ReviewSkull Couture: Introducing The Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze

Of late, there’s been a resurgence of skull watches with brands pushing the boundaries when it comes to these unique timepieces that have been making waves in the horological world. While not exactly a ‘staple’, this symbol has become a niche within the realm of watch collecting, with various brands putting their own spin on this macabre motif. And when it comes to skull watches, one brand that cannot be overlooked is Bell & Ross, whose latest release, the BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze, is a peculiar yet fascinating addition to their skull-inspired timepieces.

Bells & Skulls 

For over a decade, Bell & Ross have been blending skulls and watches to create a stunning fusion of life and death. But it’s the BR 01 Cyber Skull that truly captivates, with its bold and avant-garde take on the traditional skull aesthetic. The new version—made of bronze instead of black ceramic—combines futuristic design with classical material for a striking contrast. It features design elements that pay homage to military symbolism, specifically the skull worn by American paratroopers on D-Day in 1944, with the inscription ‘Death From Above’. The series is inspired by the concepts of Memento Mori and Vanitas—themes from 17th century European art.

The case is crafted from brushed and polished CuSn8 bronze, with the caseback and pin buckle made of CuAI7Si2 bronze

The Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze is an imposing timepiece, with its oversized, architectural case measuring 45mm in width and 46.7mm in length, yet is surprisingly wearable on the wrist. The case is crafted from brushed and polished CuSn8 bronze, with the caseback and pin buckle made of CuAI7Si2 bronze. Drawing inspiration from the fuselage of a stealth aircraft, the angular square case features multiple facets and angles—a departure from the classic square design of 2005. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal protecting its dial and offers 50m of water resistance. Completing the look is a black rubber strap, adding to its overall rugged and sophisticated aesthetic.

The Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze is an imposing timepiece, with its oversized, architectural case measuring 45mm in width and 46.7mm in height

A Macabre Movement For The Skull

The Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze boasts the in-house BR-CAL.210 movement, a manual-winding calibre that shares similarities with the movements used in other Cyber Skull watches. While the specific specs of the BR-CAL.210 are not provided, it is expected to offer similar performance to its counterparts, operating at a frequency of 28,800vph (4Hz) and providing a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The unique architecture of the movement is designed to fit within the natural shape of the skull, with bridges and plates carefully positioned to showcase the skull’s iconic lower jaw animation, which moves up and down as the watch is wound, adding a touch of playful animation to the timepiece.

In place of a traditional dial, the Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze features a large skull and crossbones suspended in the case, with the majority of the movement’s components hidden behind the skull—creating a sense of transparency and openness. The movement’s balance wheel is positioned at the top of the skull, symbolising the brain that governs timekeeping, while the lower part of the jaw features an automation animation that mimics the appearance of the skull laughing in the face of death. Crafted from rose gold-plated brass, the skull features a stylised, angular aesthetic that pays homage to origami, with a digital-like design. The centre of the dial showcases gold-plated baton hands with Super-LumiNova inlays, offering easy time reading against simple stick indexes, printed on the underside surface of the crystal, completing the unique and visually captivating design of the timepiece.

Final Thoughts

While watches with skulls on them may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Bell & Ross have clearly found a market for them, as evident by their continued production of these timepieces for almost 15 years. The new Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze, produced as a limited-edition of 500 pieces, comes with a higher price tag than its black ceramic predecessor, but its use of bronze adds a touch of old-world charm to its modern aesthetic. The use of bronze, known for developing unique patinas over time, also ensures that each watch will age gracefully and be truly one-of-a-kind.