Bell & Ross BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon Sapphire: Three new unique pieces for 2018, two online exclusives.
Bell & Ross BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon Sapphire on Mr.Porter. photo: www.mrporter.com
A skeletonized version of the exceptional BR-X1 watch was unveiled by luxury French watch company Bell & Ross at the 2018 Baselworld, as part of a collection that underscores the bold creativity of Bell & Ross.
Of the six new unique pieces created, three examples that marry transparency and color were presented at this year’s Baselworld Watch and Jewelry Show. Then by embracing sales innovation: two of the watches were exclusively available online. This marks a real watershed moment in the Haute Horlogerie sector, once again proving Bell & Ross’ avant-garde spirit in e-commerce and the digital.
As iconic as difficult to work with, sapphire is the embodiment of invisibility: a paradox of solidity and visual transparency. Scientists –who call it corundum– know it as the second hardest material on Earth after diamond, almost impossible to scratch. For watchmakers, creating a case from a block of sapphire is a true technical challenge. It requires long and complex machining, grinding and polishing processes and superior expertise. The case of the BR- X1 SKELETON TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE is made from five blocks of sapphire, which are carefully worked on before being assembled with the greatest precision
The full case is cut out of five blocks of sapphire and it takes several days to produce the components for this single watch. photo: bell & ross watches
Housed within the full sapphire case is a hand-wound skeleton flying-tourbillon movement, manufactured in-house by Bell & Ross, which, when brought together on the translucent rubber strap, showcases a unique “floating” look upon the wrist.
MR PORTER, the award-winning online destination for men’s style, was the only retailer of the Blue version of the BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire – the only one in the world – where parts of the watch, including the dial, the main plate, hour and minute hands, screws, the bridges and flying tourbillon cage have a unique deep-blue finish. This ground-breaking timepiece was be the most expensive item available to purchase on MR PORTER in its seven- year history.
“We have started a very successful partnership with MR PORTER for a year now and we are especially proud of this new project. Always ahead of its time, Bell & Ross marks a turning point by breaking, once again, the traditional watchmaking codes and shows that high-end luxury and digital can combine perfectly,” explained Mr Carlos A Rosillo, CEO, Bell & Ross.
photos: bell & ross – bellross.com / mr.porter
