Bell & Ross BR01 HORIZON, ALTIMETER, TURN COORDINATOR

Bell   & Ross AND AERONAUTICAL INSTRUMENTATION

BR01 HORIZON , BR01 ALTIMETER, and BR01 TURN COORDINATOR

The AVIATION collection is directly inspired by the instrumentation of aircraft cockpits and addresses four fundamental requirements: legibility, functionality, precision and water-resistance.

In 2005, the BR 01 was inspired by the cockpit clocks of 1970s airplanes. This iconic watch was produced using high-tech materials and complications reflecting the finest Haute Horlogerie craftsmanship.

Exploring aeronautical navigation instruments further, Bell & Ross developed two completely new high-tech models – the BR01 COMPASS and RADAR – in 2010 and 2011, respectively. With these two models, Bell & Ross conceptualized an entirely new way of reading time.

The result was a collection of exclusive watches with an innovative display of uncompromising legibility, an absolute necessity for professionals and for every Bell & Ross watch.

THREE WATCHES INSPIRED BY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

In 2012, as part of its continuing quest for innovation and performance, Bell & Ross introduces three new versions inspired by aeronautical instrumentation with a particular focus on the instruments vital to air navigation: the BR01 HORIZON, the BR01 ALTIMETER, and the BR01 TURN COORDINATOR.

In the cockpit, the essential instruments are laid out in a T shape for optimal legibility. They are grouped according to their function and importance and include essential tools for flying (attitude indicator, altimeter, etc.) and navigation (compass, turn coordinator, etc.).

• The attitude indicator makes it possible to monitor the aircraft's position relative to the horizon, whatever the visibility conditions.

• The altimeter calculates the aircraft's altitude based on the measurement of atmospheric pressure. It is a valuable instrument for determining altitude based on a reference point: i.e. the ground, the sea (altitude measurement) or an isobaric surface.

• The turn coordinator indicates flight symmetry, without which the aircraft slides or slips. The turn indicator is a gyroscope used to visualize the rate of turn (roll). It features a bearing that moves in a curved tube to represent the aircraft's sideslip. The bearing functions using gravity.

FROM THE COCKPIT TO THE WRIST

With these three watches, Bell & Ross recreates the graphic style of these navigation tools as closely as possible, once again going beyond the traditional approach to telling time. Produced as a limited edition, these three watches in their boxes will give watch collectors a sense of owning a piece of an aircraft cockpit...

BR 01 HORIZON LIMITED EDITION OF 999 PIECES

LEGIBILITY ENHANCED BY GRAPHIC DESIGN

Bell & Ross designers have borrowed the graphic design of the attitude indicator to create an original and innovative display of the time.

·        A dial on two levels

o       Similar to the original instrument, the background of the dial (A) comprises two parts representing the sky, in grey, and the earth, in black. these two parts are separated by a white horizon line marking the 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock axis.

o       In the foreground, the indexed raised dial (c) provides optimal legibility of the hour markers.

o       The bridge at 12 o'clock (D), conceals the attachment of the hands and is reminiscent of the shape of the aviation instrument.

o       Between these two levels, two hands of different shapes provide immediate legibility of the hours (B) and minutes (E). A window at 12 o'clock enables them to remain visible when they disappear below the bridge of the raised dial.

·        The two hands echo the style of the original instrument, both in their minimalist graphic design and their rocking movement.

·        The hands and the index markers are covered in a white photo-luminescent coating, contrasting with the black of the dial, echoing the legibility principles of professional aviation instruments.

·        The anti-reflective, matte black carbon finish of the case is inspired by the color of an instrument panel, designed to make the dials easier to read by eliminating reflections.

BR 01 ALTIMETER LIMITED EDITION OF 999 PIECES

A BIG DATE INSPIRED BY AN ALTIMETER

Bell & Ross designers have borrowed the graphic characteristics of the altimeter to create an original and innovative display of time.

the dial reflects the style of the original tool. A window at 3 o'clock, which represents the atmospheric pressure, now displays the date (c), which is easy to read due to its display on two independent discs.

The typeface of the markers is reminiscent of an altimeter. the letters ALt and the grooved indicator are printed on the dial and are identical to the original instrument.

The three hands resembling the altimeter indicate the hours (A), minutes (B) and seconds (D).

·        The hands and index markers, covered in a white photo-luminescent coating, contrast with the black of the dial and echo the legibility principles of professional aviation instruments.

·        The anti-reflective, matte black carbon finish of the case is inspired by the color of an instrument panel, designed to make the dials easier to read by eliminating reflections.

BR 01 TURN COORDINATOR LIMITED EDITION OF 999 PIECES

DISC-BASED DISPLAY INSPIRED BY THE TURN COORDINATOR

Bell & Ross designers have borrowed the graphic characteristics of the turn coordinator to create an original and innovative display of the time. the dial comprises two independent concentric discs, graduated to 12 hours (B) and 60 minutes (c), respectively.

Beneath the crystal, a vertical white marker (A) indicates the large digits of the hours and the small digits of the minutes. the time is read directly beneath the indicator, from top to bottom.

The dial reveals two windows, separated by a line symbolizing a plane.

·        The upper window is entirely dedicated to reading the time. the lower window is opaque, giving priority to the area displaying the time.

·        The anti-reflective, matte black carbon finish of the case is inspired by the color of an instrument panel, designed to make the dials easier to read by eliminating reflections.

TECHNOLOGICAL FEATS

The BR 01 tURN cooRDiNAtoR is highly sophisticated. The technical challenge posed by its design and its production required the collaboration of the best watchmaking engineers.

·        Since each disc weighs 30 times more than a watch hand, ultra-light discs had to be created in order to maintain the power reserve and accuracy of the watch. Furthermore, each disc needed to be sufficiently resistant so as not to become deformed and risk any friction. This dual challenge required the development of specific materials and new techniques.

·        As they rotate, an adjustment to the nearest micron ensures that the discs are constantly parallel. the accuracy of the assembly requires all the expertise of master watchmakers.

Press Release