Just like a spacesuit or a pressurised helmet, a mechanical chronograph has always been part of the official kit of astronauts and cosmonauts. The chronograph is the king of aerospace complications. It can measure short periods of time and has become an essential tool for living and working in space.
To survive in space, a professional watch must respond to certain specifications: resistance to extreme temperatures, corrosion, impacts, acceleration, pressure, vibrations, etc. Designed as a horological space capsule, the BR-X1 HyperStellar has been created for fully functional handling in space: ergonomic push-buttons suitable for use with gloves, dial details ensuring optimal time reading, extra lightweight to conform to payloads thanks to the combination of titanium and aluminium. Aluminium is known to generate an impermeable oxide layer, which protects it against corrosion. Grade 5 titanium has corrosion resistance properties, high biocompatibility and properties that enable the production of small, thin parts that are light yet strong.
The BR-X1 HyperStellar stands out thanks to its 45 mm case made from titanium and aluminium: the cover, centre and surround of the case are made from polished and micro-blasted grade 5 titanium, while the bezel’s protective insert is in blue anodised aluminium, to combine lightness and strength. To protect it from impacts during missions, the square case of the BR-X1 is covered with a bumper in micro-blasted titanium and rubber that acts as a peripheral protective shell.
A rubber grip function has also been integrated into the case to ensure better handling when activating the chronograph’s functions, even when wearing gloves. Finally, the predominance of stone grey and electric blue –in particular for the short time measurement functions– is a subtle reference to two colours closely associated with space exploration: the grey of the moon and the blue of the Earth.
The Bell & Ross Hyperstellar chronograph is driven by a mechanical skeleton movement with automatic winding. Structured in the shape of an «X», its upper bridge, treated with black DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) reads like its signature. “X” is the code name that refers to NASA’s experimental projects, and which gives the watch its name: the BR-X1. The BR-X1 HyperStellar chronograph features a central 60-second counter. The minute timer on the chronograph function is positioned at 9 o’clock; instead of a hand, it features an ultra light aluminium disc resembling the blades of a turbine. Essential for calculating speeds, the tachymeter scale appears in blue on the flange.
The back of the BR-X1 HyperStellar is made from grade 5 titanium. Like a planetary observation porthole, it features a small circular opening through which the balance can be seen. Made from grey-tinted sapphire crystal and featuring appliqué metal indices filled with Superluminova, the dial forms a clear window through which the exceptional movement can be admired.
The case of the BR-X1 HyperStellar, which is water resistant to 100 metres, is secured with functional, non-indexed screws and opens from the back. The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating ensures optimal readability. Grade 5 titanium produces several finish levels and perfectly complements the grey rubber, and the anodised electric blue used on the aluminium bezel. The bi-material strap is made from rubber and alligator leather featuring a steel buckle with an overmoulded rubber insert.
