Sky Blue and Skeletonized: Bell & Ross Unveils BR 05 Skeleton Blue Limited Edition

Launched to considerable fanfare in Fall 2019, and positioned as the brand’s “urban explorer,” Bell & Ross’s BR 05 collection integrated the distinctive, softly angled square cases of the flagship BR 01 model into metal bracelets for the first time. The most eye-catching of the new family is the BR 05 Skeleton, whose openworked caliber is draped in vibrant blue in this new, 500-piece limited edition.

The case of the BR 05 Skeleton Blue, with its softly angled corners, satin-finished flat surfaces and polished bevels, measures a relatively modest 40 mm — downsized from the hulking 46 mm of the BR 01 and the still stately 42 mm of the BR 03 (its predecessors in the Instrument collection), and only slightly larger than the smallest Instrument model, the 39-mm BR S. The integrated bracelet, designed and built specially for the BR 05 models, has a polished surface on its soft rectangular center links and a satin-brushed one on its H-shaped outer links. The bracelet has been designed to curve easily and flexibly to accommodate a variety of wrist sizes, and fastens with a double-folding steel buckle. The latter element, with its two quick-release push-buttons, also boasts a combination of luxurious polishing and satin brushing on its surfaces, while Bell & Ross’s “ampersand-in-a-circle” logo emblem subtly serves as the locking mechanism.

Of course, the timepiece’s showcase element is its blue-tinted, translucent crystal dial with Super-LumiNova-filled hands and indices, behind which one can view the openworked movement, the BR-CAL.322. Both the watch and its movement represent a heretofore rare horological venture for Bell & Ross, which had previously reserved skeletonization for only its rarest and most high-end pieces, such as the BR X-2 Tourbillon. In this incarnation, the innovative 360-degree rotor, which is visible through a clear sapphire caseback embellished with a metallized logo, is also coated in blue. Exhibition casebacks are also relatively rare for the brand, and their use on all models is another element meant to set the BR 05 collection apart from its peers. According to Bell & Ross CEO Carlos Rosillo, “In the car industry the engineering inside is even more important than what’s outside, which is why in a lot of sports cars you can see through the engine. This is an engine custom-made for Bell & Ross. And in watchmaking, the beauty of a skeleton is that you can show the sophistication of the movement without taking it off and looking through the back.”

The movement beats at 28,800 vph and stores a power reserve of 38 hours. In addition to the steel bracelet, the BR 05 Skeleton Blue is also available on an integrated, ribbed blue rubber strap. The price is $6,400 on the strap and $6,900 on the bracelet. For the full story behind the BR 05 collection and a look at all of its offerings, click here.

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