Bell & Ross
A Closer Look: Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull
Bell & Ross
A Closer Look: Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull
While the link between literature, video games and high-end watchmaking might seem a bit of a leap, but one look at the futuristic BR 01 Cyber Skull from Bell & Ross, and that jump becomes a lot more manageable.
The skull and crossbones are, like the case, crafted from black ceramic and the movement uses the same clever animation that debuted on 2018’s ‘laughing skull’, that sees the skull’s jaw move as the mainspring winds or unwinds. It’s a cosmetic effect and one that is most obvious when winding. One can almost hear a sinister late 90s video game laugh coming out of this skull as you wind it. Almost.
The other interesting point about this movement is that it is exclusive to Bell & Ross, with the mechanism fitting within a skull-shaped plate that makes it perfect for this — ahem — skeletonised silhouette.
The case of the Cyber Skull has been radically redesigned, sleeker, the short lugs replaced with an integrated alternative with a streamlined rubber strap. The once-exterior screws are now sitting inside the faceted, shaped sapphire crystal. The ceramic case, which still measures 46mm across, maintains the ‘regular’ BR 01 case, while looking completely updated in the best possible way. In addition to the smooth lines, the ample open spaces inside allow plenty of room for the skull to shine. Really though, the question I ask myself looking at this watch is — will we see this case shape in more mainline Bell & Ross releases? I certainly hope so.
Movement
Calibre BR-CAL.208, hand-wound mechanical, hours and minutes, skull moves when wound.
Case and dial
Matte black ceramic, 46.5mm wide and 45mm tall, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Skeletonised dial, skull and crossbones made from balck ceramic, hands with black Super-Luminova, visible balance at 12.
Strap
Black rubber with pin buckle.
The BR 01 Cyber Skull is limited to 500 pieces and is priced at 9,900 Euro.
More information: bellross.com[/td_block_text_with_title]