Just launched at WatchTime New York 2022 is the new Bell & Ross BR X5, an evolution of the brand?s BR 05 with a new manufacture movement developed with Kenissi. The BR 05 was a milestone for Bell & Ross as it was their first watch that married the iconic square BR case with an integrated bracelet while remaining true to the brand?s purpose-driven functional design ethos. The BR X5 evolves the BR 05 with a complex new case design and manufacture movement that push the boundaries of the brand’s offerings while retaining the brand’s crucial design DNA.

Measuring 41mm wide and 12.8mm thick with 100m of water resistance, the steel case of the BR X5 is characterized by its architectural sandwich construction. Best appreciated from the side, the central case band is flanked by sculpted framing that juts out around it. This is quite an elaborate case construction that requires sophisticated machining to pull off with such refined finishing.
Having a sculpted case can run the risk of adding fragility but the decision to have the crown guards constructed from the same block of steel as the center of the case provides real structural stability and case strength. The surfaces alternate between polished, satin-brushed, and micro-blasted finishes that add some further aesthetic dynamism to the design.  

The BR X5 comes with an integrated bracelet or rubber strap as seen here. There is interesting ?openworking? done to the strap that really does add an extra le...