When thinking of Bell & Ross, the first thing that comes to mind are big, bold instrument watches inspired by the cockpits of planes and vehicles. Although shortly after that comes modern/futuristic artistic expression through their Cyber range. What they doesn’t come to mind is 1920s golden era Art Deco design – until now and the launch of the BR 05 Artline Steel & Gold.
The new watch features a 40mm diameter case in a rounded square shape made from steel with an integrated bracelet. Adding a decorative quality to the piece are the rose gold accents across the bezel and bracelet links, which feature vertical engraved lines. The combination of gold and geometric shapes instantly conjures images of Gatsby-style parties and luxurious American Art Deco design.
Indeed, a key influence behind the watch is the Steamline movement, a style of design seen on American trains and which also finds itself expressed in horology through the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner. For the Bell & Ross it suits the broad, curved surfaces of the BR 05, which is a model we typically associate with sports watches of the 70s.
Rounding out the Bell & Ross BR 05 Artline Steel & Gold is a rich brown dial with sunray brushed finishing. Flipping the watch over reveals an exhibition caseback that shows the calibre BR-CAL.321-1, based on the Sellita SW300-1. It features a 54-hour power reserve and gets a thumbs up from us as B&R have historically been criticised for their low power reserves and this is a step in the right direction.
Ultimately, this watch feels substantially different to the usual Bell & Ross design style, despite maintaining all the elements we are familiar with. For a brand that could easily peg themselves into a corner by becoming too focussed on the niche idea of instrument watches, spreading out makes sense. It’s priced at £11,100 and limited to 99 pieces.
Price and Specs:
More details at Bell & Ross.
