Every professional instrument watch developed by Bell & Ross is decidedly modern. Designed with a famously lightweight metal, the new BR-X5 Black Titanium is no different.
With a long history of use in aviation, titanium has also won its spurs in contemporary fine watchmaking. Lightweight, comfortable, and resilient, this high-tech material offers a style all its own, with an understated colour that differs slightly from stainless steel and white gold. Weighing in a full third lighter than steel and boasting an extraordinary weight-to-strength ratio, titanium has many more remarkable intrinsic qualities, from being hypoallergenic to being highly resistant to corrosion. These properties are compounded by the X5‘s sandwich type case, which is also designed to be lightweight and durable.
The Power of Design
The architecture of the multi-component case favours purity and radicality, lightness and resistance. Assembled around a waterproof container which protects the manufacture movement, the 41mm case is hollowed out and made of titanium, making it lighter and more comfortable. The square bezel and sapphire glasses are fixed on two plates to form the top and bottom of the case. The whole is kept watertight with four screws through the entire case, in a multi-layer assembly that keeps the piece perfectly sound. Made entirely of grade 2 titanium, the case has an easily recognisable grey tint. Its anti-reflective matt finish is achieved through fine micro-sandblasting, an understated choice that showcases the model’s unique design.
Functional Principles
With the BR-X5 line, Bell & Ross reaches new heights when it comes to style and performance. “With its manufacture movement and sophisticated design, the BR-X5 has become an iconic watch for the brand and its watchmaking expertise”, emphasises Bruno Belamich, Bell & Ross Creative Director and co-founder. The intention is clear: functionality takes centre stage. The indices are clear and precise in their readability. The dial houses a large date aperture at 3 o’clock, and a circular power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock. The indices and hands (other than the seconds) are covered with SLN X1 type white luminescent material, for optimal readability by both day and night. The minute indices are displayed on a flange.
A Moving Performance: COSC-Certified Chronometer
Like every watch in the BR-X5 collection, the new BR-X5 Black Titanium is powered by the BR-CAL.323 self-winding mechanical movement. This calibre has a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The highly precise movement is equipped with an oscillating weight and a variable-inertia balance wheel, both visible through the large sapphire crystal caseback. Another advantage of the manufacture movement is its rapid date correction device, adjustable at any time. The calibre is guaranteed for 5 years with a proven performance: it is chronometer certified by the COSC, Switzerland’s official chronometer testing institute. A benchmark piece.
With its titanium design, the technical, innovative BR-X5 is a contemporary expression of Bell & Ross’ watchmaking expertise. Performance material meets the Maison’s Manufacture collection.
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