In 2015, Bell & Ross launched the BR-X1 line with a Haute Horlogerie version: the BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon.
This watch combined the extremely virile esthetic codes of the brand with technical refinement. Yet the thrill of a further development was still to come. True to its relentless quest for excellence and performance, Bell & Ross boldly set forth to achieve the ultimate expression of this already iconic design: a skeleton movement enhanced as a rare treasure.
Through a transparent exterior, the BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon Sapphire is built around a flying tourbillon master grand complication and Bell & Ross has added an ultra elegant mono-pusher chronograph. The chronograph complication is visible and provides a privileged window into its many intricacies: the column wheel under the dial at 12 o’clock, the semi instantaneous jumping hand (rather than a traditional sweeping hand), and the power reserve indicator of 100 hours (at least 4 days) at 9 o’clock. Masculine through and through, the main plate and pillars have been machined from a single block of metal.
The skeletonizing of the calibre BR-CAL.285 allows the exceptional mechanics of this “horological turbine” to be observed when starting, stopping and resetting. True aficionados will appreciate the extreme sophistication of the BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon Sapphire with its 30-minute counter at 10 o’clock and 60-second counter at 2 o’clock for the chronograph functions. These are engaged by the mono-pusher rocker –positioned at 2 o’clock– which controls the Start, Stop and Reset functions.
To those of us in awe of Nature’s riches, sapphire is an iconic precious gemstone. To the world of Science, it’s a mineral known as Corundum, the second hardest material on earth after diamond, and almost impossible to scratch. Herein, lies the beauty of this once-in-a-lifetime creation by the master horologers at Bell & Ross.
Cutting a watchcase from a solid block of sapphire is an extremely difficult process. It takes long hours of machining, then polishing, to produce one. The BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon Sapphire case, measuring 45 mm in diameter, is cut from six blocks of sapphire: middle piece, back, top, crystal and the two bumpers and is assembled with screws.
The BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon Sapphire is a limited edition of 5 pieces, fitted with a bi-material strap made of translucent rubber with metallic Kevlar weaving.
