Introducing the new Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton NIGHTLUM watch

The design of the new limited edition Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton NIGHTLUM watch is all about photoluminescence and high-quality nighttime legibility. Coated with Super-LumiNova C3 material, the dial glows by night but during the day affords a clear view into its beating heart.

With its rounded square case and bezel, the BR 05 series by Bell & Ross has always been considered a natural evolution of the BR 01 and BR 03 families which, undeniably, shares some of its key characteristics. The new Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton NIGHTLUM watch tips its hat to the steel sports watch era with classic Gerald Genta-inspired elements but with a DNA that still feels completely exclusive to the La Chaux de Fonds watchmaker. The BR 05 watch has an unmistakable urban feel and demonstrates a shift for the brand into a new realm of the popular sports watch. It is now common knowledge that the year 2005 was an important one for the Bell & Ross since it marked the release of the BR 01 watch with its distinct military undertones inspired by aeroplane instruments. Exposed screws and a square-shaped case soon became the face of the brand. The BR 03 followed, but with a more compact case design before the sports watch with the integrated bracelet became available – the BR 05.

The Bell & Ross BR 05 watch tapped into a new audience with its polished screws and conventional round dial. It also welcomed chronographs into its range followed by skeletonised dials - and now – the Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton NIGHTLUM watch. The models from the brand’s LUM collection all incorporate the brand’s Super‐LumiNova C3 material, renowned for its impressive brightness and unmatchable legibility in dark, light-limiting conditions. With the longest phosphorescence span of up to 8 hours, Super-LumiNova C3 material recharges fast and serves a practical and purposeful role on the wrist of those who need to utilize a tool watch for work or military missions. The super legible wristwatch also won’t look out of place on the wrist of a pilot. Furthermore, it is specifically tailored to the tastes of those with an appreciation for the complexities behind a mechanical wristwatch, namely the engine. In this case, it is the BR CAL 322, which we’ll go into detail on shortly.

As mentioned, the Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton NIGHTLUM watch is part of the company’s sub-category dubbed “LUM”. The name transpires from the French word “Lumiere” – the intention behind the models in this collection aiming to deliver crystal clear clarity and high contrast to avoid undesirable glare. The concept behind the LUM watches by Bell & Ross hark back to the important features that inspired the brand to develop is earlier military watches for special forces and pilots. Now, technology like the Super-LumiNova C3 material makes meeting these demands even easier.

The case;

Limited to 500 pieces worldwide, the case of the new Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton NIGHTLUM watch is crafted from stainless steel and integrated with 100-meter water resistance. The classic brushed elements of the case are lightened by polished accents, enabling the watch to be enjoyed alongside dressier attire when required. These finishes also give the timepiece more clarity and definition. The case has also been paired with a screw-down crown to help uphold a watertight construction and has been accompanied by a crown guard, protecting it from impact and snagging. A sapphire crystal glass front protects the dial from factors like dust, denting, light, heat and moisture damage, whilst on the back the same material grants a clear unhindered view of the self-winding automatic movement along with a 360-degree view of its oscillating weight. Constructed in the same way as the BR 03, the case of the new Skeleton NIGHTLUM watch features a sandwich-like construction with four screws holding the caseback and bezel together.

The dial;

For some, the privilege of being able to admire the performance of a mechanical movement through the front of a watch is a very favourable thing. The movement can be seen through the surface of the skeletonised dial of this Bell & Ross BR 05 watch through a smoked sapphire plate. The metal skeletonised hour and minute hands glow at night, as do the stick indexes around the hour track thanks to the superior strength and lifespan of the Super-LumiNova C3 material. Sandblasted, smooth and granular finishes all add to the charm of an exposed movement through the dial side. The levers and wheels are all tumbled polished to keep in suit of the style of this BR 05 watch.

The movement:

The engine powering the hands of this urban BR 05 Skeleton NIGHTLUM watch is the BR CAL 322. This is a self-winding movement based on the genetic makeup of the no-date version of the Sellita SW 300 calibre, which promises a 38-hour power reserve once fully wound. It also oscillates at a rhythm of 28,800 rotations per hour and bears a total of 25 jewels alongside plenty of traditional Swiss decorative techniques.

The strap:

The new Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton NIGHTLUM watch is offered on an integrated stainless steel bracelet with polished and satin-finished links. The bracelet folds over the wrist comfortably with a stainless steel folding clasp in a matching execution. Alternative the watch is available on a supple black rubber strap with a matching steel foldable clasp.

To find out more about the new 500-piece limited edition Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton NIGHTLUM watch you can call a member of our Jura Watches sales team today and register your interest.

Technical specifications of the new Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton NIGHTLUM watch

• Case: 40mm – stainless steel – satin-finished and polished - rounded square shape – 100-meter water resistance – anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass front - sapphire crystal glass caseback with 360-degree oscillating weight
• Dial: Skeleton dial – smoked sapphire plate – black movement exposed – Super-LumiNova-filled hour markers – metal skeletonised Super-LumiNova-filled hour and minute hands – central hour, minutes and seconds
• Movement: Bell & Ross BR CAL 322 – self-winding automatic – based on the Sellita SW300-1 – 28,800 v.p.h – 38-hour power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds functions – 25 jewels
• Strap: Stainless steel bracelet – satin-finished and polished links – satin-finished and polished folding clasp / Black rubber strap – satin-finished and polished folding buckle
• Reference; Rubber strap BR05A-BL-SK-ST/SRB and stainless steel bracelet BR05A-BL-SK-ST/SST
• Price: £5,400 (Rubber), £5,800 (Bracelet)
• Availability: Limited to 500 pieces worldwide