Since successfully launching BR 05 in 2019, Bell & Ross has been busy expanding the universe of related series. BR 05 basically follows the style of modern sports replica watches with an integrated bracelet. Since its debut, it has introduced not only the basic three-hands, but also GMT and chronograph models, and has expanded its scope by creating a new upper line called BR-X5 equipped with a high-end engine. This year, Bell & Ross is attempting another innovation by introducing new ceramics and titanium.
At the time of its debut, BR 05 received favorable reviews for its successful transformation while maintaining the brand DNA that originated from the dashboard clock in the airplane cockpit. The case was trimmed to resemble a barrel shape by rounding off the angled corners, and the four straight screws that originally secured the square case were installed in the square bezel for the same purpose. The rug has changed from a general shape to a structure with an ambiguous border with the case. The newly introduced integrated bracelet is naturally connected to it. This year’s new product has the same basic structure, but as the name suggests, the case and bracelet are made of black ceramic.

There are three new black ceramic products, from the basic ‘BR 05 Black Ceramic’ to ‘BR 05 Skeleton Black Ceramic’ and ‘BR 05 Skeleton Black Room Ceramic’ with the hands and indexes painted in a light luminous color based on this. The basic model has the dial surface finished with sunray processing, and the two skeleton models use black sapphire crystal as the dial to boldly reveal the inner skin. Of course, more effort was put into finishing, such as skeletonizing part of the movement to match the exposure. The unique baton hands are the same for all models. The indices are different. The basic model has hour markers including numbers 6, 9, and 12 made in a three-dimensional applique type, and a minute track is laid around the outside. On the other hand, in order to maximize the effect of exposing the inner skin, the skeleton model has removed all the rest, leaving only the necessary hour markers. The Superluminova luminous material painted on each hand and hour marker glows green when darkness falls.
BR 05’s unique square case is, as its name suggests, made of black ceramic. The surface finish is not much different from other existing materials. The edges are polished, focusing on satin brushed processing to bring out the grain, giving the case a three-dimensional feel. However, BR 05 Skeleton Black Room Ceramic has a matte finish through sandblasting. The size is the same at 41mm (thickness 11.2mm). To highlight the presence of black ceramic, it was made 1mm larger than before. Water resistance specifications remain unchanged at 100m.
The movements revealed on the back do not look much different among the three. This is because the basic model is equipped with the automatic caliber BR-CAL.321-1, and the skeleton model is equipped with the automatic caliber BR-CAL.322-1 with a newly processed dial side main plate based on it. The specifications are still the same. The frequency of vibration per hour is 28,800 vph (4Hz), and the power reserve is approximately 54 hours. For reference, the existing BR 05 series uses BR-CAL.321 (Selita SW-300 base). It would be easy to view the BR-CAL.321-1 installed in the new product as an upgraded version that increased the power reserve to about 12 hours.
The integrated bracelet made of the same material as the case is not much different. It has a design where rectangular and H-shaped links intersect, and the width narrows towards the end. The surface finish basically follows the standards of modern sports watches. The rectangular links are polished and the H-shaped links are satin brushed to enhance the surface texture. Of course, the BR 05 Skeleton Black Room Ceramic is entirely sandblasted, just like the case. In addition to the black ceramic bracelet, there is also an option for a rubber band in the same color.