The NEW Bell & Ross BR 05 White Hawk

The Bell & Ross BR 05 White Hawk pays tribute to the White Hawk aircraft – the Presidential ("Marine One") and government-level VIP transport operated by the United States Marine Corps (USMC). But it is also inspired by the bird of prey itself, etched into the surface of a sapphire crystal glass exhibition feature, used for viewing a mechanical movement as it performs. It features a stainless steel case forged from the brand’s familiar “circle within a square” case shape and features a bicompax chronograph dial layout, exuding a subtle vintage nod to military wristwatches from years gone by.

“…an affordable steel sports watch with a unique DNA”

Parisian watchmaker, Bell & Ross has always been recognized for its military and aviation-oriented wristwatches as opposed to its more luxurious, elegant dress watches, so it came as quite a surprise when in 2019 the company released the first model from its BR 05 series. The BR 05 is the company’s take on the classic steel sports watch and conveys a more elegant look compared to some of the brand’s flagship collections. Evolving as a watchmaker in this way has proved to be a wise move for Bell & Ross, since the release of the BR 05 not only tapped into a whole new audience but also filled a segment in the market for an affordable steel sports watch with a unique DNA.

Combining the popular steel sports watch with the brand’s signature “circle within a square” case shape proved a challenge. The watch needed to stay current, innovative and keep its audience engaged. Somehow the watchmaker managed it. The BR 05 watch collection has evolved since then and is now home to GMT models and larger-sized chronograph models with a sporty flair. This larger model forms the base for a new release by Bell & Ross. The BR 05 White Hawk watch, limited to 250 pieces worldwide.

The new Bell 7 Ross BR 05 White Hawk Limited Edition watch

The new limited edition BR 05 White Hawk watch introduces a new colour scheme to the collection and embodies a design code that has been associated with Bell & Ross for over 15 years. The “circle within a square” case is an emblematic shape that was first released in the form of the company’s popular BR 01 instrument. There are some pretty unique details displayed on the back of the White Hawk’s case, however. Aside from this, the styling, size and overall urban demeanour of the White Hawk is almost identical to that of the blue and black dialled variations from the BR 05 range.

As mentioned, Bell & Ross added a chronograph version to the BR 05 collection in 2020. Expanding on this sporty design, the new White Hawk watch will appeal to you whether you’re a businessman, a sportsman or a lover of the brand’s previous BR 05 watches. Its case measures a 42mm diameter and is executed in a mix of satin-finished and polished techniques. Built with a screw-down crown at 3 o’clock and accompanying flat, case-sculpting push-pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock, chronograph timings and adjusting the main hands are made effortless. The crown is also accompanied by a crown guard for upholding the case’s 100-meter water resistance and the top of the watch is sealed with an anti-reflective and scratch-resistant pane of sapphire crystal glass, ensuring you won't be subject to any undesirable glare whilst referencing the time.

The movement sitting at the centre of this limited edition White Hawk watch by Bell & Ross is the BR CAL.301, based on the ETA 2894-2. Belonging to the slim and robust 2890 series of movements, this ETA movement delivers reliable timekeeping and has many advantages. The self-winding movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a handy 42-hour power reserve. Its 360-degree oscillating weight can be admired, along with the meticulously detailed image of the White Hawk bird through the watch’s sapphire-backed case.

The dial of the new Bell & Ross BR 05 White Hawk watch is executed in a silver opaline colour, with a shot of red seen in the two chronograph hands. Against this silver backdrop is an hour track represented in stick markers and an Arabic numeral at 12 o’clock. These features, along with the skeletonized central hour and minute hands have been treated with Super-LumiNova material for easy timekeeping in the dark. The chronograph sub-counters are placed in a neat east-west layout offering small seconds at 3 o’clock balanced by a 30-minute totalizer at 9 o’clock.

Encompassing classic steel sports watch design codes, the new Bell & Ross BR 05 White Hawk Limited Edition watch is completed on an integrated bracelet crafted from satin-finished and polished stainless steel links. The metal bracelet secures to the wrist with a satin-finished and polished folding clasp in matching stainless steel. For more information on the new Bell & Ross White Hawk watch, you can check the finer details out here, or speak with a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453 today

Technical specifications of the Bell & Ross BR 05 White Hawk Limited Edition watch

• Case: Stainless steel – 100-meter water-resistant – satin-finished and polished – anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass front- sapphire exhibition caseback featuring the White Hawk bird – screw-down crown with crown guard – push-pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock
• Dial: Silver opaline – Arabic numeral and stick hour markers treated with Super-LumiNova – skeletonized metal hour and minute hands treated with Super-LumiNova – 30-minute counters at 9 o’clock – small seconds sub-counter at 3 o’clock – red central chronograph seconds hand – date window at 4:30
• Movement: BR CAL.301 – based on the ETA 2894-2 – self-winding, automatic – 42-hour power reserve - 28,800 v.p.h - 30-minute, small seconds, central chronograph seconds, hours, minutes, and date functions – 360-degree oscillating weight shown through caseback
• Strap: Stainless steel – satin-finished and polished – integrated – satin-finished and polished folding clasp
• Reference: BR05C-SI-ST/SST
• Availability: 250 pieces worldwide
• Price: Starts from £5,100