Cars have inspired watches for decades, and pilot watches are literally a category of their own – even video games and roulette tables have found their way into watch design. Cigars, however, remain a far less common source of inspiration, although Bell & Ross is no stranger to this theme. Over the past two decades, the brand has released three cigar-inspired special editions. That alone says something about its niche appeal. Each of these versions has directly looked at the rituals and objects surrounding cigar culture. The fourth arrives in partnership with S.T. Dupont, the French maison renowned for its luxury lighters and accessories, resulting in the new BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont.
This new BR-05 Chrono picks up from where the last Chrono Edición Limitada left off. Bell & Ross has gone all-in on the presentation. Limited to 150 pieces, the BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont comes in a Macassar ebony presentation box fitted with a Ligne 2 lighter and a matching cigar cutter from S.T. Dupont. The box also doubles as a humidor for up to 50 cigars. Following the same theme as the watch, the lighter features steel and gold finishes and a gradient brown pattern that matches the dial and leather strap.
The BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont is based on the existing BR-05 Chrono, so it naturally follows the collection’s integrated sports watch design and urban style, with its square case and rounded edges. Combining steel and 18k rose gold, the satin-finished and polished case measures 42mm in diameter and 14.25mm thick. It features a rich brown dial that continues the cigar-inspired theme, offering a very elegant look. Its sunray-brown finish is paired with rose gold-coloured applied numerals, indexes, and hands. There is also beige Super-LumiNova that adds contrast to the brown dial. Completing the package is a choice between a two-tone bracelet and a brown leather strap with a black patina and a faux alligator finish.
The BR-05 Chronograph layout remains intact with a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, and a date display between four and five o’clock. Powering the watch is the BR-CAL.326 automatic chronograph movement, based on the Sellita SW510 (Valjoux 7750 architecture). Visible through the sapphire caseback, it runs at 28,800 vibrations/hour and offers a 60-hour power reserve.
The Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont is priced at EUR 19,200 on bracelet and EUR 14,900 on strap. For more information, please visit bellross.com.
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