News: The New Bell & Ross BR05 Chrono – Has Bell & Ross Finally Got It Right?
Last year Bell & Ross released its take on the classic stainless steel watch with an integrated bracelet: the BR05. The watch was a bit hit-and-miss for fans of the aviation-inspired brand. So, will the addition of a chronograph change that?
Audemars Piguet with the Royal Oak, Patek Philippe with the Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin with the Overseas; and if you were looking for something more affordable: Girard Perregaux with the Laureato, Chopard with the Alpine Eagle and Maurice Lacroix with the Aikon. Although I have named only a few examples of stainless steel watches with integrated bracelets, you can start to tell how popular the style has become.
Bell & Ross was founded in 1992 by Carlos Rosillo and Bruno Belamich
So, what makes the BR05 different? While those other watches can be configured to include a chronograph, what they don’t have is the aviation styling and pedigree of Bell & Ross. The BR05 Chrono looks like it was ripped straight from a cockpit; and really, that’s what the original BR05 missed out on.
The BR05 is powered by the BR-CAL.301, a 42-hour automatic chronograph movement that runs at 28,800vph. The movement is housed in a mostly satin-brushed—so you don’t have to worry as much about scratching—stainless steel case that is now 42mm. The move from the originals 40mm is to accommodate the bicompax styled chronograph—which is easy to read thanks to the large Arabic numerals and sub-dials.
The Bell & Ross BR05 was first introduced in 2019
The addition of the chronograph separates this model from being just another integrated bracelet watch. It is now a functional tool watch that fans of aviation who want a splash of the ‘70s can enjoy.
In stainless steel the BR05 Chrono can be bought with a black dial or in the—pulls the iconic Derek Zoolander face—“Blue Steel” configuration. Available on either a bracelet or rubber strap, the BR05 is another tool watch fit to join the very square line up of Bell & Ross aviation watches.
The Bell & Ross BR05 costs £5,200 on a bracelet and £4,800 on a rubber strap
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