Bell & Ross conquers the space and stars

Luxury watchmaker Bell & Ross unveils new space-themed chronograph for men, while women can enjoy a star-themed timepiece

BR-X1 HyperStellar

Designed as a horological space capsule, the BR-X1 HyperStellar has been conceived to accompany explorers on their journeys into space and 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.

Its 45 MM case is 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.

The “motor” of the BR-X1 chronograph is driven by a mechanical skeleton movement with automatic winding. Structured in the shape of an “X”, its upper bridge is treated with black DLC (Diamond Like Carbon). “X” is a nod to the code name of NASA’s experimental projects, and gives the watch its name: the BR-X1.

The BR-X1 features a central 60-second counter, while the minute timer 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. In a limited edition of 250 pieces, the BR-X1 is the iconic fifth-generation square watch designed for the space missions of tomorrow.

BR S Diamond Eagle

The latest women’s watch from Bell & Ross is inspired by the celestial sphere, and features the iconic round dial set in a gentle square. Diamonds set into the dial form the pattern of the Aquila constellation, named for Jupiter’s eagle – a legendary cluster of stars easily visible from the earth. Together, they form a mini Milky Way encapsulated in a watch.

With its constellation of diamonds and faceted indices, the studded dial of the BR S Diamond Eagle uses the watchmaker’s art to create its celestial display. The refined midnight-blue dial features a sunray pattern covered in a blue-tinted varnish, which gives it an exquisite depth. The time display is easy to read, indicated by two slim hands with a streamlined design.

The case comes from the BR family, created in 2005, upon which the brand’s reputation was built. It features the circle within a square. Machined from steel, it is alternately polished and satin-finished to create a visual contrast between the bezel and the case, and is water-resistant to 100 meters. It houses a Swiss-made quartz movement at its heart, while the engraved case back echoes the Aquila constellation, this time in a stylised design.

The BR S Diamond Eagle is available in two versions, one of which boasts a bezel set with 66 white diamonds; a prestigious and elegant watch turned into a contemporary piece of jewellery.