Bell & Ross BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon
Revolutionary in its design and also inspired by aeronautical flight instruments, the BR-X1 line from Swiss watch maker Bell & Ross expands with a new exceptional Haute Horlogerie version: the BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon. This precious measuring instrument combines the extremely virile aesthetic codes of the brand with the technical refinement of Bell & Ross’ Haute Horlogerie.
An armoured, ingenious, muscular and technical watch, the BR-X1 has always stood out thanks to the innovative design of its 45 mm multi-material case. The functional, non-indexed screws, the single-piece structure of the case and the rocker pushers for the chronograph functions were designed to contribute to the sturdiness and ergonomy of the watch. A «thumb rest» insert is integrated at nine o’clock for optimised handling when activating the chronograph functions. The ultra masculine and revolutionary architecture of this new generation go-anywhere timepiece allowed for infinite combinations in the design phase opening up a vast potential for creativity. The new BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon is the ultimate symbol of Bell & Ross’ watchmaking expertise and the first chapter of an evolution that combines grand complication and faithfulness to the aeronautical inspiration that the brand cherishes.
The sophisticated and contemporary expression of an ultra virile high-tech line of watches, the “fuselage” of the BR-X1 brings Bell & Ross into new territory in creative watchmaking, who have always made professional timepieces that meet exacting requirements in terms of legibility, functionality, precision and reliability. The integration of several fine complications (tourbillon, mono-pusher chronograph, power reserve indicator) in the square, rugged case of the BR-X1 firmly emphasises the intention to combine Haute Horlogerie with extreme robustness, refinement with professional instrumentation and tradition with a desire for modernity.
A skeleton tourbillon mono-pusher chronograph, this new generation BR-X1, with column wheel movement, displays hours and minutes in the centre for a traditional display, as well as a 100 hour (4 days) power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock. A watch of extreme sophistication, the BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon also has a 30-minute counter at 10 o’clock and a 60 second counter at 2 o’clock for the chronograph functions. The function is engaged by the mono-pusher rocker – positioned at 2 o’clock – which controls the Start, Stop and Reset functions. A rare horological feature, the minute counter of the chronograph features a semi-instantaneous jumping hand, rather than the traditional sweeping hand.
Sophistication prevails in the 45 mm case: rocker monopusher, thumb rest insert, virile looks. Its architecture remains unchanged with the grade 5 titanium “container” providing lightweight, robustness and water resistance. Cover, bezel, attachments, thumb rest, bumpers, crown guards, crown and caseback are made in 18 carat rose gold or titanium. It was important that the Haute Complication version of the BR-X1 be a chronograph, the complication par excellence in aviation.
Used to measure short times, it is an indispensable tool for aeronautical navigation. This traditional complication is here reinterpreted with the refinements of Haute Horlogerie and the very genuine desire to lighten the watch. The top of the range model of the BR-X1 range required a luxury watch movement, so Bell & Ross has developed a manual wind Skeleton Tourbillon Mono-Pusher Chronograph. This Haute Horlogerie grand complication movement is a marvel of technology consisting of 282 components and 35 rubies that beat at 21,600 vph.
The seconds counter of the chronograph is a 6 impulse per second sweeping hand. The perfectly executed skeletonising of the movement, in a very contemporary style and finish, allows the exceptional mechanics of this “horological turbine” to be observed when starting, stopping and resetting the chronograph. The movement of the clutch lever at 4 o’clock and the engagement of the clutch wheel can be observed, like an incredibly technical horological ballet. The resetting strikers are clearly visible at 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock. The sophisticated centrepiece of this high end movement, the column wheel, enables smoother operation of the chronograph functions as they are engaged – something that is highly valued by lovers of fine watches.
The tourbillon, clearly visible in its cage positioned at six o’clock, serves as the ultimate guarantee of precision. The “flying” tourbillon cage of the BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon is distinguished by the fact that it is mounted without a support bridge, giving the impression that it is floating or flying, and that it is not mounted at all. To achieve what appears to contravene the laws of mechanics, the tourbillon of the BR-X1 required all the expertise of the in-house engineers, who worked in close partnership with the finest Swiss master watchmakers. The results combine technical precision with kinetic beauty in this flying tourbillon with open cage at 6 o’clock. Like a discreet signature, the ampersand (the iconic “&” of the brand) on the tourbillon cage sets the beat for the seconds.
In keeping with the Bell & Ross philosophy that merges respect for horological traditions with technical innovation, the finishes of the movement and the case of the BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon abide by the codes of Haute Horlogerie. They are carefully executed: satin and polished, chamfered edges, polishing and perlage. The bridge of the chronograph and the tourbillon cage are made of ruthenium. The skeletonised movement allows the balance wheel to be admired through the dial. From the front, the sapphire crystal has an antireflective coating to ensure resistance and optimal legibility. Made from grey-tinted sapphire crystal and featuring appliqué metal indices with photo-luminescent inserts, the dial forms a clear window through which the exceptional skeletonised movement can be appreciated.
The sapphire crystal on the caseback exposes the geometry of the plates, which can be admired endlessly. The faceted, Superluminova-filled hands and appliqué indices offer perfect legibility. The bi-material high-strength rubber bracelet with alligator insert features a satin grade 5 titanium-steel alloy or 18 carat rose gold buckle.
Packed with high-tech sophistication, the BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon is available in two versions: grade 5 titanium or rose gold, with or without diamond setting. Ultra light and very durable, the grade 5 titanium model, with its various shades of grey, is the more virile looking. Grade 5 titanium is a grade of titanium used in aeronautics, developed for its superior properties in hardness, durability and resistance to corrosion, erosion and high temperatures (stable up to 600°C). Grade 5 titanium alloy is an alloy reinforced with vanadium and aluminium to make it 40% lighter and 60% harder than steel.
In its “fuselage” of 18 carat rose gold, the BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon places greater emphasis on elegance and its precious aspects, without losing an ounce of its technical features and sturdiness. It offers a more delicate appearance to the virile shape of this ergonomically proven ultimate professional tool.
Both versions are also available in jewel-encrusted versions: 46 baguette-cut diamonds (2.3 carat) set into a grade 5 titanium bezel for the titanium model and 46 baguette-cut diamonds (2.3 carat) set into a titanium rose gold bezel for the rose gold model to bring a very special sparkle to the wearer.
Technical details
Model: BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon – Titanium
Limited edition of 20 pieces
High-tech collection
References
BR-X1 Tourbillon Titanium: BRX1-CHTB-TI
BR-X1 Tourbillon Titanium Diamonds: BRX1-CHTB-TI-D
Movement
BR-CAL.283. Chronograph tourbillon, hand-wound mono-pusher
282 components, 35 jewels, 21,600 vph
4-days power reserve
Functions
Hours and minutes
Chronograph: 30-min timer at 10 o’clock, chronograph 60-sec timer at 2 o’clock
Power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock
Flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock
Case
45 mm in diameter
Grade 5 titanium
Rocker push-button
Diamond model: grade 5 titanium bezel set with baguette-cut white diamonds(46 baguettes totalling 2.3 ct)
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
Sapphire case-back with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 100 m.
Dial
Grey- tinted sapphire crystal
Metal appliqué indices with Superluminova® inserts
Metal skeleton Superluminova®-filled hour and minute hands
Strap
Rubber and alligator
Buckle: pin. Titanium
Model: BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon- Rose Gold
Limited Edition of 20 Pieces
Collection: High-Tech Collection
References
BR- X1 TOURBILLON ROSE GOLD: BRX1-CHTB-PG
BR- X1 TOURBILLON ROSE GOLD DIAMONDS: BRX1-CHTB-PG-D
Movement
BR-CAL.283. Chronograph tourbillon, hand-wound mono-pusher
282 components, 35 jewels, 21,600 vph
4-days power reserve
Functions
Hours and minutes
Chronograph: 30-min timer at 10 o’clock, chronograph 60-sec timer at 2 o’clock
Power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock
Flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock
Case
45 mm in diameter
18 ct rose gold
Rocker push-button
Diamond model: 18 ct rose gold bezel set with baguette-cut white diamonds (46 baguettes totalling 2.3 ct)
Water resistance: 100 m
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Sapphire case-back with anti-reflective coating
Gold weight: 77,39 gr
Dial
Grey-tinted sapphire crystal
Gilt appliqué indices with Superluminova® inserts
Gilt skeleton Superluminova®-filled hour and minute hands
Strap
Rubber and alligator
Buckle: pin. 18 ct rose gold
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