Bell & Ross recently unveiled its latest creation the new BR-X5, combining the heritage of the brand with new innovations and technology.
Bruno Belamich
Since its debut in 2019, the BR 05 collection has become one of the key pillars for the watchmaker, providing urban-focused design in a unique geometric way. With this new stylish watch, the brand elevates the original design to a new level that combines elegance with a sporty edge.
The BR-X5 is powered by a manufacture movement manufactured by Kenissi and measures 41mm in diameter with a thickness of 12.8mm. The case has evolved and elevated, pushing the edge of creativity forward. Featuring a sandwich-type construction, the timepiece’s precise facets and highly considered cuts feature a streamlined lightness and industrial resistance. The multi-layer construction of the watch at first appears discreet but from the side the hollowed-out architecture of the case middle is captivating, revealing a technical construction that optimises lightness without compromising on utility or water resistance. The different polished, satin-brushed and micro-blasted finishes throughout the case highlight the lines and surfaces of the design and ensure the successful completion of this watchmaking puzzle.
While forward-looking in its sophistication, the modern watch remains in line with the familiar attitudes which have helped define Bell & Ross, being perfectly balanced in its elevation by its versatility. Throughout the design, a sense of sportiness and practical reliability carry through, these sentiments are provided by both its steel construction and as well as an integrated design between the case and matching steel bracelet or open-worked rubber strap. The dial features a smart stylish design making it a highly refined expression of the original urban instrument shape. Available in two colourways— black and ice blue— each option represents two sides of the brand’s appeal.
Masterminding bell & Ross’ bold and audacious designs is Co-Founder and Creative Director Bruno Belamich. After founding the company with his partner CEO Carlos Rosillo the two have made it their mission to create timepieces that stand out and break the mould of watchmaking as we know it. As the new BR-X5 launches in the market, we find out more about this new design.
Tell us about the past year at Bell & Ross and what have been the highlights?
It was a comforting year following what we experienced with the health crisis, we saw life pick up. There was a creative and commercial rebound and it was a year full of comfort and hope.
We love the new BR-X5 tell us about this watch and how it represents the DNA of the brand?
The BR-X5 is the sophisticated version of the BR 05, a superlative BR 05. Its design is inspired by aeronautics and Formula 1 to be light and resistant. These are the territories of inspiration that form the DNA of the House. It is above all a watch with a manufacture movement developed by Kenissi for Bell & Ross.
What makes this watch different from others in the collection?
The difference of the BR-X5 is in its manufacture movement and the construction of the case.
Tell us about the choices of colours and materials used in this watch.
The watch comes in two key colours; black because it’s a reference colour for Bell & Ross, as it’s the colour of the plane dashboards. And Blue because we have never used this type of blue before, this sky blue dial reminds us of the sky and follows our passion for the aeronautical industry. Then we have a third and last version which allows us to visualize at best the concept of this multi-component and multi-materials watch, a watch that mixes a maximum number of materials and colours to emphasise the sophistication of the case.
What were some of the challenges you had when creating this timepiece?
We had to come challenges of reliability, waterproofing, resistance, and comfort on the wrist.
Over the past few years Bell & Ross has firmly defined its key watch ranges – how would you access the segmentation of the watches that you have in your offering today and what do you think is missing?
We have always chosen originality. Bell & Ross is a brand of square-shaped watches, we prefer the square to the more universal round watch because we want to stand out and differentiate ourselves. We segment the watches in the urban and professional categories. In these families we offer different levels of sophistication, for the BR 05 it is the BR-X5 and for the BR 03 it is the BR X1.
What is a watch that you would still love to create?
More variations of the BR-X5, and generally more complicated watches.
When and where are you in your most creative state of mind?
In front of the window of a watch boutique.
