The BR 05 collection adds a new model with a new chronograph with a white dial: the BR 05 CHRONO WHITE HAWK. Limited to 250 pieces, the watch is available for pre-order and is priced at US$6,600.
Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono White Hawk
The case, dial and hands
The case inherits the Bell & Ross signature dashboard instrumental gauge design, but with a more rounded profile as opposed to the BR 01 or 03 lines. The stainless steel case is a mix of brushed and polished surfaces; the bezel has a brushed top with polished chamfered sides. It is held in place by the 4 signature screws which are aligned to point to the center of the dial.
The bracelet adopts an integrated design, with the end link as an extension of the main case. Its construction remains classic, with interleaving brushed H steel plates joined by polished mid-links.
The dial is available in white has a grainy surface texture, and is laid out in a standard bi-compax style. The hour markers are large, making them very legible and are stick shaped, with the exception of 12 and 6 which are done up as arabic numerals. A minutes track is laid between these hour markers, with the rehaut marked in 5 minute intervals around the dial.
Snailed subdials count the minutes and hours for the chronograph, in a rounded square shape to match the case. A contrasting depressed outer track is painted with a darker metallic silver, a similar shade to the steel case. Rectangular stick hour hand minutes hands are filled with Superluminova for low light luminosity.
The bracelet design fits nicely on the 42 mm case, providing a comfortable wearing experience. The angle of the end link to the bracelet is designed ergonomically, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
The movement BR-CAL.301
The BR 05 uses the BR-CAL.301 which is used in many of the BR chronographs, in a wide variety of applications ranging from the BR V2-94 to the BR 03-94 RS17. The movement is based on the ETA 2894-2 with a module chronograph. It beats at 28,800 vph and has approximately 40 hours power reserve.
The movement is somewhat visible through the sapphire caseback, and features a skeletonized rotor and some decoration on the main plate.
Concluding thoughts
The Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono White Hawk is a good looking alternative sports watch in a non-circle case shape. It’s instrumental gauge derivative design and aviation DNA lends credibility to its tool-watch image. As far as execution goes, the case finishing and quality is evident when handling. It faces steep competition however, within this price range at US$6,600. Offerings from Omega and Zenith are available with in-house chronograph movements and have compelling designs as well. That said, the Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono White Hawk is for someone who truly likes this unique case design and enjoys the relative exclusivity of a 250 pieces limited edition model.
Photo Notes
The Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono White Hawk was photographed in our studio. Fujifilm GFX 50S II with HC 4/120 Macro and HC 2.8/80 +H26 with H Adapter. Profoto strobes.
