Bell & Ross
Introducing the New Bell & Ross BR-X1 White Hawk and Tourbillon White Hawk
As for BR0, the mixing of materials and colours recalls the extreme models from Hublot, Richard Mille, Cvstos and others of that ilk. BR0s have long appeared in a myriad of materials, culminating in solid-sapphire versions under the experimental “X” banner, but the latest mix – white ceramic and titanium – elevates the round dial/square case phenomenon into another realm. The two new models are certainly not for the shy, and reside at the diametrically-opposite point from the stealthy, all-black BR0 models on Bell & Ross’ Venn diagram.
That said, however, one learns not to try to read the minds of designers: while the BR-X1 White Hawk and BR-X1 Tourbillon White Hawk may remind me of the Summer of ’67, the company itself declares its inspiration to be the colours of private jets. This, of course, reinforces Bell & Ross’ direct connections to aeronautical watches, with even the new line’s name, “BR-X1 White Hawk”, sounding like a new model from Dassault or Cessna. Says Bell & Ross’, “Its name in French, Faucon Blanc, evokes dreams and travels.”
Both models employ 45mm grade 5 titanium cases, girded by a white ceramic “belt”. The titanium is micro-blasted, and the ceramic is matte-finished to avoid reflections. Combined, the watch cases’ primary colour scheme is white and grey, while both enjoy red accents to deliver them from the world of monochrome.
Adding the aforementioned colour, the surround to the 30-minute counter is red, as is its indicator, a marking on a wheel within the ring rather than a small hand. Date is placed in a small window at 6 o’clock, small seconds at 3 o’clock and the entire automatic calibre BR-CAL.313 and X-shaped upper bridge are on view thanks to full skeletonisation. The look is completed by a grey rubber-and-leather strap.