BR-X1 TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE
The launching of the BR-X1 marked the beginning of a whole
new chapter in Bell & Ross’ saga. This high-tech chronograph,
with a sporty look and robust sophistication, heralded an
inspirational new line in horological excellence.
in a stunningly contemporary style and nish, allows the
exceptional mechanics of this “horological turbine” to be
observed when starting, stopping and resetting.
Revolutionary in design and inspired by aeronautical fight
instruments, the BR-X1 line stretched its wings in 2015 with
an exceptional new Haute Horlogerie version: the BR-X1
Chronograph Tourbillon. True a cionados will appreciate the extreme sophistication of
the BR-X1 CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE
with its 30-minute counter at 10 o’clock and 60-second
counter at 2 o’clock for the chronograph functions. These are
engaged by the mono-pusher rocker –positioned at 2 o’clock–
which controls the Start, Stop and Reset functions.
This watch combined the extremely virile esthetic codes of
the brand with technical re nement. Yet the thrill of a further
development was still to come. True to its relentless quest for
excellence and performance, Bell & Ross boldly set forth to
achieve the ultimate expression of this already iconic design: a
skeleton movement enhanced as a rare treasure. A treat for the eyes, this outstanding timepiece offers
breathtaking views into its inner workings. The power reserve
differential and the barrel are also visible on the back. In a
similar theatrical fashion, the ying tourbillon cage with the
logogram “&” can been seen from every angle.
CHRONOGRAPH, COMPLICATION & VISION To those of us in awe of Nature’s riches, sapphire is an iconic
precious gemstone. To the world of Science, it’s a mineral
known as Corundum, the second hardest material on earth
after diamond, and almost impossible to scratch. Herein, lies
the beauty of this once-in-a-lifetime creation by the master
horologers at Bell & Ross.
Through a transparent exterior, the BR-X1 CHRONOGRAPH
TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE reveals its fascinating secrets: it is
built around a Flying Tourbillon master grand complication
and Bell & Ross has added an ultra elegant mono-pusher
chronograph. This unique and exclusive Haute Horlogerie
caliber is prepared to be roused by the exquisite poetry of its
movement.
The chronograph complication is visible and provides a
privileged window into its many intricacies. Even the casual
observer can admire the column wheel under the dial at 12
o’clock, the semi instantaneous jumping hand (rather than a
traditional sweeping hand), and the power reserve indicator
of 100 hours (at least 4 days) at 9 o’clock.
Masculine through and through, the main plate and pillars
have been machined from a single block of metal. The
perfectly executed skeletonizing of the movement,
A TREASURE CHEST OF PURE SAPPHIRE
The extreme transparency of sapphire allows the eye
an unequaled opportunity to virtually travel inside the
movement and see the ingenious interactions in all their
glory.
Cutting a watchcase from a solid block of sapphire is
an extremely difficult process. It takes long hours of
machining, then polishing, to produce one. The BR-X1
CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE case is cut
from six blocks of sapphire: middle piece, back, top, crystal
and the two bumpers and is assembled with screws. The
complexity of the case construction is a challenge to technical
mastery and makes it an exceptional and striking timepiece.
The Gentleman Magazine | 11