If you’re wanting a larger timepiece but worried about wearing the weight on your wrist all day long, titanium is a solid alternative. Significantly more lightweight than stainless steel at around 40% on average, titanium is also preferred for its increased corrosion resistance. In recent years, the preponderance of the material is owed to increased technological advancements that make it easier and more affordable to put this material into watches, and the actual look of titanium has become desirable as well. The latest example comes from French-based luxury watchmaker Bell & Ross, who has just put titanium on its BR-X5 model, revealed last week at Watches and Wonders in Geneva. 

Known for its distinct cockpit instrument-inspired design language, Bell & Ross debuted the BR-X5 a couple years ago 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.

Even lighter than your average titanium watch, Bell & Ross has said that this BR-X5 is about one-third the weight of its stainless steel counterpart. Utilizing grade 2 titanium, the watch features the model’s classic 41mm square-shaped sandwich case construction. It surrounds a circular matte black dial with some nice lume design on the hands and indices. Blending form and function, the material extends to the bracelet as well. This is not the brand’s first titanium watch, as the material has been used on versions of the BR-X1 in the past as well.

Priced at $9,900, the BR-X5 Black Titanium seems to be part of the brand’s permanent collection. Head over to Bell & Ross’ website to learn more.