SpotlightLet It Glow, Let It Glow, Let It Glow: The Glowing Case Of The BR X5 Green Lum By Bell & Ross

Though they are a brand with many tricks up their sleeve, the way Bell & Ross are perceived by the masses largely remains the same, which is that they’re best known for their serious, practical timepieces. Even while maintaining that theme, there’s always room to branch out, and with the new BR-X5 Green Lum timepiece, they’ve managed to do that without being too uncharacteristic about it.

The premise remains the same: to create a timepiece that prioritises legibility—which is also one of their four basic principles—in turn prioritising practicality. The execution is what’s noteworthy. The case of the BR-X5 Green Lum watch features an LM3D photo-luminescent composite case, which means the case glows in the dark. Let’s shine some light on the BR-X5.

A Glowing Legacy: The Lum Collection And The BR-X5 Green Lum

The trailblazers in aeronautically inspired watches have been illuminating the world of horology with their Lum collection timepieces. According to the brand, ‘visibility has always been a key objective for each Bell & Ross design, taking inspiration from aeronautical instrumentation’.

Within the Lum line, we’ve seen timepieces with fully luminescent dials and straps, such as the BR 03-92 Full Lum. There was also the BR 03-92 Grey Lum with SuperLuminova that emits an intense green glow reminiscent of landing strip lights, and the BR 03-92 Diver with a dial featuring luminescence in different shades of light green and pale yellow.

Each model has pushed the boundaries of luminescent technology, culminating in the BR-X5 Green Lum that we’re focusing on today. The watch stands apart from the rest thanks to its innovative composite material, LM3D, which lights up not only the components of the dial but the entire 41mm case. This inspiring timepiece, limited to 500 pieces, is bound to be spoken of for years to come every time a mention of luminous watches is made.

According to the brand, the biggest challenge for this watch was ‘bringing together innovation with photo-luminescent material and high-end design in the BR-X5 line’. The photo-luminescent material is LM3D, made of quartz fibres, and the case of the watch uses both LM3D and grade-2 micro-blasted, black DLC-treated titanium parts in multiple layers.

The dial itself is a thing of beauty, with the hour markers, skeletonised hands, power reserve indicator, and date window all glowing as vibrantly as the case.

More Than What Meets The Eye: The Powerhouse Of The BR-X5 Green Lum

The watch is an extension of the brand’s BR 05 range, most notably known for their signature aeronautical heritage and the ‘round within square’ design. It houses the BR-CAL.323 calibre—a prestigious in-house movement designed by Kenissi, boasting a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

The movement sits in between a titanium shell between two layers of LM3D. Even the bezel is rendered entirely in titanium but it holds an LM3D insert. The attention to detail is clear to see, and a watch as daring as this demanded nothing less. Meanwhile, the black DLC-treated screw-down crown helps makes the watch water-resistant up to 100m.

The Lum line continues to surprise us with its innovative designs and use of materials. It’s practical, it stays true to the standards that the Parisian brand have set for themselves, and it’s undeniably fun. Just ensure to not put it around your wrist if you’re not feeling up to being the centre of attention in a dark space.