The Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont Is A Celebration Of Sophistication

Bell & Ross’ affinity for cigars has progressed to a fourth special edition release—this time, a collaboration with fellow French brand S.T. Dupont. It is a meeting that comes from different directions. Bell & Ross is a young company, around just long enough to no longer be considered a watchmaking upstart, and known for its youthful, dynamic vibe. S.T. Dupont, on the other hand, has been associated with genteel luxury since 1872, and is most famous for its finely crafted tobacco-related accoutrements, such as lighters and cigar cutters. The brands are united in the simple pleasures of finely crafted objects, and the rituals of taking the time to appreciate them.

The platform for this collaboration is the Bell & Ross BR-05, which makes perfect sense as it is the watchmaker’s most urbane, sophisticated offering. The BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont is a two-register chronograph, equipped with the self-winding, integrated chronograph Calibre BR-CAL.326, which sports a 60-hour power reserve. The case is two-toned, with a base of stainless steel, highlighted with brushed and polished finishing, and a rose gold bezel. It measures 42mm across and is slightly over 14mm in thickness, with the BR-05’s usual screw-down crown and crown guards, a nod to the brand’s action-oriented heritage. The brown sunray dial is richly hued, evoking the warmth of leather, mahogany, and Havana sunsets. Rose gold-toned hands and markers are filled with beige-coloured Super-LumiNova, which glows green in low light. The dial is co-branded: the Bell & Ross signature is at its usual place at 12 o’clock, whilst the S.T. Dupont logo is found at 6 o’clock.

The watch is offered in two options. The first is equipped with a matching rose gold and steel bracelet (RM84,900). The second is more unusual for Bell & Ross: a brown calfskin strap with a faux alligator pattern (RM65,500)—an uncommon, worldly touchpoint for the watchmaker, but very much in keeping with the theme. It is limited to 150 pieces in total.

The watch is not the sole attraction of this release, however. It comes in a box crafted from Macassar ebony, with a Spanish cedar interior, and is flanked by two S.T. Dupont accessories: the Ligne 2 lighter with steel and gold finishing, and a cigar cutter. The box is also a fully functioning humidor that can store up to 50 cigars.