Bell & Ross has long been celebrated for creating timepieces that fuse precision with design, and their latest creation, the BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue, takes this artistry to new heights. Drawing inspiration from the stark yet stunning beauty of polar landscapes, this limited edition watch captures the icy blue tones of the Arctic and showcases the watchmaker’s commitment to both mechanical craftsmanship and modern elegance.
Polar Landscapes: The Heart of the Design
The Arctic has long captivated explorers with its vast, frozen landscapes and unique hues. For this creation, Bell & Ross has revisited its previous exploration of icy blues—first seen in the BR-X5 Ice Blue—but with an even more subtle, delicate tone. The BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue features a carefully chosen shade of blue, designed to evoke the cool, serene, and ethereal beauty of glacial expanses. According to Bruno Belamich, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Bell & Ross, this color reflects the nuanced and understated hues seen across frozen landscapes, giving the watch a sense of purity and calm.
A Dial That Echoes Frozen Water
One of the standout features of the BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue is its sophisticated dial, which evokes the appearance of ice, beautifully carved and textured. The watch dial is crafted from a blue-tinted glass plate that is both intricate and captivating. A unique mix of laser engraving and pad printing techniques brings the dial to life, recreating the depth and irregularities of cracked ice. These etched lines mimic the cracks found in frozen lakes, while the white decals on top of the glass create a frosted effect, adding dimension and texture to the watch.
“The idea behind the Arctic finish of the dial was to create something both hyperrealistic and abstract—like flying over a frozen lake or looking at cracks on ice,” says Bruno Belamich. This fusion of techniques creates a trompe-l’oeil effect, where the icy texture seems to shift and evolve under different lighting conditions.
A Movement Bathed in Icy Waters
Beneath the striking dial, the BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue reveals its mechanical heart—the BR-CAL.322-1 automatic movement. With its skeletonized design, the movement is visible through the dial, allowing light to pass through and highlighting the intricate mechanics within. The open dial and metallic blue flange create the illusion of the movement being submerged in icy water, offering a fascinating view of the watch’s inner workings. This transparency of design is a key feature of the BR-05 collection, showcasing Bell & Ross’s commitment to the beauty of mechanical watchmaking.
A Perfect Balance of Urban Elegance and Sporty Style
Since its debut in 2019, the BR-05 collection has become synonymous with modern urban elegance. The BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue continues this trend, offering a refined yet relaxed style that suits today’s dynamic lifestyles. With a 40mm diameter steel case and a water resistance of up to 100 meters, the watch is not only a functional timepiece but also a versatile accessory for daily wear. The integrated bracelet, a design feature inspired by classic watchmaking since the 1970s, provides both comfort and style, while an optional white rubber strap adds a sporty touch for those seeking a more casual look.
Exclusivity and Limited Availability
The BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue is a true collector’s item, limited to only 250 pieces worldwide. This exclusive timepiece is available only through Bell & Ross boutiques and their official online sales platform, ensuring that it remains a rare and sought-after model. For those looking to add a unique and visually stunning piece to their collection, the BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue promises to be a perfect fit.
Bell & Ross: A Legacy of Precision and Innovation
Founded in 1994 by Carlos-A. Rosillo and Bruno Belamich, Bell & Ross quickly established itself as a leader in the world of professional aviation watches. The brand’s iconic “circle within a square” design has been a hallmark of their collections, from the BR 01 to the BR-X5 and BR-05 lines. Bell & Ross continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking, blending functional design with artistic expression. With its limited-edition pieces like the BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue, Bell & Ross has secured its place as a symbol of precision, innovation, and distinctive style.
The BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue is a stunning embodiment of Bell & Ross’s commitment to merging cutting-edge technology with artistic inspiration. Drawing from the awe-inspiring beauty of the Arctic, this watch captivates with its delicate blue dial, intricate craftsmanship, and transparent design that highlights the beauty of mechanical movement. Limited to just 250 pieces, the BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue is not just a timepiece—it’s a tribute to the icy landscapes that inspired its creation, making it a must-have for watch collectors and connoisseurs alike.
