New and reviewed: Bell & Ross BR 05 Sincere Green Steel

In a collaboration with Singapore retailer Sincere Fine Watches and in celebration of the opening of the Bell & Ross monobrand boutique with Sincere, a new BR 05 is released – the BR 05 Sincere Green Steel.

New and reviewed: Bell & Ross BR 05 Sincere Green Steel

The Bell & Ross BR 05 Sincere Green Steel Ref. BR05A-GSC-ST/SST retails for SGD 7,900 inclusive of GST . Limited Edition of 111 pieces.

The case, dial and hands

This is a standard BR 05 in steel with steel bracelet that we have featured many times on this site. Our hands on comprehensive review of the BR 05 was published on launch date, and recommend you read the review for the full story. We have also done several other reviews of the BR 05 in its many variants, as well as those with complications like the Skeleton, GMT and Chronograph. The new watch is nicknamed “Greenback”.

The case and bracelet is the exact same as with the regular models. The only difference is in the dial and in the 111 piece limitation. Therein lies the interesting factoid on why 111 pieces. The new collaboration Bell & Ross with Sincere boutique is located in the Marina Bay Sands, which is an iconic landmark with three towers, looking like the number 111.

The dial is rather special. This is the first BR 05 Auto with a green dial, having made its appearance dressed in black, silver, blue and copper. At first glance the textured dial surface looks like rough cobblestones, but on closer inspection, it reveals that it is embossed with the monogram “&”, a symbol for Bell & Ross. This is the first time the maison has used this embossed ampersand logo on the dial as a repeating motif. In addition, there is a subtle sunburst effect on the dial, giving it a dimensionality. Very attractive.

And of course, as is the custom for BR watches, the lume is very bright and intense with a beige SuperLuniNova which glows in a light green emission. Combined with the layout of the dial, makes for a superbly readable and legible dial in both good and poor lighting.

As this is a standard BR 05, water resistance remains at 100m, and the case features satin surfaces in juxtaposition with polished bevels.

The movement

The movement is the BR-CAL.321, wound by a 360° oscillating weight, open worked which is visible through the open case back. This is a movement which is based on the somewhat industry standard Sellita SW300, but with special finishes. The balance wheel and hair spring is “chronometer type”, according to the specifications sheet. The rotor is also reworked into a circular oscillating weight, and completely covers the movement but at the same time allows peeks to view it through the skeletonized design.

As is expected from BR and in this price category, the movement finishing is adequate and judged at a level demanded by competent engineering. We expect the movement be robust to be able to withstand the rigors of being a daily beater and will run for many years without intervention, bar for regular maintenance service and for it to keep good time.

Concluding thoughts

The new BR 05 Sincere Green Steel is quite the looker. The green dial with its nice touch of the & embossed sunray dial adds a dimension not yet seen in the regular BR 05. The watch is retailed at a slight premium of SGD 600 over the regular editions in dials of other colours, but finished flat with just the sunray. For a 111 piece limited edition, with a special dial, it strikes us as a very reasonable ransom to pay.

The BR 05 Greenback is a well designed, well built, and very handsome watch. It is also quite a reasonably priced, sporty watch which meets the demands of a busy urban lifestyle. For one looking to be sleek and handsome, the BR 05 certainly presents well. It wears well, is very comfortable on the wrist. It is quite stylish. And is robust enough to easily deal with the urban lifestyle.

Photo notes

As usual, the BR 05 Greenback was photographed in our studio. Fujifilm GFX 50S II with Hasselblad HC 4/120 and HC 2.8/80 with HC26 extension tube via the H Adapter G. Profoto strobes.