The Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono Green Steel (Live Pics & Price)

Launched in 2019, the BR 05 collection marked an important step in the history of a brand that was usually focused on military and action-driven watches. Despite sharing multiple design elements with other Bell & Ross models, in particular the classic BR 03 instrument, with the “circle within a square” shape, it was far more urban-oriented and not intended for the battlefield. First seen in time-and-date versions, the brand later presented a big and bold chronograph, which now comes in a new and vibrant tone, with the BR 05 Chrono Green Steel. 

The BR 05 Chrono respects most of the codes of the collection known as the Parisian brand’s vision of a luxury sports watch with integrated design. But, considering its complication, it adds a fair dosage of sportiness and comes in larger dimensions. The base remains the classic design of B&R, with a squarish case secured by 4 functional screws and a perfectly round aperture for the dial in the middle. Compared to the BR 03, the icon of Bellamich and Rosillo, it has been softened and integrated within a shaped middle case that follows the lines of a steel bracelet – classic codes for the category.

While the time-and-date versions are relatively compact and slim, the BR 05 Chrono is bolder. It comes in a 42mm case, a solid block of steel with a thickness of 14.2mm. The finishing is quite delicate, with nicely defined surfaces either satin-brushed or polished, with numerous bright bevels animating this robust case. Equipped with a screw-down crown protected by lateral guards, with nicely integrated rectangular pushers, it is water-resistant to 100m and comes with sapphire crystals on both sides.

Already available in black or dark blue, white (limited edition) or in a version paying tribute to the partnership with Alpine F1 Team, it is now available in a vibrant green tone. The BR 05 Chrono Green Steel features an emerald green dial with a sunray-brushed effect, paired with sub-counters that mimic the shape of the case and framed by silver-toned tracks. Hands and markers are polished metal and filled with white luminous material, and the inner flange features a 60-minute track. The display consists, in addition to central hours and minutes, as well as a date at 4h30, of a chronograph with central seconds and a 30-minute counter… But if you look at previous editions of the BR 05 Chrono, you’ll notice that the counters have changed position (the small seconds used to be at 3 o’clock, and is now at 9 o’clock).

The reason is simple; Bell & Ross has changed the movement. Previously powered by the modular BR-CAL.301, based on the ETA 2894-2, it now houses the calibre BR-CAL.326. Seen through the sapphire back, the origins of the movement are easy to spot; it is based on the Sellita SW510, itself an evolution of the Valjoux 7753 architecture. As such, it moves from a modular construction to an integrated style, and the power reserve has been beefed up to now reach a solid 60-hour.

Presented either on an integrated steel bracelet or a textured green rubber strap, the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono Green Steel is now available and priced from EUR 6,400. For more details, please visit bellross.com.