The new BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon is the ultimate symbol of Bell & Ross’ watchmaking expertise and the first chapter of an evolution that combines grand complication and faithfulness to the aeronautical inspiration that the brand cherishes.
BR-X1 TOURBILLON R.S.20 For watchmaking enthusiasts, Bell & Ross is a leading brand in regards to design. To create the R.S.20 collection, the design studio started by researching the “topic” to give form to their inspiration. This year, the collection drew its inspiration from different sources.
Limited Edition of 20 pieces. Movement: calibre BR-CAL.283. Hand-wound ying tourbillon. Mono-pusher column wheel chronograph. 282 components, 35 jewels, 21,600 vph. 4-day power reserve. Functions: hours and minutes. Chronograph: 30-minute counter at 11 o’clock, 60-second counter at 1 o’clock. Power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock. Flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Case: 45 mm in diameter.
Now, Bell & Ross is taking the challenge of transparency a step further, with the new BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire. Over the last few years full sapphire cases have become increasingly popular, thanks in large part to early pioneers like Richard Mille and even MB&F.
The Bell & Ross BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire is a whole hell of a long way for a brand whose humble beginnings started with tool watches (remember B&R’s watches used to be manufactured by German tool watch master Sinn), but a journey that’s gotten considerably more impressive as the Experimental line continues to find interesting ways to visually and technologically
The brand calls the movement in the Bell & Ross BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon the caliber BR-CAL.283, or just the “283.” It has a rather plain back but a great dial with a lot of decoration. Manually wound, it has 4 days of power reserve operating at 3Hz (21,600 bph).
The BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon Sapphire 45 mm case is cut from six blocks of sapphire: middle piece, back, top, crystal and the two bumpers and it is assembled with screws. The hand-wound calibre BR-CAL.285 is comprised of 282 components and beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour with a remarkable power reserve of 100 hours.
The Bell & Ross BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire is a whole hell of a long way for a brand whose humble beginnings started with tool watches (remember B&R’s watches used to be manufactured by German tool watch master Sinn),
The Bell & Ross BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon, as said earlier, is the bold, strong, muscular version of the iconic squared-design imagined by Bell & Ross. The 45mm case comprises several parts, assembled to create a solid “protection box” for the movement. All starts with a central titanium “container” that encases the movement and that
BR X1 Tourbillon Sapphire Gold. BR X1 Tourbillon Sapphire Blue. Having an entirely clear and colourless case could mean the normal metallic silver used for hands and indices won’t stand out – and, let’s be honest, if you’re buying this watch, you’re not looking to blend in with the crowd.
This Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon RS17 is the most high-tech one of these new models. The other two models are the Bell & Ross BR-X1 RS17 and the Bell & Ross BR 03-94 RS17 . It has a very colorful 45-millimeter case, an open-worked dial and the whole design
BR X1 Tourbillon Sapphire Gold. BR X1 Tourbillon Sapphire Blue. Having an entirely clear and colourless case could mean the normal metallic silver used for hands and indices won’t stand out – and, let’s be honest, if you’re buying this watch, you’re not looking to blend in with the crowd.
The Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon Sapphire is limited to 5 pieces only Of course, the dial is skeletonized to provide a perfect view of the movement. The 30-minutes timer of the chronograph is at 11 o’clock, the 60-seconds timer at 1 o’clock and there is a power-reserve indicator at 9 o’clock.
The coolest “functional” elements of the case design are the switch-style chronograph pushers. They work very well, but you can get them with the BR-X1 non-tourbillon models. For the Bell & Ross BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillons, Bell & Ross is only making the cases in either titanium or 18k rose gold. On the wrist, I think they look really cool.