Bell & Ross has just released the BR-X5 Iridescent. This new timepiece introduces a wild iridescent dial that changes color depending on the angle of light, offering a dynamic and futuristic aesthetic that looks like a deep sea squid mated with a fighter jet.
The dial, reminiscent of the shimmering hues found in nature—whether it’s the shell of a beetle or the colorful surface of a soap bubble—features a range of colors that shift from blue to green, with hints of yellow and violet. The dial design transforms this watch into a constantly evolving visual experience.
It is powered by the BR-CAL.323 caliber self-winding movement with a 70-hour power reserve. The watch also features a sapphire case back.
The 41mm case, constructed from satin-finished and polished steel, includes the signature four screws and hollowed-out architecture that defines the BR-X5 collection. It is both lightweight and strong, providing a comfortable yet durable wearing experience. The dial is enhanced with polished, rhodium-plated indices and hands coated with white Super-LumiNova®, ensuring legibility day or night.
The standout feature of the BR-X5 Iridescent is its iridescent dial, achieved through an intricate PVD treatment. This process, which involves layering thin coatings to create light interference, results in the dial’s vibrant, shifting colors. Bell & Ross’ co-founder, Bruno Belamich, described this watch as a playful and creative exploration of material science, marking yet another step forward in the brand’s legacy of innovation.
The watch is available now for a mere $7,900 but you have to visit a boutique to pick it up. This is a pretty polarizing piece and I like it but at $8K for a shiny B&R I’m a little reticent. Very cool look, though, so that’s nice.
