Bell & Ross has a knack for being on the appropriate aspect of the zeitgeist, having most just lately predicted the unstoppable return of treasured metallic circumstances with its BR 05 Inexperienced Gold mannequin final 12 months (an anchoring piece of our gold particular, featured final challenge.) The model is masterful in having simply what the market is hankering for, and naturally serving its wants when it has a measure of surprising success, which is what the BR 05 Chrono Gray Metal and Gold is. The story started with the BR 05 Chrono Edicion Limitada with Havana dial in 2022. Lengthy story brief, that watch bought out in such spectacular fashion that Bell & Ross was correctly motivated to observe up with a large launch (the model web site nonetheless has it in inventory however we’re knowledgeable that it isn’t out there).
So, what do we now have right here? Most clearly, this can be a bicompax chronograph with an built-in bracelet, that includes the bimetallic steel-and-rose-gold look that was as soon as so promising (perhaps Bell & Ross is suggesting that it might be once more). The dial right here is now gray ruthenium, and thus ideas of getting a second shot on the Havana dial perish. On that word, Bell & Ross say the metallic hues of the dial had been obtained by a galvanic course of so the model has not skimped on its vaunted design chops right here. The fingers are rose gold, matching the corresponding components on the bezel and bracelet, and are crammed with SuperLuminova. Whereas the numerals and hour makers may seem to observe the identical sample, these are all gilded; however, these are crammed with SuperLuminova too (the hour markers, not the numerals).
For issues like this, and the gold tracks of the chronograph counters, it’s best to test together with your authorised vendor for the right info as out there producer notes on these particulars could be contradictory. What’s fairly clear within the launch for this watch and our personal notes is that that calibre BR-CAL.326 is a modified model of the Sellita SW510; the product specialists offered this element whereas the official launch merely famous that the calibre was reworked by Bell & Ross watchmakers. One signal of this remodeling is the signature full disc of the winding rotor, seen through the exhibition caseback.
To complete up right here, a number of notes on the rose gold and the variations between variations. There’s a rubber strap choice however that may be a separate reference priced at SGD 13,400. One other value value noting is that of the Edicion Limitada, which is listed at SGD 18,200 (solely with bracelet) and the usual metal BR 05 chronograph (SGD 9,700 with bracelet; SGD 8,700 with rubber strap). The obvious query is the matter of value differential between the Gray Metal and Havana- dial references.
Motion: Automated BR-CAL.326 with chronograph and date; 60-hour energy reserve
Case: 42mm in metal and gold; waterproof to 100m
Strap: Built-in metal and gold bracelet or rubber
Value: SGD 19,800
This text first appeared on WOW’s Summer season 2024 challenge.
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