BR05 Skeleton Arctic Blue
A Dial Like No Other
Winter may finally be in our rearview mirror, but the Bell & Ross BR05 Skeleton Arctic Blue remains a compelling choice for those cooler days and nights. Since its debut in 2019, the BR-05 has continued to captivate enthusiasts with its bold, urban design, and this latest iteration is no exception. From the very first glance, this watch feels as if it’s been sculpted from a pristine block of ice, capturing the essence of arctic landscapes. While there are no polar bears wandering across its face, nor any minty coolness to be found, the BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue delivers its frosty charm through meticulous design details.
The dial features a striking blue-tinted glass plate, intricately laser-engraved with irregular patterns that mirror the natural cracks seen across frozen ice plains. Enhancing this icy aesthetic, a delicate white transfer—applied with precision through pad printing—traces the path of these cracks, evoking the beauty of frost spreading across a frozen surface. It’s an evocative and artful interpretation of winter, encapsulated in the form of a timepiece.
The BR05 Skeleton Arctic Blue is equipped with luminous hands and hour markers that emit a soft blue glow in low-light conditions, ensuring visibility around the clock. Turn it over, and a sapphire crystal exhibition case back provides a clear view of the BR-CAL.322-1 automatic movement ticking within. Offering a power reserve of 54 hours, the watch is as reliable as it is stylish. The 40 mm case, crafted from a combination of polished and satin-finished steel, features a protected screw-down crown and distinctive exposed screws on both the front and back, emphasising its robust and refined construction.
Too Cool For Skool
The BR-05 stands out with its seamlessly unified construction, showcasing a design approach that’s both bold and innovative. According to Bruno Belamich, the creative visionary and co-founder of Bell & Ross, merging the case and bracelet was a deliberate nod to the brand’s core identity. The design achieves a cohesive and sculptural form by integrating the first bracelet link into the case itself. This concept, drawing inspiration from the 1970s, imparts a striking visual appeal that blends contemporary sophistication with a bold, geometric flair.
This exclusive creation is limited to a mere 250 pieces and encapsulates the brand's daring design ethos. Offered with the choice of a polished steel bracelet or a sleek white rubber strap, its frosty blue palette and impeccable craftsmanship ensure it stands out as a remarkable addition to the BR-05 lineup.
At just 10.3mm thick, this timepiece boasts a sleek and contemporary silhouette. The reverse side reveals a transparent sapphire crystal, granting a clear view of the intricate BR-CAL.322-1 movement. A refined detail, the brand’s emblem is elegantly applied to the glass, adding a touch of sophistication. The open-worked mechanism is showcased through the case back, all while maintaining the sturdy and cohesive design of the watch.
My Thoughts
The design is finished with a secure screw-down crown located at 3 o’clock, safeguarded by protective side guards for durability. A flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment sits atop the case, providing exceptional clarity. Built for versatility, the watch offers water resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet). Bell & Ross strikes again with the BR05 Skeleton Arctic Blue, a design that truly embodies an icy aesthetic. Although reading the time might prove tricky from certain angles due to legibility challenges. However, there's no mistaking its unique wrist presence. Known for its exceptional comfort, the BR05 series has consistently garnered praise and remains a standout in the brand's lineup. The skeletonised editions, in particular, have enjoyed significant popularity, reaffirming the brand's knack for crafting striking and innovative timepieces.
Specifications
Model: Bell & Ross Skeleton BR-05 Arctic Blue
Ref: BR05A-AB-SKST
Case: 40mm diameter x 10.33mm thickness, stainless steel
Dial: Skeletonised with frosted texture
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.322-1, automatic, 25 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 54h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet or white rubber
Price: £6,700 (rubber), £7,200 (bracelet)
Limited: 250 pieces