Bell & Ross BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue

Quick specs Bell & Ross BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue
Price: $ 7,700 | € 7.800 | £ 6,700 | CHF 7’200 (rubber)
Size: 40 mm
Reference:
BR05A-AB-SKST/SRB (rubber)
BR05A-AB-SKST/SST (bracelet) – limited to 250 pieces in total

The Bell & Ross BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue is a limited-edition timepiece inspired by the frozen landscapes of the Arctic. Designed for urban explorers and collectors, this watch reflects the brand’s commitment to merging mechanical sophistication with visual storytelling. Although here it looks a bit like the sapphire is cracked. Which might be a cool element. Only 250 units of this model are available.

Looking at the BR-05 line that debuted in 2019, it adds a modern and urban touch to Bell & Ross’s airplane meters-styled repertoire. Known for its integrated bracelet and “circle within a square” aesthetic, this collection represents a shift from the brand’s aviation-inspired designs.

Specifications and Design of the Arctic Blue Dial

The Arctic Blue’s dial features a transparent blue-tinted glass plate with intricate laser-engraved patterns. These patterns mimic the natural cracks found in frozen lakes, creating a visually layered effect. The frosted texture adds depth, while white etched lines enhance the icy illusion. The metallic blue flange surrounding the dial complements the icy theme, tying the design elements together.

The case, measuring 40 millimeters in diameter and 10.33 millimeters in thickness, combines satin and polished finishes. Made of stainless steel, it includes a screw-down crown and crown guards. The careful finishing emphasizes the frosty inspiration of the design while maintaining a durable, practical feel for daily wear.

The BR-CAL.322-1 Movement

At the heart of the Arctic Blue is the Bell & Ross caliber BR-CAL.322-1, an open-worked automatic movement with a 54-hour power reserve. It is based on the Sellita caliber SW300-1 b from which Sellita says it has 56 hours of power reserve. Here the movement’s bridges and plates are skeletonized, allowing light to interact dynamically with its mechanical components. This design creates the illusion of a movement immersed in icy water, enhancing the polar theme.

The watch comes with two strap options: a satin-finished and polished steel bracelet (+500) or a white rubber strap. Both options align with the urban-sporty identity of the BR-05 collection. The steel bracelet integrates into the case, creating a unified look, the rubber bracelet offers a more light wear.

Price tag of the Bell & Ross BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue

The Bell & Ross BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue is priced at approximately 7 to 8k. In its segment, it competes with other skeletonized watches of course, but none offers this unique dial.

For a steel three-hander, it is on the edge of being over-prized, despite the cool dial. The Sellita SW300 movement is reliable and used by many other brands. A slim version of the extremely popular Sellita caliber SW200. Up to you if you think all this justifies the price tag.