Every year the colorful animal kingdom of the Chinese calendar inspires a select circle of manufacturers to create artistic limited editions. As the Year of the Wood Dragon which will kick off on on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, and reign until Jan. 29, 2025 promises luck, prosperity, and success, China often experiences a particularly high birth rate during the reign of this zodiac sign.
A select circle of high-end watchmakers also fete the dragon, creating special editions that pay homage to this mythological creature with attention to detail and expressive colors. They employ rare and elaborate craftsmanship to honor the cultural richness and symbolism. These strictly limited timepieces are coveted in collector circles, not only emphasizing the artistic aspect of time but also creating an emotional connection. Bell & Ross is the latest manufacturer to unveil a commemorative watch, the BR 05 Artline Dragon. Limited to just 99 pieces, it adopts graphic codes linked to the art of tattooing.
Channeling the historic cultural and spiritual reference of the dragon, the case and bracelet – including the links – incorporate natural elements, such as the sun and moon, as well as references to flora and fauna. This detailed artwork is achieved by a laser engraving technique.
Bell & Ross is particularly proud of the bracelet as every link requires individual engraving to match the pattern. The dial, displaying the face, is likewise stunning, as even the hands contribute to the imagery, with the black lacquered representing the whiskers of the dragon.
Powering the watch is the automatic BR.CAL-321 caliber, based on the Sellita SW300, ensuring a substantial 54-hour power reserve. It comes to life through the sapphire case back.
The movement is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case, featuring the collection’s distinctive square shape with rounded corners and four screws on the bezel, characteristic of Bell & Ross. It has a svelte height of 10.3mm and is water resistant to 100 meters.
Pricing for the Bell & Ross BR 05 Artline Dragon is marked at $7,900.
To learn more, visit Bell & Ross, here.
