ReviewMuscle Power: Presenting The New BR-X5 Black Steel And Ice Blue Steel

Bell & Ross are among the few watchmakers who have faithfully offered luxury sport watches with integrated and sleek designs through their BR 05 collection. A range that was first introduced in 2019 has now come a long way, becoming more contemporary and adventurous. A more powerful reflection of this family of watches is visible in the BR-X5 collection, which follows these design codes unquestionably and bears witness to the brand’s distinguished square silhouette. The new and formidable BR-X5 indeed retains the design of the superlative BR 05 collection—be it the circle within a square, its four screws, or its overall aviation inspiration.

The new BR-X5 in steel: Beefy, yet light and wearable

A steel core leads the case of the BR-X5, while the watch’s square bezel flanks the core. Allowing the bezel to don a distinct look is a rubber ring. The bezel and caseback are fixed to two plates in steel that establish the top and bottom of the watch. This hard-wearing construction not only lends the new BR-X5 the BR 05 signature style but also makes the watch water-resistant up to 100m. The engineering and design of the BR-X5 allow it to smoothly enter the urban landscape while honouring its aeronautic inspiration. Its steel case, measuring 41mm in width with a thickness just under 13mm, retains the essence of the BR 05 family yet exudes creativity in the looks department by being bolder and more muscular.

Bell & Ross Urban

₹6,39,000

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While the sandwich-type construction and the hollowed-out architecture offer the BR-X5 its lightness, the polished, satin-brushed, and micro-blasted finishing on the case make its lines and surfaces look exquisite. The BR-X5 is available in two options and the dials of all the references have applied indexes and skeletonised hour and minute hands, featuring Super-LumiNova, and a black flange with a 60-minute scale and white markings.

These steel BR-X5 iterations join the BR-X5 Carbon Orange reference, which is a limited edition of 500 pieces. The new steel BR-X5 models, along with the multi-material orange BR-X5, augment the strength of the Urban watches by Bell & Ross.

Bell & Ross Urban

₹11,89,000

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Confidently bold

The BR-X5 Black Steel model houses a sunray black dial and can be paired either with an open-worked black rubber strap or a satin-finished and polished steel bracelet. Similarly, the BR-X5 Ice Blue Steel iteration can be worn with either an open-worked ice blue rubber strap or a satin-finished and polished steel bracelet.

This sturdy and sporty timepiece is driven by the calibre BR-CAL323, which is a product of a collaboration between the French watchmaker and the renowned mechanical manufacture Kenissi. The engine is also visible through the exhibition caseback, showcasing the Bell & Ross-signed skeletonised oscillating weight, and delivering a power reserve of around 70 hours.

The wearer can flank the BR-X5 Ice Blue Steel with either a blue rubber strap or a steel bracelet

The BR-X5 models confidently follow in the footsteps of the BR-05 watches, which are inspired by the 1970s and have a strong association with aviation timekeeping. However, BR-X5 also offers its unique flavour and charm, impressing its wearer with its distinguished geometric aesthetics, multi-part architecture, and strapping appeal.