New BR-X1 Chronographe marks the turning point in the Aviation series of Bell & Ross watches, since it introduces a new design concept, even though it still retains the most recognizable feature of the series. The watch is made with a skeletonized face and it runs on a chronograph caliber which features automatic winding. BR-X1 Chronographe is made in a limited edition of 250 copies and it costs $18,000.
Bell & Ross Aviation BR-X1 Chronographe Watch Side
After the numerous iterations of the same basic idea that was visible in the multitude of BR-01 and its smaller-sized relatives BR-03 timkeepers, Bell & Ross is finally adding a new design approach to its Aviation series. As it is well-known and can be clearly seen, the entire lineage is based on the appearance of airplane instruments. The first new watch from the BR-X1 sub-series brings a more dynamic and three-dimensional visual concept and it looks more modern than its predecessors. However, it is still made with the most basic traits of the series (a square case that features a round dial), which enables immediate recognition.
The titanium case of the BR-X1 Chronographe is secured with a black ceramic band. It also includes red rubber inserts on the places which are located exactly where the wearer will place his fingers while operating the watch’s functions. This will undoubtedly enable a more secure grip and better ergonomics. This is no surprise since the piece, just like the entire series, is primarily intended for pilots. Overall water resistance of the housing is 100 meters.
Bell & Ross Aviation BR-X1 Chronographe Watch Back
The recognizable round crystal of the watch is encircled with a fixed bezel which protrudes on the square basis. By the way, the crystal is made of sapphire with glare-proofed coating. The same material, just in its gray-tinted form is used for the small see-through opening on the rear side of the case whose diameter measures to 45 mm.
Bell & Ross Aviation BR-X1 Chronographe Watch Details
As for the caliber that is shown from both sides, it is a self-winding mechanical movement. It includes an unspecified base movement that is enriched with the addition of a chronograph mechanism which was made exclusively for the brand by Dubois-Depraz, the renowned manufacturer specified in the creation of such additional modules. Some of its decorations that can be seen are circular-grained x-shaped base-plate with black DLC coating and chronograph bridges with straight graining.
Bell & Ross Aviation BR-X1 Chronographe Watch
The transparent dial is made of tinted mineral glass. It includes three central hands (chronograph seconds and two skeletonized ones for hours and minutes), applied hour markers with luminous coating, two chrono counters (for small seconds and minutes), as well as a date display at the very bottom. Bell & Ross BR-X1 Chronographe is paired with a woven black rubber that fastens with a pin buckle which is made of steel with rubber inserts. Apart from the described model which will be made in 250 copies, there is another very similar yet a bit scarcer version of the watch. This one uses a red-tinted mineral glass for the dial and it is launched in a series of just 50 pieces. It is available solely in the brand’s boutiques.
