Inspired by the Aero GT supercar and stealth aircraft, the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 Racing is both lightweight and robust. In motor racing weight is the enemy. But, the pursuit of lightness must preserve the rigidity and robustness of the vehicles. That’s why F1 constructors – who design the vehicle’s chassis and engine – often use materials borrowed from the aeronautics or aerospace industries. To achieve a similar light-yet-rugged combo, Bell & Ross constructed a high-tech 41-mm case using carbon and titanium. Four titanium screws secure the case’s multi-component ‘sandwich’ architecture. Two titanium plates encase a black DLC coated titanium monobloc container housing the BR-CAL.323 movement and integrating the crown shoulders. The square-shaped bezel topping the watch consists of two parts, a woven carbon plate integrated into a titanium body. The strap, in either titanium or rubber, is attached to two plates independent from the case, for maximum comfort. The dial’s design also draws inspiration from racing cars, specifically the dashboard. Minutes are displayed on the inner bezel, outside the dial, while hours appear inside, inscribed on the dial’s glass. The central seconds hand features a red tip and ‘checkerboard’ style graduation precise to a quarter of a second. For optimal readability, the hour numerals and the hour and minute hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova – green emission. Limited to 500 pieces.
Bell & Ross BR-X5 Racing ($11,800.00) – bellross.com
