Bell & Ross’ BR 05 Chrono Grey Steel and Gold
Bell & Ross has a talent for aligning with current trends, most recently showcasing the inevitable resurgence of precious metal cases with its BR 05 Green Gold model last year (a highlighted piece in our gold feature from the previous issue). The brand excels at delivering exactly what the market desires, especially when responding to unexpected demand, as is the case with the BR 05 Chrono Grey Steel and Gold. This journey began with the BR 05 Chrono Edicion Limitada featuring a Havana dial in 2022. In short, that watch sold out remarkably fast, prompting Bell & Ross to launch a wider distribution (the brand’s website does list it, but it’s not available).
Bell & Ross’ BR 05 Chrono Grey Steel and Gold
So, what do we see here? Firstly, this is a bicompax chronograph with an integrated bracelet that showcases a bimetallic steel and rose gold design that previously showed promise (perhaps Bell & Ross hints it could be once more). The dial is now grey ruthenium, meaning the hope for a second version of the Havana dial fades. According to Bell & Ross, the dial’s metallic tones were produced through a galvanic method, indicating that the brand hasn’t compromised on its acclaimed design prowess. The hands are rose gold, coordinating with similar components on the bezel and bracelet, and filled with SuperLuminova. Although the numerals and hour markers may look alike, they are all gilded; however, these are also filled with SuperLuminova (the hour markers, not the numerals).
Bell & Ross’ BR 05 Chrono Grey Steel and Gold
For details like these, especially regarding the gold accents on the chronograph counters, it’s advisable to consult your authorized dealer for accurate information, as available manufacturer documentation on these specifics can vary. However, it is clear from the watch’s release information and our observations that the calibre BR-CAL.326 is a modified version of the Sellita SW510; product specialists provided this detail, while the official announcement only indicated the calibre was upgraded by Bell & Ross watchmakers. A sign of this enhancement is the distinctive full disc of the winding rotor, viewable through the exhibition caseback.
To conclude, a few remarks on the rose gold and the variations among models. There is an option for a rubber strap, but it is a separate reference priced at SGD 13,400. Another price worth mentioning is that of the Edicion Limitada, priced at SGD 18,200 (available only with a bracelet) and the standard steel BR 05 chronograph (SGD 9,700 with a bracelet; SGD 8,700 with a rubber strap). The most pressing inquiry is the price difference between the Grey Steel and Havana-dial models.
Movement: Automatic BR-CAL.326 with chronograph and date; 60-hour power reserve
Case: 42mm in steel and gold; water-resistant to 100m
Strap: Integrated steel and gold bracelet or rubber
Price: SGD 19,800
This article was initially published in WOW’s Summer 2024 issue.
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