BR-X1 SKELETON CHRONOGRAPH
THE HYPERSONIC CHRONOGRAPH
Always ahead of its time, Bell & Ross continues to innovate with the launch of the BR-X1, a high-tech chronograph with a sporty design, which is as robust as it is sophisticated. Revolutionary in its design, the BR-X1 is the first watch of a new collection from Replica Bell & Ross Watch and the beginning of a whole new chapter in the saga of the brand. An extreme version of the BR-01, whose iconic square shape is directly inspired by aeronautical flight instruments, the BR-X1 is much more than a top-of-the-range contemporary sports watch: it is the “Ultimate Utility Watch”.
FROM ON-BOARD INSTRUMENTATION TO THE BR-X1 TIMEPIECE
Nearly
ten years ago, Bell & Ross launched the BR-01, a distinctive,
high-performance watch directly inspired by on-board flight instruments.
It has become an iconic watch thanks to its square shape, its round
dial with perfect legibility, its broad dimensions and the efficiency of
its functional design. Since then, the BR-01 has continued to evolve
without losing its original identity. As a guiding principle, from
vintage pocket watches to the grand complication watches, each
Bell & Ross signed model pays homage to a great era in military
history. A tribute to the Bell X-1, the first American experimental
rocket plane to break the sound barrier (Mach 1, 1224 km/h) in 1947,
Bell & Ross is pushing the boundaries of innovation even further in
2014 by launching its fifth-generation watch. Its name’ The BR-X1. Its
special features’ A high-end chronograph with a resolutely sporty design
and sophisticated haute horlogerie finishes. Inspired by 21st century
fighter planes whose futuristic cockpits are made from fine, high-tech
materials to optimise their structure, the BR- X1 is an inventive,
high-tech watch, which is also masculine, strong and powerful. In one
word: contemporary. The BR-X1 is to luxury watch-making what
fifth-generation fighter planes are to aviation: a guarantee of ultimate
performance.
RESISTANCE, ERGONOMICS, FUNCTIONALITY: THE BR-X1 TRILOGY
As
tough as a 4×4, but as light as a drone, the BR-X1 stands out because
of the innovative design of its 45-mm case made from grade 5 titanium.
The square case of the BR-X1 is covered with a high-tech band made from
ceramic and rubber. It is designed as a cover around the edges, acting
as a defensive shield that protects it from possible impacts. Its
innovative rocker push-buttons are used to activate the chronograph
functions; these push-buttons are also made from high-tech ceramic with
ergonomically-designed rubber inserts. The objective: to make them as
solid and easy to grip as possible. A rubber button grip insert is also
built into the case at 9 o’clock, to make it easier to activate the
chronograph functions, even when wearing gloves. The BR-X1 features the
perfect combination of materials and qualities – titanium, ceramic and
rubber— which make it light, virtually scratch-proof and ergonomic. With
its sporty appeal and complex design, its case features functional
non-indexed screws. The sapphire glass has an anti-glare coating to
ensure perfect legibility in all circumstances. Revolutionary and
ultra-masculine, the design of this latest generation case, using a
combination of materials makes the possibilities endless. It also opens
up a vast potential for creativity, mostly in customisation.
HIGH FUNCTIONALITY SUPPORTED BY TECHNOLOGY AND SOPHISTICATION
The
chronograph is the complication par excellence in aviation. It can
measure short periods of time and has become an essential tool in
navigation. It is mainly for these reasons that the chronograph has
always enjoyed a special place among the Bell & Ross aviation watch
experts. It is only natural that the latest creation from Bell &
Ross – the BR-X1 – is not just any chronograph. Its rare skeleton
chronograph movement is an exceptional motor combining haute horlogerie
finishes and extreme lightness. Structured in the shape of an “X”, its
upper bridge (treated with black DLC) reads like a mark of its identity.
“X”, is the code name that refers to NASA’s experimental projects, and
which gives the watch its name: the BR-X1. As is the tradition at Bell
& Ross, the back of the BR-X1 – made from grade 5 titanium –
features a small, round opening which reveals the beating heart of the
balance. Made from grey-tinted mineral glass and featuring appliqué
metal indices with photo-luminescent inserts, the dial forms a clear
window through which the exceptional movement can be admired. The
sophisticated, Superluminova®-filled hands offer perfect legibility. The
central hour and minute hands are read traditionally, while the small
seconds hand is positioned at 3 o’clock. The skeleton date dial is
positioned at 6 o’clock. The minute timer on the chronograph function is
positioned at 9 o’clock; instead of a hand, it features an ultra light
aluminium disc resembling the blades of a turbine. Essential for
calculating speeds, the tachometer scale appears on the ring; each
chronograph function is marked with a subtle touch of red. Made from
rubber, the black strap is decorated with a braid, which echoes the
woven canvas straps used by astronauts, the modern adventurers in space.
Made from steel and featuring a moulded black rubber insert, the buckle
is both robust and refined. It is fixed to the strap using a pin and
two hex-head screws.
THE BR-X1 – THE ULTIMATE CHRONOGRAPH
The
perfect synthesis of Bell & Ross’ expertise in creating
professional greatly complex watches, the BR-X1 is an exceptional
instrument with an innovative, modern design, which is available as a
limited edition of 250 pieces. Set on revolutionising the watchmaking
world, its distinctive design – combining a sporty look with high-tech
features and haute horlogerie finishes – marks a new chapter in the rich
history of Bell & Ross.