BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
Bell & Ross’ latest watch is another addition to their range of BR-05 watches. We last covered the BR-05 not too long ago in its revised 36mm form, but this one stays firmly at the larger end of the spectrum with its 41.0mm x 11.2mm case. Bell & Ross has been steadily increasing the range of options it offers in the BR-05 range which offers buyers some of the brand’s signature aviation-inspired flourishes without looking like an actual flight instrument.
The case on the new BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic is made of, well, ceramic. It’s been given a brushed and polished finish to match with the finishes on the other watches but also to provide some contrast to the case. The watch is available with a ceramic bracelet, which also features brushing and polishing on its links. If you prefer a different option, a black rubber strap with a PVD-finished steel clasp is also available.
Apart from that, it’s essentially the same watch we’ve seen before. That’s no bad thing, with a good case size and 100m of water resistance, Bell & Ross’ BR-05 is a comfortable, practical watch that looks great and wears well. The new BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic has a skeletonised dial, meaning you can see the movement through it. The Sellita SW300-based BR-CAL.322-1 movement has a blacked-out rotor and black finishing on its plates and bridges, which adds to the stealthy appeal of this one. If you prefer everything blacked out, or “murdered out” as it’s sometimes called, then this one’s for you. The movement beats at 4Hz for 54 hours.
These new watches retail at a price of €9,100 for the rubber strap variant, or €9,900 for the version on the ceramic bracelet. Bell & Ross’ BR-05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic is also limited to 500 examples in total, no matter whether you have the strap or the bracelet.
