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The new BR-X1 HyperStellar |
Driven by the conquest of new territories, this year sees
Bell & Ross go stratospheric with a space-themed version of its BR‑X1
hypersonic chronograph. A revolutionary concept with a unique design, the BR‑X1
HyperStellar has been conceived to accompany explorers on their journeys into
space.
A Navigation Tool
Just like a spacesuit or a pressurized helmet, a mechanical chronograph
has always been part of the official kit of astronauts and cosmonauts. The
chronograph is the king of aerospace complications. It can measure short
periods of time and has become an essential tool for living and working in
space. The history of space exploration also reveals that mechanical
chronographs have often enabled missions to be completed, and lives to be
saved, in situations where electronic motor systems have malfunctioned. It is
for all these reasons – and more – that the BR-X1 HyperStellar has been
launched into orbit.
To survive in space, a professional watch must respond to
certain specifications: resistance to extreme temperatures, corrosion, impacts,
acceleration, pressure, vibrations, etc. Designed as a horological space capsule, the BR-X1 HyperStellar has been
created for fully functional handling in space: ergonomic push-buttons suitable
for use with gloves, dial details ensuring optimal time reading, extra lightweight
to conform to payloads thanks to the combination of titanium and aluminum.
These two materials are widely used in the aerospace industry, in particular to
create complex parts that are subject to extreme mechanical stresses. Aluminum
is known to generate an impermeable oxide layer, which protects it against corrosion.
Grade 5 titanium has exceptional corrosion resistance properties, high
biocompatibility and properties that enable the production of small, thin parts
that are light yet strong.
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Exploded view of the new BR-X1. |
The Astronaut’s Dream
Watch
As tough as a rocket, the BR-X1 HyperStellar stands out
thanks to the innovative design of its 45 mm case made from titanium and aluminum:
the cover, center and surround of the case are made from polished and
micro-blasted grade 5 titanium, while the bezel’s protective insert is in blue anodized
aluminum, to combine lightness and strength. To protect it from impacts during
missions, the square case of the BR-X1 is covered with a bumper in micro-blasted
titanium and rubber that acts as a peripheral protective shell. A rubber grip
function has also been integrated into the case to ensure better handling when
activating the chronograph’s functions, even when wearing gloves. Finally, the
predominance of stone grey and electric blue –in particular for the short time
measurement functions – is a subtle reference to two colors closely associated
with space exploration: the grey of the moon and the blue of the Earth.
Optimal Functionality
Combining haute horlogerie finishes with extreme lightness,
the “motor” of the Bell & Ross Hyperstellar chronograph is driven by a mechanical
skeleton movement with automatic winding. Structured in the shape of an “X,”
its upper bridge, treated with black DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) reads like its
signature. “X” is the code name that refers to NASA’s experimental projects,
and which gives the watch its name: the BR-X1. The BR-X1 HyperStellar
chronograph features a central 60-second counter. The minute timer on the
chronograph function is positioned at 9 o’clock; instead of a hand, it features
an ultra light aluminum disc resembling the blades of a turbine. Essential for calculating
speeds, the tachymeter scale appears in blue on the flange.
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The sapphire crystal porthole shows off the balance. |
The back of the BR-X1 HyperStellar is made from grade 5
titanium. Like a planetary observation porthole, it features a small circular
opening through which the beating heart of the balance can be seen. Made from
grey-tinted sapphire crystal and featuring appliqué metal indices filled with
Superluminova, the dial forms a clear window through which the exceptional
movement can be admired. The subtly tapered skeleton hands also have
exceptional photo-luminescent qualities, offering perfect readability in all
conditions.
With its complex and sporty design, the case of the BR-X1
HyperStellar, which is water resistant to 100 meters, is secured with
functional, non-indexed screws and opens from the back. The sapphire crystal with
anti-reflective coating ensures optimal readability. The interstellar colors
and finishes on the BR-X1 HyperStellar, which conform to haute horlogerie
traditions, are strongly suggestive of space travel. Grade 5 titanium
(satin-finished on the case back and front, microblasted on the bumper and
polished on the bevels), produces several finish levels and perfectly
complements the grey rubber (rubber grip, crown, push-buttons, crown guard),
and the anodized electric blue used on the aluminum bezel. Combining strength
and refinement, the bi-material strap is made from rubber and alligator
leather. It features a steel buckle with an extremely robust over-molded rubber
insert.
The perfect synthesis of Bell & Ross’ expertise in
creating grand complication and innovative professional watches, the BR-X1
HyperStellar is an exceptional instrument dedicated to space exploration, which
is available in a limited edition of 250 pieces. With its distinctive sporty
and technical design featuring high-end horological finishes, the BR-X1
HyperStellar is the iconic fifth-generation square watch designed for the space
missions of tomorrow.
BR-X1 HyperStellar
Technical Specifications
Movement: Caliber BR-CAL.313.
Mechanical automatic. Skeleton chronograph. ‘X’-shaped upper bridge. 56 jewels, 28,800 vph.
Crystal: Anti-reflective
sapphire.
Functions: Hours, minutes, small
seconds at 3 o’clock.
Skeleton date at 6 o’clock.
Chronograph: 30-min timer at 9 o’clock, central chronograph seconds.
Water-resistance: 100 meters.
Case: 45mm diameter.
Titanium and anodized blue aluminum with rubber inserts. Rocker push buttons.
Back with opening in tinted sapphire crystal, centered on the balance.
Strap: Bi-material:
alligator and grey rubber.
Dial: Grey-tinted sapphire
crystal. Metal skeleton. Superluminova-filled hour and minute hands. Appliqué
metal indexes with Superluminova inserts.
Limited Edition: 250 pieces.
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