Bell & Ross BR-X5 Racing: New Motorsport-Inspired Watch
Bell & Ross expands its BR-X5 collection with the new BR-X5 Racing. This watch, inspired by the world of motorsports, combines high-tech materials and an innovative design that prioritises readability and precision. These features are complemented by a movement supplied by Kenissi. The watch is also a limited edition of 500 pieces.
Case: High-Tech Materials Like in Motorsport
The case of the BR-X5 Racing measures 41 mm in width and 12.80 mm in height. It uses a combination of carbon and titanium, ensuring both low weight and high durability. The design follows a ‘sandwich’ construction, secured by four micro-blasted titanium screws. The bezel is square-shaped and consists of two parts, incorporating a woven carbon plate into a titanium body. This multi-material design is not just aesthetic; it serves to reinforce the watch’s structural integrity. The case back features a sapphire crystal, providing a view of the movement inside. The water resistance is rated at 100 metres, making it suitable for recreational water activities.
Dial: Inspired by Racing Car Dashboards
The dial of the BR-X5 Racing is designed to resemble a racing car dashboard, with various elements enhancing its functionality. Minutes are displayed on an inner bezel outside the dial, while the hour numerals are inscribed on the glass, creating a sense of depth. The typography is characteristic of Bell & Ross’s sports watches, adding to the overall theme. For low-light conditions, the hour numerals and the hour and minute hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova X1, ensuring optimal readability. The central seconds hand features a red tip, adding a splash of colour and further emphasising the watch’s sporty character. Overall, the dial combines aesthetics with practicality, true to the watch’s racing inspiration.
Movement: Movement with Chronometer Certification
At the heart of the BR-X5 Racing lies the BR-CAL.323, an automatic movement supplied by Kenissi. This movement is visible through a tinted glass on the front and a transparent sapphire crystal on the back. It has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, indicated on the dial at 9 o’clock with a gauge resembling a fuel meter from “E” for empty to “F” for full. The date is displayed at 3 o’clock in a large window. The COSC certification ensures the movement’s precision, marking it as a certified chronometer. The hexagonal shape of the power reserve indicator subtly references the watch’s case design, adding an extra layer of detail.
Strap: Choice of Titanium or Rubber
The BR-X5 Racing offers two options for straps: one in titanium and the other in black rubber. The titanium strap features links that ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist. Both options are attached to the case with independent plates, allowing for better ergonomics and flexibility. Regardless of the choice, the straps complement the watch’s sporty character and robust design. The titanium strap is equipped with a folding clasp that provides additional security.
Price and Availability of the BR-X5 Racing
The BR-X5 Racing is a limited edition of 500 pieces. Each watch comes with an exclusive price tag of 11,900 euros. Interested buyers can purchase the watch through authorised Bell & Ross retailers worldwide. Due to the limited production run, early acquisition is advisable.
When John McEnroe and Björn Borg take to the stage at the gala event in Berlin on Thursday evening before the start of the Laver Cup 2024, it will be the last time the two eternal rivals introduce their teams. After seven tournaments since 2017 (the Laver Cup was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid),…
The Florentine watch brand Panerai presents a new 'Luminor', which takes several of the characteristic Panerai ingredients – the California Dial, the titanium case coated in DLC and the hand-wound mechanical movement with a power reserve of eight days– and combines them with a new cuff strap of supple natural leather. The look of the new Luminor California 8 Days…
Watchmaker Vacheron Constantin is teaming up with a car producer of equally high calibre to create a unique watch destined for the dashboard of a Rolls Royce. The formidable collaboration came about thanks to a client with a passion for luxury cars and fine watches alike. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAqWLoipIUc The unique timepiece, christened Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon,…
OMEGA is introducing a new OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Numbered Edition, this time in platinum-gold. The new watch is this year's follow-up from the James Bond 007 Limited Edition Omega Seamaster 2019 edition, introduced to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The new edition celebrates the Swiss…
Audemars Piguet is unveiling a brand new model; the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Automatic 41 mm. In other words, the Le Brassus-based manufacture is presenting its first ever Royal Oak Automatic to feature a flying tourbillon. The model comes in three versions, each with a different case material. This includes a choice of…
The Big Bang – the watch that disrupted traditional notions of luxury timepieces upon its launch in 2005 and has since become a core part of Hublot’s portfolio – celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. A trajectory that not only reflects the longevity of the collection, but also its continuous evolution in both design and…
Jaeger-LeCoultre is introducing two new Memovox models, one of which is the Master Control Memovox. The Memovox collection's history dates back to the 1940s. As the post-war economy improved, the brand developed the Memovox and its mechanical alarm in the spirit of the innovative, late-40s Zeitgeist. The new watch, like its sibling, is housed in…
In 1994, Swiss manufacture Audemars Piguet presented its first Grande Sonnerie wristwatch. In 2020, AP reintroduced the complication and has presented a trilogy in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection every year since. This year, the horology house launches three new models: Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie. They all showcase…
This June, Hölstein-based Oris is introducing the first piece in a series of limited edition watches. Essentially, the new Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 is a solid bronze version of the watchmaker's Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph. However, as Co-CEO Rolf Studer explains, the watch is also a 'celebration of Oris' roots'. Furthermore, the 43 mm timepiece hopes…
At LVMH Watch Week 2021 Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe presented three new models, which go by the name of Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic. They offer not only a tourbillon, but also automatic winding by microrotor. There is a choice of ceramic, carbon or orange sapphire crystal case. All three variants appear in strictly limited…
The Panerai Radiomir Eilean celebrates the yacht restored by the Manufacture. Both the original Radiomir and the Eilean were created in 1936, and Panerai took on the ship as it continued to deteriorate. In honour of this venerable ship, the Radiomir Eilean is presented with a brown teak dial. Engravings and inscriptions complement the watch.…
TAG Heuer has unveiled the latest in its Carrera series: the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport and the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport. These new timepieces mark a significant evolution from the brand's 2016 series, combining TAG Heuer’s legendary racing heritage with innovative design. The watches boast a range of vibrant colours, advanced materials, and enhanced…
Bulgari presents two versions of the Octo Roma WorldTimer, which can display 24 time zones. The Italians have housed the watch in the typical angular case. The version with a blue dial is joined by a watch with a black DLC coating. With the double disc on the dial, the time of various places on…