The landscapes of polar regions have a unique fascination for those who have ventured there. Celebrated by great explorers and their stories, the powerful beauty of ice is captivating. A marriage of water and coldness, it reflects specific bluish tones.
Bell & Ross has already explored this chromatic range with its BR-X5 Ice Blue, featuring an icy blue dial. Bruno Belamich, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Bell & Ross, revisits this inspiration with the new BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue, taking it even further. The delicate and subtle shade of blue was carefully chosen to best reflect the glacial hues of the Arctic.
A Dial Carved Like A Piece Of Ice
The dial of the new BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue immediately draws attention with its sophistication and originality. It’s full of surprises. “The idea behind the Arctic finish of the dial is to play with a design that can be seen as hyper-realistic or abstract. The realism of cracked ice can give the illusion of flying over a frozen lake. The dial seems carved from a piece of ice. The white etched lines can also be perceived as an abstract pattern on a transparent blue background. However you view the dial, the magic of the design works,” explains Bruno Belamich.
This striking effect results from a combination of several techniques: laser engraving and pad printing. The dial is made of a blue-tinted glass plate, on which irregular lines are laser-engraved above and below, reproducing the depth of cracks in frozen expanses throughout the thickness of the glass. Like frost marking the path of cracks, a white decal has been added via pad printing. This effect brings the vast icy landscapes of the Arctic to life on the dial of the BR-X5 Skeleton Arctic Blue. The layering of these techniques creates a frosted trompe-l’oeil effect. Special attention has been given to the finishing of the steel case, alternating between polished and satin surfaces, to ensure that the entire piece is in harmony. “The cold grey colour of the case and steel bracelet enhances the impression of a frozen watch, filled with ice,” notes Bruno Belamich.
A Movement Immersed In Icy Waters
Beyond its colour, ice has another characteristic: its transparency diffuses light. These qualities are shared by the skeletonised version of the BR-05, where its crystalline dial reveals the mechanics of the automatic BR-CAL.322-1 movement. In this calibre, the bridges and plates are skeletonised, allowing light to pass through, drawing attention to the fascinating, living spectacle of the gears. It’s a showcase of the beauty of mechanical watchmaking. “The open dial consists of a blue glass and a metallic blue flange on which the 12 indices are mounted. The tinted glass gives the illusion that the movement is blue, immersed in icy water,” highlights Bruno Belamich.
BR-05: A Concentrate Of URBAN Sporty Elegance
Since its launch in 2019, the BR-05 line has embodied a certain vision of modern urban elegance. Refined yet relaxed, it fits with new lifestyles. Versatile, this watch with a 40mm diameter steel case, water-resistant to 100 meters, is easy to wear daily with its integrated bracelet. “The integrated bracelet brings another dimension to the watch: the first link is part of the case. This design type has been a reference since the 1970s, and when transposed to Bell & Ross, the result is both obvious, modern, and graphic,” says Bruno Belamich. As an option, it can be replaced by a white rubber strap, which is also very practical and even sportier. In terms of design, the BR-05 collection bears Bell & Ross’ signature aesthetic: the circle within the square.
A Boutique & E-Boutique Exclusive
Dive into the cold blue waters of the Arctic with the new BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue. Inspired by the beauty of the frozen landscapes of the North Pole, it reveals the finesse of its mechanical movement through its skeletonised design. A watch that is anything but cold.
The unique BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue is a limited edition of 250 pieces. It benefits from selective distribution, as this model will be available exclusively in Bell & Ross boutiques and through its online sales platform. A true collector’s item, for sure.
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