The Bell & Ross BR X1 Skeleton Chronograph has represented the first step made by the French brand in developing its iconic Aviation Collection, that truly is the brand’s hallmark. Bell and Ross, after having expanded its product portfolio by introducing the Vintage collection, which I believe to be very neat and appealing, has started to develop its iconic line-up by adopting new and advanced materials (such as ceramics for example), whilst simultaneously engineering new interesting mechanical complications, a trend that dates back to some years ago, when it first launched the BR Tourbillon.
The Bell & Ross BR X1 Skeleton Chronograph Red Edition follows up the first Skeleton Chronograph, as a 50 pieces super limited edition timepiece, available exclusively at the brand’s boutiques around the world. Its 45mm wide case is the same as the first Skeleton Chrono’s (made in no more than 250 pieces) and features an upgraded and reworked version of the unmistakable square case from the Aviation line up, made in Grade 5 Titanium with rubber chrono pushers and a skeletonized dial which is, in this Red Edition, protected by a red sapphire glass. Grade 5 Titanium comes with ceramic protectors to make this though professional timepiece (Bell & Ross partners with many French military and police corps) even tougher.
At first glance this timepiece is out of the ordinary while being easy to read, despite its complicated dial and its uncommon design, with such a strong personality you will either love it or hate it. We hope, however, to get our hands on it very soon and run an in-depth review. It retails for 16000€ (1000€ more than the first version) and is, in my opinion, a direct competitor for some of the sporty chronographs made by Hublot.
For further details please visit the official Bell & Ross website.
(Photo credit: courtesy of Bell & Ross)
Vincenzo E. @Horbiter®
