A new dream-watch just launched! The Bell & Ross BR-X1 is named to honor the Bell X-1 supersonic test plane from 1947 — and employs tech just as advanced for 2015 watchmaking.
Four initial styles of the BR-X1 are part of a very limited-release initial collection. The favorite of ours is the Carbon Forge model — as it has a very unique marbled finish, tinted sapphire crystal, and should be much lighter than the typical BR watches.
Milled from single pieces of alloy, the heft of their watches makes you feel important. But does take time to get comfortable with the scale of it on your wrist.
No weights are given for the Carbon Forge BR-X1, but its aerospace-grade spec five titanium should weigh in less than aluminum alloy, and less than half the heft of stainless steel alloys.
The titanium is melds with a unique carbon ceramic polymer before being stamped at immense pressure during its curing process. Into the autoclave and baked for days and days, the BR-X1 comes out as indestructible as the top-secret blades of an attack helicopter.
If you can’t secure one of the 250 Carbon Forged watches, or prefer a bit more flash… there are BR-X1 Torbillon versions to consider that are even more exclusive: just 20 units of each style. Of course, prepare to really shell out big loot for the rose gold and ceramic models. Price estimates? About the price of a Nissan Versa for the cheapest BR-X1, and about the price of four Toyota Corollas for the BR-X1 Tourbillon….
Just kidding! These are even pricier than our estimates: the Carbon Forge is $23k and the Torbillon is $163k.
Check out the collection below, with links to find the watches at Bell & Ross boutiques worldwide — as ever, the model is not likely to be sold online through normal ‘click to buy’ functionality of the E-Boutique. The best way is to ask your local jeweler / BR seller to order one on your behalf.
Bell & Ross BR-X1
Bell & Ross BR-X1 Carbon Forgé
Movement: automatic mechanical. BR-CAL.313. ’X’-shaped upper bridge. 56 jewels, 28,800 vph. Skeleton chronograph.
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 3 o’clock. Skeleton date at 6 o’clock. Chronograph: 30-min timer at 9 o’clock, central chronograph seconds. Tachymeter scale on the flange.
Case: 45 mm in diameter. Carbone Forgé®, grade 5 titanium and ceramic with rubber inserts. Ceramic rocker push-buttons with rubber inserts. Crown with rubber inserts. Back with opening in tinted sapphire crystal, centred on the balance.
Dial: grey-tinted sapphire crystal. Appliqué metal indices with Superluminova® inserts. Metal skeleton Superluminova®-filled hour and minute hands. Aluminium 30-min chronograph timer disc.
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
Water resistance: 100 m.
Strap: woven black rubber.
Buckle: pin. Black PVD* steel finish and black rubber insert.
Limited Edition : 250 pieces.
BR-X1 Carbone Forgé®
In 2014 Bell & Ross pushed the boundaries of innovation even further 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.
Lightweight, strong and ergonomic
The result is a non-porous, water-resistant single-unit case with clean edges, in a deep black, which is the colour of the carbon fibres.
The marbled appearance of each piece is unique thanks to the random way the carbon fibres are mixed. The matt finish reduces reflection for better legibility, and makes it soft to the touch.
Function and complication
It is only natural that their latest creation –the BR-X1– is not just any chronograph. Its rare skeleton chronograph movement is an exceptional motor combining strength and extreme lightness.
Structured in the shape of an “X”, its upper bridge (treated with black DLC) reads like its signature. “X” is the code name that refers to NASA’s experimental projects, and which gives the watch its name: the BR-X1.
BR-X1 Rose Gold & Ceramic
Movement: automatic mechanical. BR-CAL.313. ’X’-shaped upper bridge. 56 jewels, 28,800 vph. Skeleton chronograph.
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 3 o’clock. Skeleton date at 6 o’clock. Chronograph: 30-min timer at 9 o’clock, central chronograph seconds. Tachymeter scale on the flange.
Gold weight: 28,75 gr.
Dial: grey-tinted sapphire crystal. Appliqué metal indices with Superluminova® inserts. Metal skeleton Superluminova®-filled hour and minute hands. Aluminium 30-min chronograph timer disc.
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
Water resistance: 100 m.
Strap: woven black rubber.
Buckle: pin. Black PVD* steel finish and black rubber insert.
Limited Edition : 99 pieces.
BR-X1 Torbillon
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.