It isn’t a diver by any stretch of the imagination that’s for sure, but it is intriguing and personally I think it’s pretty damn good looking, too.
Meet the BR 05, a new luxury 100m sports watch from Bell & Ross, possibly the hottest, cleanest and most desirable non-diver I have clapped eyes on in long while at least in its price segment.
Remaining true to the brand’s design codes of legibility, functionality, reliability and precision, this new model boasts a sporty style.
The lines of its case combine round and square, the basic geometric shapes that form part of Bell & Ross’ identity.
The BR 05 belongs to a family of watches with an integrated case: the bracelet seamlessly fuses with the case to create a unified piece.
Integration of case and bracelet is not only in line with the brand’s visual identity, it also brings another dimension to the watch.
With the first link forming part of the watch case, this type of design harks back to the 70s.
When transposed to Bell & Ross, it creates a result with a graphic style which is both striking and modern.
The luxurious finishes of the BR 05 are there to catch the eye. Its 40mm case is angular.
The satin-finished surfaces are perfectly flat. The polished bevels emphasize and enhance the case as a whole.
These alternating satin-finished and polished surfaces are also found on the BR 05’s flexible steel bracelet.
B&R have paid careful to the arc of the curve, allowing all the components to be perfectly aligned and ensuring the bracelet can adapt seamlessly to any wrist.
The new collection is also available with a ribbed rubber strap in either black or blue while the dial of the BR 05 has a subtle sunray effect.
It is available in silver grey, navy blue or deep black. These different colorways are complemented by another model, with a skeleton dial and mechanism.
Not shown here, Limited to 500 pieces, the BR 05 Skeleton showcases the caliber BR-CAL.322 designed by Bell & Ross.
An 18 ct rose gold version of the case is also available delivered with either a full 18 ct gold bracelet or a ribbed black rubber strap.
The BR 05 range is equipped with a BR-CAL.321 automatic movement, wound by a 360° oscillating weight.
Thoughts? Despite the obvious influences there is still some clear B&R DNA at the BR 05’s core.
However it’s a welcome departure from the French brand’s flight instrument-panel inspired timepieces.
An elegant configuration of satin and polished steel components, perhaps just another luxury sports watch but a pretty one at that and one that is far more attainable than the AP, GP, PP and VCs of this world.
Unimpressed by the BR 05’s distinct lack of diving prowess? Perhaps you’ll prefer THIS.
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