Bell & Ross has just released its third model inspired by the world of cigars. The BR-05 Chrono Edición Limitada followed releases from 2006 and 2015 in evoking the smoky confines of a cigar lounge, complete with a box that can convert into a humidor.
The Release
The new Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Edición Limitada features the same case design as the rest of the BR-05 Chronos: a squared off case measuring 42mm across and 12.4mm thick. Its novel brown dial evokes a cigar wrapper and features rose gold accents and pops of red, along with a color-matched date at 4:30. The accents on the dial are complemented by a two-tone, steel and 4N 18k rose gold case, including an integrated bracelet with a butterfly clasp and a screwdown crown affording 100m of water resistance. The finishing case features a pleasant blend of polished and brushed finishing. The watch is powered by the BR-Cal. 301, which is based on the ETA 2894-2 and fitted with a unique 360° rotor with a medallion at the center indicating the edition number.
The Context
Bell & Ross has a veritable hit on its hand with the BR-05 line, its take on the integrated bracelet steel sports watch (which is very much having a moment of its own). Originally introduced in 2019, the BR-05 collection has expanded from the initial time-and-date model to include both a GMT and a chrono option. The Edición Limitada offers the most unique colorway, but keep in mind you can also get a BR-05 with a diamond-studded bezel, or even in solid gold with skeletonized dial. The BR-05 Edición Limitada comes on the heels of two previous cigar-inspired models (above), though it’s fair to say that this is the best so far.
Our Thoughts
The Bell & Ross BR-05 Edición Limitada is a lovely watch that’s decidedly on trend: two-tone is making a welcome comeback and we’ve been seeing more and more autumn-hued dials (brown, red, orange, etc.). The link between cigars and watches, though, isn’t immediately apparent beyond some notion of “the finer things in life.” The press copy suggests (among some other groan-worthy gems) that if this model were a cigar, it would be a Robusto Maduro, due to that cigar’s square end and deep brown wrapper. That’s all good and well, but it requires thinking of this model narrowly, aimed at small niche of collectors. It may be better if we pull away the marketing and ignore the box (which will likely end up on a shelf next to other watch boxes) and see this for what it is: a lovely brown dial on a two-tone watch that evokes the spirit of Bell & Ross while staying on trend.
Availability
The Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Edición Limitada is available now and is limited to 250 pieces. It will retail for $8,600 on brown rubber or $13,000 on a matching two-tone bracelet. You can find out more on the Bell & Ross website.