Watch Beyond
Bell & Ross further strengthens its expertise to produce exceptional pilot, racer, and diver watches. Dewi Irma writes
Baselworld 2018 was definitely the perfect showcase for Bell & Ross lovers to get up close and personal with the brand’s latest releases. The brand has long been known to have a strong theme around pilot, racer, and diver watches, and this time, Bell & Ross’s character has become more clearly visible among new singular models and exceptional timepieces.
In the area of pilot watches, this time Bell & Ross highlights its latest model, the Racing Bird. Previously, Bell & Ross has designed its own motorbike and concept car, and now the watchmaker has designed its own aircraft. The Br-bird is an ultramodern single-seat propeller engine plane built entirely out of high-tech materials. Completing the project, Bell & Ross also launched special-edition timepieces: two new Racing Bird models.
Both the BR V1-92 Racing Bird and the BR V2-94 Racing Bird have stolen the show this year for Bell & Ross, combining neo-vintage good looks with a sporty and adventurous spirit. Inspired by the brand’s Br-bird racing plane design, Racing Bird is a modern and colourful take on a traditional pilot’s watch.
The Bell & Ross Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire is also in a class of its own. This unique timepiece features an utterly transparent piece that is fully skeletonised, combining prestigious watch complications, technical performance, and its signature design codes. From pink gold to blued steel to blackened steel versions, each watch is cased in transparent sapphire crystal with its main plate, bridges, dial, hands, and tourbillon cage all enclosed.
What makes it unique is that this time Bell & Ross is embarking on a new stage in its digital adventure by offering some of those unique Haute Horlogerie pieces for sale online, proving Bell & Ross’ avant-garde spirit in the e-commerce and the digital spheres.
As for racing world enthusiasts, to mark its third year of partnership with the Renault Sport Formula One Team, Bell & Ross also presented three new R.S.18 chronographs at Baselworld 2018, inspired by the new Renault single-seat race car. Taking one of the key components of a Formula 1 car, the chassis, this series includes the BR-X1 Tourbillon Chronograph R.S.18, with its self-winding mechanical movement that is skeletonised, the BR-X1 Chronograph R.S.18, with its flying tourbillon and the sporty sophistication of a single-pusher chronograph, and the BR03-94 R.S.18 with its perforated, microblasted titanium case and a dial made from carbon fibre.
In the area of diver watches, Bell & Ross also rolled out a collection that sets to make waves, further strengthening its ability to produce professional underwater instruments. This year, Bell & Ross launched two new versions, the BR03-92 Diver Blue with its blue dial, rubber strap, aluminium insert on the bezel, indices coated in White Superluminova, and a yellow hour hand, and the BR03-92 Diver Bronze with its case and bezel made from bronze, boasting exceptional technical and aesthetic qualities, which is issued as a limited edition of 999 pieces.
Another hit from Bell & Ross was the Diamond Eagle watch, which is a great choice as a sophisticated everyday watch. Available in white, pink, and blue, each of these stylish colours comes in two distinct versions: the “simple” variant, whose delicate “constellation” dial is adorned with a host of tiny diamonds, and the “diamond” variant, a more precious version featuring a bezel set with 66 diamonds that make it a piece of jewellery in watch form.
From these collections, we can see that Bell & Ross is synonymous with bold creativity and cool design. From vintage to industrial design, there’s something for everyone, because Bell & Ross keeps embracing its DNA of a constant pursuit of performance and precision, and always something to watch beyond.