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),…
On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Akrivia, the atelier is presenting the Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II, a successor to the successful timekeeper. The RRCC02 remains true to the neo-classical concept, but offers some improvements in the details. It also comes with a completely new, but familiar, movement that now offers jumping seconds.…
The world of watches is always on the lookout for an icon, and TAG Heuer is certainly delivering the goods with the revival of its breezy, colourful Skipper watch. The timepiece, which is historically a much-loved and distinctive model, has been out of action for the past 40 years. Now, it's returning just in time…
Marking two decades of the Big Bang collection, Hublot is introducing the “Master of Sapphire” set – a limited edition of five watches that demonstrate the brand’s ongoing focus on case innovation and material experimentation. Each model features a coloured sapphire case, showcasing Hublot’s continued work with transparent materials in watchmaking. Case: A Spectrum of…
To mark its 20th anniversary last year, Dior surprised us with the comeback of the Chiffre Rouge, the first mechanical watch to emerge from a maison that is best known for its haute couture fashion and significantly less so for its haute horlogerie. However, this could soon change thanks to LVMH's ever-growing expertise in the…
Early in the new year, OMEGA is presenting a new Speedmaster inspired by the very first model of the collection. The OMEGA Calibre 321 Chronograph celebrates the 65th anniversary of the CK2915, which founded the Speedmaster collection. The new model largely resembles the original, but uses different materials in the details. What remains the same,…
If you think the watch and the concept of a limited customer base sound familiar, you're right – at least almost. To mark the 40th anniversary of The Cartier Collection – a collection of jewellery, watches and accessories launched in 1973 that exemplifies the brand's style – the Tank Louis Cartier Platinum Limited Edition was…
With the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton, a skeletonised model joins Rado's Captain Cook collection, also known as the watch brand's first diving watch, which debuted in 1962. This timepiece does not only distinguish itself through its high durability, but also through its uncompromising aesthetics. The case In line with the brand's predominant use of ceramics, the case…
Steel sports watches show no signs of slowing down in the industry anytime soon – and Audemars Piguet is jumping on board with the introduction of six new steel Code 11.59 models. The novelties consist of a trio of three-hand models, as well as three new chronographs. In comparison to their precious metal predecessors, these…
With the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, Rolex once again revives an idea of the past: the wristwatch as a practical tool. Built and developed for the professionals – that is the formula Rolex focuses upon for its new release, which is water-resistant up to 11,000 metres. The titanium case, ringlock system and helium escape valve…
The Porsche Design Globetimer has been part of the brand's product range since 2019 and offers a unique take on the time zone function. Its pushers, which are in the style of a chronograph, can be used to move the hour hand forwards or backwards. The date follows along in both directions. Derived from the…
At the Maison Vacheron Constantin, the Les Cabinotiers represent a department dedicated to the personalization of pieces and unique creations. This tradition dates back to the 18th century, a time when master watchmakers were called ‘cabinotiers’ and worked in ateliers bathed in natural light, known as cabinets and located on the top floor of Geneva’s…