Bell & Ross BR 05 Chronograph Watch Review
Friday - 27 November 2020
During September last year, Bell & Ross introduced the BR 05, a resolutely modern sports watch with perfectly flat surfaces, effortlessly integrated bracelets and a distinctive round dial within a square case. While recognised more notably for their military and pilot designs, the BR 05 became a huge success for its sophisticated urban feel that still retained the legendary Bell & Ross design codes at its core. Today, we introduce the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chronograph, another masculine addition to the collection with additional functionality.
The natural evolution from the classic-hand iterations to the new Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono makes perfect sense; offering a classic styled sports watch with chronograph functionality is what many sports-inclined wearers are looking for. Aside from the obvious addition of a chronograph movement and a slightly busier dial design, the overall concept of the BR 05 Chronograph has barely changed. The Swiss watch manufacturer continues to rebel against the confines of a traditional round watch and have once again invented their own unique styling with square cases presented with a perfectly rounded dial at the centre.
To make room for the additional sub-counters, the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chronograph watches measure to 42mm in size compared to the slightly smaller 40mm of the three-hand counterparts. The cases, with their rounded-square bezels, 4 polished screws and satin and polished finishing, are currently only available in stainless steel but we have no doubt 18 carat rose gold will make an appearance at a later date. The Bell & Ross BR 05 collection also continues to hold its place as the only collection by B&R to offer a metal bracelet. The Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono continues this offering with integrated stainless steel bracelets or black or blue rubber straps to choose from.
Like the bracelet, the pushers crown-guard and screw-down crown are perfectly integrated into the case building a wonderful fluidity and robustness into the piece. The sleek incorporation is so well angled to follow the lines of the case that you barely notice the buttons when they are on your wrist – another fine example of Bell & Ross’ incredible design prowess. The Bell & Ross BR 05 Chronographs are also generously equipped with scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass treated with an anti-reflective coating, a 100 metre water resistant rating and an exhibition case back also engineered from sapphire glass.
The dial of the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chronograph showcases the most prominent evolution. While the three-hand variants were all about minimalism, the BR 05 Chrono is busier and arguably more masculine. Available in a choice of blue or black, the dial features two sub-counters following the same design codes as the case. Their square but rounded shape gives the new BR 05 a neo-retro look which in no way diminishes its modernity and provides a contrasting finish with snailed detailing. The style of the hands and indexes have been retained decorated with glow in the dark Superluminova while the rounded date window has been moved from the 3 o’clock position to between 4 and 5.
Powering the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chronograph is the BR-CAL.301, a tried-and-tested movement we have seen plenty of times before in several Bell & Ross chronographs. It is based on the automatic modular chronograph ETA 2894-2 and provides central hands for hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, small seconds at 3 o’clock, 30 minute counter at 9 o’clock, date and a power reserve of 38 hours. Like the three-hand BR 05, the BR 05 Chono also features a beautiful openworked rotor which can be viewed through the open case back.
Already released and available to order, the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chronograph watch collection can be viewed in full on the Jura Watches website here. For any assistance with your purchase, get in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications: Bell & Ross BR 05 Chronograph
- Case Size: 42mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Exhibition
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: BR-CAL.301 automatic chronograph
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, 30 minutes counter, central chronograph seconds
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Jewels: 37
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Black or blue
- Strap: Integrated metal bracelet or black or blue rubber strap
- RRP: £4,800 (Rubber), £5,200 (Bracelet)
- Release Date: Out Now
