The Motorsport-Infused Bell & Ross BR-X5 Racing
A new, high-tech edition powered by an automatic Kenissi movement.
For more than a decade, Bell & Ross has been mostly associated with its emblematic instrument collection, a “circle within a square” design inspired by dashboard instruments. Conscious that it was not sustainable, the brand decided in 2019 to become more urban, while staying true to its roots, unveiling the BR-05 collection. This collection opened the door to an even more ambitious range; the BR-X5… more muscular, more high-tech, and powered by a Kenissi movement. And if you take this powerful watch and blend in the classic motorsport roots of the brand, you have the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 Racing.
Despite not partnering anymore with Alpine (ex-Renault) Formula 1 Team, Bell & Ross still has a strong connection with motorsport and wants to keep the concept of the pilot’s watch (not the plane pilot, but the racecar pilot) alive. To do so, the brand elected its most advanced and high-tech collection for its latest racing-oriented model, based on a watch with a modular construction, allowing it to play with materials and colours.
A material known for its strength and lightness, titanium is at the centre of this new BR-X5 Racing. The case is built around three main parts, with a so-called sandwich architecture. Two grade 2 micro-blasted titanium plates encase a black DLC titanium monobloc container housing the movement and integrating the crown shoulders. On top, the square-shaped bezel, with classic rounded edges and functional screws, consists of two parts, with a woven carbon plate integrated into a titanium body. The case is bold and feels technical, with a 41mm width, 12.8mm thickness and a comfortable 100m water-resistance thanks to a screw-down crown.
The dial of this BR-X5 Racing oozes motorsport too, with a classic checkerboard inspiration and elements reminiscent of racing car dashboards. The base, which is smoked sapphire and offers a glimpse into the movement, is framed by a racing/checkered seconds track, with the minutes displayed on the angled inner flange. Large Arabic numerals indicate the hours, together with lumed hands. A date window sits at 3 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock, shaped like a fuel gauge.
Inside the case, visible under the sapphire back, is the calibre BR-CAL.323. First seen in the classic BR-X5 models, this movement marked the start of a collaboration between Bell & Ross and Kenissi. This movement, whose base is shared with Tudor, Chanel and Norqain, offers a solid 70h power reserve and is chronometer-certified by the COSC.
This new edition of the BR-X5 offers the choice between either a titanium bracelet (grade 2, micro-blasted) or a black rubber strap, both closed by a folding clasp. A limited edition of 500 pieces, the Bell & Ross BR-X5 Racing will be priced at EUR 10,900 on a rubber strap and EUR 11,900 on a titanium bracelet. For more details, please visit bellross.com.
6 responses
12K for a Bell&Ross!!!!
Why? Really now
I was a fan of the brand, but having seen all its outrageously priced timepieces, I am no longer interested~ A titanium Tudor Pelagos with a similar base movement, 500m water resistance, iconic design costs like 50% of the price, even if this piece has a 30% discount. I mean, who will buy this?
I really like it and would probably buy one, if it was priced appropriately for the kind of movement it has. 5k would be a realistic price, IMO.
In a way, I’m glad it’s so expensive. Otherwise, I’d be tempted to get one. I love the aesthetic and use of titanium. That’s more than my Explorer II 226570 cost though, so I’m out on this release.
@MAX
Why is 5K the realistic price? Why not 6674? Why not 4793? You watch guys kill me with your suggested MSRP which I would suggest is based on your bank account not any objective metric. IMO of course.
How about leaving the luxury watch market to those who can afford it?
@Yachtmaster2021 you may be right but bell and Ross supposed to be so entry luxury level, in terms of horological point of view, this piece not apparently superior to their instrument models. People who can afford this price would go for hublot, iwc but not br