Bell & Ross BR-X1 Black Titanium is one of the brand’s most futuristic-looking models, limited to only only 250 pieces.
Presented in a distinctive, 45mm grade-5 titanium square case with round bezel, the design of which is inspired by aviation instruments, BR-X1 Black Titanium is light and comfortable on the wrist. Protecting the case against accidental knocks is a black ceramic band, which pairs nicely with the black rubber strap and complements the overall stealth look of the watch. The ergonomically-designed rocker pushers are done in this same ceramic material, and have rubber inserts to ensure a good grip, even with gloves on.
What really stands out on the BR-X1 Black Titanium Chronograph, and indeed all BR-X1 models, is the dial. Actually, there’s no dial. In its place is a grey-tinted sapphire crystal that reveals the chronograph module below, along with the open-worked date wheel. The logo and inscriptions, as well as the indexes of the running second at 3, are directly printed on this sapphire disc in a gun-metal silver color. At six o’clock there is a small aperture for the date, whilst there is a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock for elapsed chronograph minutes, with an applied track in the same gun-metal silver color on the periphery.
The hours and minutes are indicated centrally via metal skeleton Superluminova- filled hour and minute hands, as are the chronograph seconds. On the periphery of the dial, there is a minute track printed on a brushed ring, on the top of which sit the metal applique Superluminova-filled indices, which denote the hours. Completing the chronograph indications is an inner flange with a tachymeter scale. In keeping with the super-stealth styling, the sapphire crystal on top is grey-tinted.
Because the BR-CAL.313 movement inside is modular – made up of an ETA 2892 with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph plate – the entirety of the chronograph mechanism is visible from the front. And the chronograph module has been skeletonised, with an X-shaped bridge in the centre, to reveal as much of the movement as possible.
Limited to 250 pieces, the BR-X1 Black Titanium costs €16,900.