While the majority of Bell & Ross’s men’s watches are inspired by aeroplane cockpit instruments, the new BR S Diamond Eagle collection for women aims higher – out into the Milky Way, far from the chatter of technology and the whine of engines, to the unfathomable sidereal silence of deep space, to the constellation of Aquila, the eagle, after which Bell & Ross’s new collection is named. The latest range builds on the success of the BR S Diamond Eagle, which launched in 2016 in midnight blue.
The BR S Diamond Eagle returns this year as a collection, in a choice of four colours: midnight blue, grey, pink and white. They come in plain or diamond versions – the latter set with 66 white diamonds around the bezel, totalling almost 1 carat.
While the sunburst finish of the dials of the grey and pink models carries some celestial symbolism, and the deep blue dial clearly evokes the night sky, the principal focus is obviously the Aquila constellation. The seven diamonds set into the dial outline the shape of the constellation, which is clearly visible from Earth, and their dimensions and brilliance are true to that of its seven biggest stars. The largest and brightest star is Altair, positioned at 10 o’clock. The twelve small faceted metallic markers complement the miniature starscape.
The 39 mm case of the BR S Diamond Eagle borrows the minimalist aesthetic of the famous model BR01 by Bell & Ross. The blue, grey and pink versions all come in a steel case, with alternating polished surfaces on the bezel and a satin-brushed finish for the distinctive square surround. The white version features an innovative and extremely feminine ceramic case, matched with a bright white dial. At the heart of the case, which is decorated on the back with the Aquila constellation, lies the Swiss made quartz movement BR-CAL.102, which drives hours and minutes.
Each of the models comes fitted a leather strap that matches the dial – in alligator for the blue and pink versions, and satin-finished calf leather for the grey and white – or with a Milan mesh bracelet made of steel wire polished on both sides. A ceramic and rubber bracelet is also available for the white version. Fans of pink watches may also be interested to learn that Bell & Ross’s Novarosa models are similar, but with an additional small second and date.
Price: 2,350 to 2,850 Swiss francs for the plain versions with leather or Milan mesh strap; CHF 2,900 / 3,600 for the white ceramic version with leather / ceramic strap; CHF 6,200 / 6,820 for the diamond versions; and CHF 7,920 in white ceramic with diamonds.
