Bell & Ross – BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon SAPPHIRE Edition

Bell & Ross – Experimental BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon SAPPHIRE 45mm - 3 Colors Edition - Unique piece

EXTREME TRANSPARENCY

Bell & Ross began a new chapter in its history with the BR-X1 CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE in 2016.

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The brand’s first completely transparent watch caused quite a stir by combining prestigious watches complications, technical performance and its signature design codes.

Three new unique pieces, two online exclusives

A skeletonized version of this exceptional BR-X1 is being unveiled at 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 will be presented. Then by embracing sales innovation: two of the watches will be 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

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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.

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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.

Thanks to the transparency of its sapphire case, the BR-X1 CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE created a magical spectacle in 2016 when its chronograph movement, paired with a flying tourbillon that appears to float weightlessly, was revealed. Last year, Bell & Ross’ design studio pushed the limits even further when it decided to develop an entirely skeletonized tourbillon.

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The transparency of the sapphire case was complemented by a “lace” effect of the openworked bridges, which laid bare the secrets of the watch’s mechanical heart through an off-centered dial especially designed to reveal it all.

COLORS SUSPENDED INVISIBLY

Now, Bell & Ross has set itself a new challenge: to continue experimenting with extreme transparency while adding color. A number of monochrome movements have been individually produced, intended for the most discerning collectors.

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A single color has been used for the main plate, bridges, dial, hands and tourbillon cage, thus creating a customized face for each unique piece.

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The first of these three exclusive pieces is black –the signature color of the Bell & Ross style since its creation and a reference to aircraft instruments. It offers the purest of contrasts with the transparent sapphire case and the translucent bracelet. The rubies in the tourbillon cage are the only touch of extravagance in this landscape of sublime purity.

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The second version offers an interpretation of the refinement and nobility of a precious metal. All the visible metal components of the movement are made from solid pink gold. Like a jewel enclosed in a glass case.

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The third BR-X1 SKELETON TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE honors the traditions of watchmaking with a movement inspired by the blued color of the hands on vintage timepieces. This deep blue, paired with the transparency of the case and bracelet, adds a modern dimension to the watch.

A PIONEER IN E-COMMERCE AND 
THE DIGITAL WORLD

For the first time, Bell & Ross offers modern collectors the opportunity of purchasing two unique Haute Horlogerie pieces online.

The black version of the BR-X1 SKELETON TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE will be available exclusively online from the Bell & Ross e-boutique.

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“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”

Carlos Rosillo
C.E.O. Bell & Ross

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MR PORTER

The blue version will be available from 21st March on MR PORTER, the award-winning online destination for men’s style, which has been a Bell & Ross partner for a year.

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“We are thrilled to partner with Bell & Ross on this unique project to launch an exclusive version of the new BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire. This exceptional timepiece is a true rarity and an achievement in design and manufacturing. We are excited to make such a special watch available for the first time to our customers, anywhere in the world”

Toby Bateman
Managing Director at MR PORTER

This online sales concept will be launched along with a unique experience and an exceptional service: all customers purchas-ing a watch will have the chance of visiting the Swiss manufacture where these two unique pieces were made, and meet the designers.

This special initiative serves to strengthen Bell & Ross’ links to e-commerce and the digital world. One of the first watch brands to create a website, back in 1999, Bell & Ross once again led the way in 2008 by opening an online European boutique, fol-lowed by an American one the following year with 300 product references in its virtual catalogue.

E-commerce, therefore, became a vector for sales and a tool for forging closer ties with customers and fans of the brand. The strong community spirit was further reinforced in 2009 with the creation of an official forum and partnerships with various forums for enthusiasts.

Last year, the Bell & Ross website was completely redesigned to improve the ergonomics and user experience, enabling the brand’s devotees to directly share their photos using the UGC (User Generated Content) method. This new website fosters privileged and personalized relationships, and has a presence in more than twenty countries (Europe, USA, Australia, and now Asia).

This March, Bell & Ross will embark on a new stage in its digital adventure by offering two unique Haute Horlogerie pieces for sale online.

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And the story continues for the BR-X1 SKELETON TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE collection, with new versions featuring other colors inside their invisible showcases, demonstrating Bell & Ross’ mastery of sapphire as a watchmaking material.

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Technical Specifications

Collection: Experimental

Model: BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon SAPPHIRE  45mm

• - BLACK Edition  - Unique piece (e-boutique only ) - Ref: BRX1-SKTB-SABLK
  

• - GOLD Edition  - Unique piece - Ref: BRX1-SKTB-SA4N

• - BLUE Edition  - Unique piece (MR PORTER e-boutique only) - Ref:  BRX1-SKTB-SABLU

Movement
Calibre BR-CAL.288
Hand-wound skeletonized flying tourbillon
252 components,  
Jewels: 20 jewels,
Frequency: 21,600 vph
Power reserve 4-day (100-hour )
Case
Diameter 45 mm
SAPPHIRE
Dial
Skeleton
Skeletonized at 12 o'clock.
Superluminova ® indices.
Metal skeletonized Superluminova ® -filled hour and minute hands.
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
Functions
Hours and minutes.
Flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock
Strap
Translucent rubber.Buckle: pin. Satin-polished steel.


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Press release - 2018
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