The signature square Bell & Ross generally comes in two flavours – sleek and minimalist or tech-maximalist. The BR-X1 Black Titanium falls into the latter category.

Made of titanium, the case is 45mm in diameter and framed with black ceramic. The chronograph pushers are integrated into the case and pivoted on one end, functioning like rockers, a trademark feature of the X1 line.

Like the other X1 watches, this has no dial. In its place is a grey-tinted sapphire crystal that reveals the chronograph module below, along with the open-worked date wheel. Because the BR-CAL.313 movement inside is modular – made up of an ETA 2892 with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph plate – the entirety of the chronograph mechanism is visible from the front. And the chronograph module has been skeletonised, with an X-shaped bridge in the centre, to reveal as much of the movement as possible.

While the BR-X1 Black Titanium is not quite the value proposition offered by the BR V1-92 by the same maker for instance, the price tag stems from both the skeletonised movement as well as the complex case produced by G&F Châtelain. A leading specialist in cases and buckles, G&F Châtelain is a Chanel subsidiary (the Parisian fashion house also owns Bell & Ross) that also makes components for cutting edge brands like MB&F and Richard Mille.

Price and availability 

Limited to 250 pieces, the BR-X1 Black Titanium (ref. BRX1-CE-TI-BLC) costs €16,900 or S$27,200. Learn more on bellross.com.