In 2017, Bell & Ross introduced its first Horolum edition, the BR 03-92 Horolum with sandblasted case and green-tinted, long-lasting Super-LumiNova. The name was drawn from “Horo”, referring to watchmaking or time and “Lum”, meaning light. Today, the Franco-Swiss watchmaker has unveiled the next generation of the Horolum, this time, the 40-mm automatic model from its 2019 launched BR 05 collection (the first Bell & Ross collection in which the angular case is integrated into a metal bracelet) got the monochromatic treatment. We briefly got to see the watch last week at Bell & Ross’ HQ:
Like the original BR 03-92 Horolum, the new BR 05 Horolum (Ref. BR05A-GM-ST) has retained the bead-blasted finish of the case and the luminescent coating of the applied indices on the dial. And, like the case and bracelet, the dial is also made from bead-blasted steel.
The integrated bracelet has been designed to curve easily and flexibly to accommodate a variety of wrist sizes, and fastens to the wrist with a double-folding steel clasp.
The sapphire crystal on the back of the 100m water resistant case reveals the automatic Cal. 321 (a custom-manufactured Sellita SW300-1 with 38-hour power reserve), with an oscillating mass inspired by the shape of the wheel rims found on sports cars.
The BR 05 Horolum is a limited boutique edition of 250 pieces and exclusively available in the e-boutique and the 15 Bell & Ross boutiques around the world. It retails for $5,400.
I think this watch is special. The regular BR05 is nice but it looks slightly odd and somewhat heavy. This version has an air of quality and lightness. It looks unique and thus has an attraction all its own. Given that it is one of only 250 pieces it might well become a decent investment piece too. I wonder if and when B&R will gain some real general appreciation and thus make a quantum leap in the brand’s development. I have been looking at this watch for two weeks and have actually added one to my shopping bag on their website but so far haven’t quite managed to pull the trigger. Any idea what’s stopping me?