In the past year, Bell & Ross has tapped its BR-X5 model for some notable creations. You had the titanium version for Watches & Wonders and even a version with a fully-lumed case. Both of these references were remarkable in some way, but only saw the evolution of one, maybe two elements of the timepiece.
Now, the Parisian watchmaker has come out with another new BR-X5, but one that looks entirely different than the previous versions. This time around, it’s inspired by the world of car racing. While most auto-inspired timepieces look to the vintage heyday of the sport, Bell & Ross makes this one feel decidedly modern.
Known for its distinct cockpit instrument-inspired design language, Bell & Ross debuted the BR-X5 back in 2022 as its first model with an in-house caliber, the Kenissi-based BR-CAL.323 automatic movement. More impressively, this is a COSC-certified chronometer and has about 70 hours of power reserve, which is indicated on the dial. Viewed through the exposition caseback, this moves the three hands on the dial and a date window with a rapid date-correction function. But with the brand-new BR-X5 Racing model, the company is adding some race-inspired features.
Because of its modular “sandwich” construction, the BR-X5 lends itself to unique variants like we’ve seen in the past. For the Racing iteration, we get a layer of black DLC-coated titanium surrounded on either side by a pair of grade 2 micro-blasted titanium layers. If that’s not enough, the squared bezel gets a woven carbon insert inside of a titanium frame. Prior to its preponderance in the EDC gear world, carbon fiber was largely seen by the public in the automobile arena.
On average titanium is about 40% lighter than its stainless steel counterparts. Meanwhile, carbon fiber is an even more innovative material in that it’s stronger and lighter than even titanium. Performance and feel aside, the BR-X5 Racing is all about the look, which is why Bell & Ross chose a specifically orchestrated design rather than just slapping new materials on a watch.
Other design changes can be found on the dial, which uses actual numerals for the hours instead of stick markers. Likewise, the power reserve subdial has evolved here, now displayed vertically in a racing-inspired gas gauge-looking indicator. Lastly, the dial is semi-skeletonized with a smoky crystal that doesn’t draw too much attention to itself.
The rest of the watch is business as usual, with its 41mm case, housing the famed in-house BR-CAL.323 automatic movement and boasting 100m of water resistance. The movement can be viewed through the exhibition caseback, which also includes the edition size out of 500.
Case Size: 41mm
Case Thickness: 12.8mm
Case Material: Grade 2 titanium with woven carbon bezel insert
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: BR-CAL.323 automatic (Kenissi-base)
Band: Black rubber strap or grade 2 titanium bracelet
Limited Edition?: Yes, 500
Available now in your choice of a black rubber strap or a matching titanium bracelet, the BR-X5 Racing is priced starting at $10,800 from Bell & Ross’ website.
Bell & Ross’ latest BR-X5 model is heavily racing inspired, with touches including a titanium case, woven carbon bezel, and skeletonized dial.
