While we’ve been waiting for over a decade for George R. R. Martin to drop The Winds of Winter, winter in the real world is well and truly here – at least judging by the recent snow flurries around the UK. Celebrating the cold season, Bell & Ross have released the BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue, a cool steel watch that features one of their most interesting dials to date.
Jumping right to the dial, it’s made from a translucent glass plate in arctic blue that’s been laser engraved with grooves that emulate the cracks in an icy surface. On top of that, a pad printing has been applied in white along the same lines, which furthers the realistic appearance of the cracks as though there’s a fine white powder of ice along their edges. It’s quite surprising for a brand like Bell & Ross to venture into the waters of realism considering how dedicated to artificial, mechanical instruments (like the BR-03 Horizon) they are.
Of course, the concept of an ice dial isn’t exactly new. However, I do rate this one quite highly because of the way it makes use of translucent glass instead of using a frosted texture. It captures the actual visual properties of ice as we traditionally think of it. Plus, it adds an additional layer to the design as we can see through the dial to the skeletonised movement housed beneath, making it look like the calibre has been frozen in ice. Like some ancient, lost technology recovered from the frozen ground and if I hadn’t used up my sole allowed pop culture reference for this article with George R. R. Martin, I would definitely draw parallels to the opening of Captain America.
The movement that’s on display is the BR-CAL.322-1, an automatic calibre with a 54-hour power reserve. In truth, it’s a little difficult to see the intricacies of the movement beneath the chipped and cracked ice dial, but I think that only helps to build the mystique and flavour of the BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue. It adds an increased level of depth to the display that’s really fun to explore. I also really like that it doesn’t fall into the common skeleton trap of making the time display illegible, as the hour markers and hands are still very clear and coated with lume.
Protecting the movement is the BR-05 steel case, with a diameter of 40mm and 100m water resistance in a rounded square shape. It has what is traditionally considered an urban or industrial design with exposed screws and clean facets that are made more apparent by the alternating brushed and polished finishing. However, here that urban style contrasts with the dial inspired by natural phenomena.
On top of what I think is one of the most interesting dials Bell & Ross have produced, the BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue is a limited edition of 250 pieces, which are exclusive to Bell & Ross’ boutiques and online shop. It’s available on either an integrated steel bracelet for £7,200 or a white rubber strap for £6,700. Of the two options I think the bracelet is the far superior.
Price and Specs:
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:
Bell
& Ross 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 to 250 pieces
More details at Bell & Ross.
Oracle Time