French watchmaker Bell & Ross has started off the year with a handful of executions clad in bronze, from the BR 03-92 Diver White Bronze, to the eclectic BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze. The latter is an avant-garde addition to the brand’s Cyber Skull collection first launched in 2009, and now taking an ultra-modern shape. After nearly 15 years of existence, the newest model, first launched in February and most recently showcased at Watches & Wonders 2023, is geared towards haute horlogerie aficionados and is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces.
The case silhouette is characteristic of Replica Bell & Ross design with its generally square shape, though it assumes some individuality with spliced corners each bound by smaller-than-usual screws. With dimensions of 45mm x 46.7mm and a height of 13.7mm, the timepiece makes a substantial appearance on the wrist. Its exterior is made from bronze, an alloy with a dynamic mixture of copper and tin. By opting for bronze, Bell & Ross is effectively manufacturing differentiation between each of the examples, as the appearance of the alloy evolves continuously over time.
The dial is appropriately skeletonized, leaving the skull sculpture in its center as the main focal point. It is a rose-gold plated brass form with four femur bones extending to each of the corners of the case. Situated at 12 o’clock is the balance, interrupting the sculptural dial only with a juxtaposing indication of the vitality within the replica watch. Ticking over the dial are gilt metal skeletonized hands filled with Super-LumiNova®.
Powering the skull-adorned timepiece is the manufacture caliber BR-CAL.210. The mechanism’s manual winding activates an automaton feature, wherein the jaw of the skull becomes animated when the crown is turned. With its skeletonized layout, the movement is almost entirely concealed by the bronze skull, as the plates and bridges mimic its shape and extend under the four outstretching femurs. In terms of timekeeping functionality, the movement is capable of indicating hours and minutes.
