HANDS-ON: The Bell & Ross BR-X1 Skeleton Chronograph Rose Gold & Ceramic

Felix Scholz

The story in a second:

By adding a rose gold case to their next-generation BR-X1, Bell & Ross have created a watch that walks the knife-edge of luxury and technology.

If the design of the classic square Bell & Ross case is derived from the instrument panels of fighter jets like Russian MiGs and American F-18 Hornets, then the BR-X1 series is surely inspired by the sleek silhouettes of Predator and Reaper drones. State-of-the-art construction and highly technical materials make the BR-X1 the most futuristic Bell & Ross yet.

The skeletonised movement is housed in a rose gold case, surrounded by an ultra-light, hard and matte black ceramic band, which not only serves to protect the soft gold, but also gives the watch an aggressive, stealthy look. The chronograph’s only subdial – the minutes counter at nine o’clock – takes this a step further, employing a cut-out X-shaped disc to measure elapsed time, rather than a traditional hand (like the constant seconds over at three o’clock). The activation of the chronograph, too, is quite unique. Instead of your typical pushers, Bell & Ross have developed an ergonomic rocker system, which definitely puts the ‘fun’ into the functional chronograph complication.

This BR-X1 Skeleton Chronograph proves that Bell & Ross isn’t just about utilitarian tool watches – they’re more than capable of making a solid gold statement piece when they want to. But even then, they do it their way. Combine the rose gold case with the black detailing on the skeletonised dial and the rubber strap and you end up with something that definitely isn’t your grandad’s gold watch.

Aside from looking the business, the BR-X1, with its blend of rubber, ceramic and precious gold, pits Bell & Ross against Hublot’s equally distinctive Big Bang. Now that’s a showdown we’d like to see.

Bell & Ross BR-X1 Skeleton Chronograph Rose Gold & Ceramic Australian pricing and availability

The rose gold and ceramic BR-X1 is limited to 99 pieces and has an RRP of $41,000.

Images by Kristian Dowling/Time+Tide Images.