BR-05 Grey Mirror Steel, Through The Looking Glass
The new BR-05 Mirror offers a fresh perspective on Bell & Ross’s exploration of light. Its polished mirror and satin finishes combine refined style with watchmaking expertise, a new way to envision the modern instrument watch. This special edition, limited to 250 pieces, is exclusively available in Bell & Ross boutiques.
Steel, A Material for Reflection
The new BR-05 Mirror introduces the idea that steel is not just a material prized in watchmaking for its robustness, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic properties. Steel is also a colour. Steel can become light. Any impression of surgical coldness is surpassed by the captivating brilliance it exudes. A symbol of strength, resilience, and power, steel stands the test of time and has long earned its place among noble materials. Designers, architects, and artists alike have embraced it. By playing with the aesthetic codes of contemporary art, high technology, and jewellery, Bell & Ross offers a new interpretation of the BR-05’s distinctive design, crafting the watch as a monobloc of pure metal. The contrast between the object’s functionality — with hours, minutes, and seconds indications — and the aesthetic impact of its sophisticated polishing invites reflection.
Mirror Polishing – The Art of Watch Finishing
Since the 18th century, Venetian mirrors have been enduring symbols of grandeur and power. This legacy is vividly reflected in the Palace of Versailles, from its magnificent Hall of Mirrors to the gardens adorned with ornamental pools. Mirror polishing became a highly valued skill in silversmithing, tableware, jewellery, and watchmaking. To perfect reflection — going beyond mere shine to give metal depth and radiance — watchmakers refined their techniques. Mirror polishing has become a hallmark of high-end watch finishing, particularly on steel. Polishing a case, bezel, crown, or bracelet links is demanding due to the hardness of the metal, requiring constant attention to avoid scratches or deformations that could compromise the final result. Complex and challenging, mirror polishing is an art in watch finishing.
Playing With Light
Luminosity plays a key role in Bell & Ross’s creative vision. Many models benefit from specific treatments to enhance luminescence. Fluorescence, originally a functional requirement for instrument watches in the dark — whether in the cockpit or underwater — has become a stylistic element and one of Bell & Ross’s original graphic signatures. With the BR-05 Mirror, the Maison takes this exploration further. This sport-chic piece relies not on luminescent devices, but on its finishing and the originality of its dial to shine.
A Unique Dial
The dial base, indices, and flange of the new BR-05 Mirror appear sculpted from a block of pure metal. The effect is striking, as the watch is both abstract and perfectly readable. The reliefs seem to merge while simultaneously revealing themselves. “All surfaces are polished, transforming the dial into a mirror with a thousand reflections. The polished hands resemble droplets or threads of mercury floating above a lake. The mirror-polished dial, along with the polished-satin case and bracelet, make the BR-05 Mirror a work of horological art — a mono-material, monochrome, monobloc sculpture. A jewel-watch that is both pure and futuristic,” emphasises Bruno Belamich, co-founder and creative director of Bell & Ross. To push minimalism and purity further, the new BR-05 Mirror omits any date window, indicating that the automatic movement, calibre BR-CAL.321-1, was modified to exclude a date mechanism.
The Strength of Style, The Refinement of a Jewel
When designing the BR-05 in 2019, Bruno Belamich sought to evolve the instrument watch concept dear to Bell & Ross. Since its inception, Bell & Ross has aimed to bring the technical indicators of cockpit dashboards to the wrist. As a manifesto for a new generation, the BR-05 goes beyond pure functionality to add a contemporary aesthetic dimension. Urban, versatile, and elegant, simultaneously embracing casual and formal codes, the BR-05 line captures the spirit of the times, particularly in versions with integrated bracelets.
This contemporary 40 mm watch, just 10.5 mm thick, houses a high-performance automatic mechanical movement, calibre BR-CAL.321-1, with a 54-hour power reserve. A sapphire caseback reveals the oscillating rotor rotating 360°. Two strap options are available: a fully polished-satin steel bracelet or a black rubber strap with a polished-satin steel deployant buckle.
Discover Bell & Ross timepieces online or at the Bell & Ross Boutique by Sincere Fine Watches, #B2M-203, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.