and erosion, such as heat shields or the noses of space rockets. Almost as tough as a diamond, the high-tech ceramic developed by Bell & Ross can be dyed in the mass, is hard-wearing, non-deformable and lighter than steel. Its innovative rocker push buttons are used to activate the chronograph functions; these push buttons are also made from high-tech ceramic with ergonomically designed rubber inserts.
The case is equipped with functional non-indexed screws. The sapphire glass has an antireflective coating to ensure resistance and optimal legibility.
Bell & Ross' latest creation is powered by a skeleton chronograph movement. Structured in the shape of an "X", its upper bridge is treated with black DLC. The back of the BR-X1 - made from grade 5 PVD titanium - features a small, round opening which reveals the beating heart of the balance. Made from grey-tinted sapphire crystal and featuring applique metal indices with photo-luminescent inserts, the dial forms a clear window through which the movement can be admired. The faceted, Superluminova®-filled hands and applique indices offer perfect legibility.
The central hour and minute hands are read traditionally, while the small seconds hand is positioned at 3 o'clock. The skeleton date dial is positioned at 6 o'clock. Instead of a hand, the minute timer on the chronograph function features an ultra-light aluminium disc resembling the blades of a turbine. Essential for calculating speeds, the tachymeter scale appears on the flange.
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Bell & Ross - BR 123 GMT 24H
In 2014, for the benefit of frequent travelers, Bell & Ross fitted the Vintage BR 123 with dual time zone display.
The GMT function allows two time zones to be displayed simultaneously. The metal hands on the main dial display the time in the first time zone; the orange hand gives the time in the second zone, shown on the graduated 24-hour outer bezel. The large figures, the hands with photo-luminescent coating and the orange colof of the GMT hand ensure perfect legibility both day and night.
The BR 123 GMT 24H has a case with a generous diameter of 42 mm in satin-brushed steel. Within it beats a mechanical self-winding movement. A rubber strap comes to complete the piece.
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Bell & Ross - Six new watches and a partnership with Dassault Aviation
For its 2013 collections, Bell & Ross has borrowed the essential functions of an airplane cockpit to create the BR01 Heading Indicator, Airspeed and Climb watches. Aeronautical inspiration is far more than just an aesthetic nod; it is a guiding thread that inspires the whole design of these models.
The BR01 Heading Indicator has not hands but only three discs for the hours, minutes and seconds. One distinctive technical feature is the fact that because each disc weighs 30 times more than a hand, the discs had to be ultra-light so as not to reduce the watch's power reserve and thus its precision. As far as the glass is concerned, it is engraved with the same yellow aircraft as on the original instrument, of which the mission is quite simply to indicate the plane's course or heading.
The Airspeed is a more conventional three-hand model inspired by an anemometer. It distinguishes itself by a b aesthetic: each quarter displays the colours of an authentic anemometer, while its hands are oversized and covered with a white photoluminescent coating. It is also the only one of these three models to have the minute scale directly engraved on the inner bezel ring.
Finally, the variometer, indicating vertical speed or climb, enables the pilot to tell at any time whether the plane is ascent, descent or level-flight mode. In this horological version, the Climb adopts the same contrasting shades of white, black and yellow, while complementing the timekeeping indication with two additional complications in the shape of power-reserve and date displays.
These three new timepieces, propelled by self-winding ETA movements, feature a generous 46 mm diameter. The first 99 in each series will be exclusively available in a collector's set regrouping six instruments: the BR 01 Horizon, Altimeter, Turn Coordinator, Heading Indicator, Airpseed and Climb models.
© Bell & Ross
A new Vintage WW1 Regulateur
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the eminently technical and virile aeronautical line of these BR01 watches, Bell & Ross unveils a regulator-type version of its Vintage WW1. Built on an automatic Dubois Depraz base movement housed inside a 42 mm pink gold case, this model with its extremely pure design features three hands that are not superimposed but instead lined up, thereby corresponding to the layout of a true regulator.
"The BR and Vintage collections form a diptych around which Bell & Ross is structured", points out Carlos Rosillo, CEO, Bell & Ross. "While the BR models are clearly segmented and highly distinctive, the Vintage watches allow us to meet expectations in terms of reinterpreting historical models with a subtly contemporary touch."
A partnership with Dassault Aviation
Finally, Bell & Ross has been selected by Dassault Aviation to create a tribute timepiece dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the brand's legendary Falcon jet, which it is still producing and of which it is about to deliver the 2,250th such aircraft. "We've been rubbing shoulders with Dassault for over 10 years, although knowing people and working out a cooperation agreement are two different things", emphasizes Carlos Rosillo. "What is obvious is that we do indeed share a certain number of values and commitments. We both work in both military and civilian fields and when they asked us what we could do for them, a tribute to the Falcon in correlation with the Vintage collections we were working on was a natural choice."
The Vintage Sport Heritage range was thus chosen to welcome this model, which features all the line's key attributes such as its brown dial and chestnut brown leather strap, while its standout characteristics include the silhouette of the Falcon screenprinted at 6 o'clock, and the "50 years of Passion and Innovation Dassault - Falcon" inscription appearing on the back.
Two references, BR 123 (hours, minutes, seconds and date); and BR 126 (complemented by a chronograph) will be issued in 500-piece limited editions.
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Bell & Ross - Instrument BR 01-92 RADAR
True to the Bell & Ross philosophy, the BR 01 Radar watch is inspired by aircraft cockpits, where each instrument is a reference point in terms of legibility, reliability and performance. An aircraft's radar allows easy, accurate and instantaneous reading of what is often a complex situation. Bell & Ross has borrowed the radar display and adapted it to the BR 01 Radar watch, going beyond the concept of the traditional reading of the time.
An innovative display
What first stands out about the Radar is the simplicity of its display, a departure from normal convention. It is reminiscent of the light beam that sweeps the circular screen of the radar. • The hands and the dial merge onto a single plane. In their place, three brightly coloured line segments are placed on three independent concentric disks. They indicate the hours, minutes and seconds as the eye moves towards the centre of the dial. • The glass of the dial resembles a target. Two graduated perpendicular axes are superimposed on the disks to indicate the time. • To read the watch, each differently coloured line segment refers to a unit of time: yellow indicates the hours, red the minutes and green the seconds. The dial and the casing are matte black, providing a simple contrast that increases the legibility of the watch.
Technological feats
The simplicity of the BR 01 Radar's design masks the great complexity of its inner workings. The technological challenge posed by its design and production required the collaboration of the finest watch making engineers. • Since each disk weighs 30 times more than a watch hand, ultra-light disks needed to be created that maintained the watch's power reserve and accuracy. Furthermore, each disk needed to be sufficiently resistant so as maintain its integrity and minimize friction. This dual challenge required the development of specific materials and new techniques. • During the rotation, an adjustment to the nearest micron ensures that the disks are constantly parallel. The accuracy of the assembly requires all the know-how and skill of the master watchmakers.
A unique watch
Combining the dial and hands on a single plane, the BR 01 Radar offers watch enthusiasts a new perception of time by liberating them from the conventional manner of reading a watch. The elegant simplicity of the Radar's display hides a treasure chest of complexity, and its tri-coloured style never ceases to surprise - every minute of the day.
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Bell & Ross - First Boutique in Singapore
The company announces the opening of its first international boutique in Singapore. It marks a significant step in the history of the brand and attests to its dynamic growth.
The boutique reflects the same principles as Bell & Ross timepieces: pure lines and timeless elegance, masculine dark reflective glass paired with wooden panels that set the tone for the modern, yet intimate setting of the store. Customers are invited to lounge on leather seats while they browse a comprehensive range of Bell & Ross timepieces such as the BR Instrument, Professional and Vintage collections. The boutique also houses a UV light display, allowing for the optimal showcasing of the glow in the dark limited edition timepieces.
To commemorate the occasion, Bell & Ross has produced a boutique exclusive 'Left Hand Crown BR 01-92 46mm Phantom' watch. Only 50 pieces of this limited edition will be available in Singapore.
"The opening of the first Bell & Ross flagship boutique in Singapore symbolizes a very significant milestone for our brand, and it is only possible with the b support of Bell & Ross' loyal followers," said Carlos Rosillo, CEO of Bell & Ross. "We are very pleased to present a unique left hand crown timepiece for our first stand-alone boutique, which we believe our collectors will appreciate" adds Bruno Belamich, Creative Director of Bell & Ross.
Watch connoisseurs and collectors can anticipate more boutique exclusive timepieces, as well as planned events to celebrate the new store opening.
[Rating: 5 / 5 stars]
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