B&R BR01 Burning Skull Bronze launched in Hong Kong
Famed aeronautical watchmakers Bell & Ross (B&R) celebrated the debut of its latest special in Hong Kong recently. Christened as the BR012 Burning Skull Bronze, this special is limited to just 100 pieces made exclusively for the Hong King and China markets.
Since 2009, B&R has been breaking traditional watchmaking codes with its very first BR 01 “Skull”. Remarkable versions were unveiled in 2015 and 2016, namely the BR01 Skull Bronze and BR01 Burning Skull. With the success of last year, B&R launched this special version made using a new material, bronze (CuAL7).
Each of the BR01 Skull collection pays its own unique tribute to the legendary parachutists of WW2 who emerged from the skies at dawn on June 6th, 1944, ahead of the famed Normandy beach landings.
Staying true to the spirit of the 1944 parachutists and their emblem, which resembled the pirate flags of the past, the BR01 Burning Skull Bronze proudly displays the skull and crossbones that’s perfectly placed within the lines of B&R’s iconic square case.
Additionally, the BR01 Burning Skull Bronze sees its entire case surrounding the dial being fully engraved and decorated in the style of a tattoo. The skull is created from stamped metal, a process traditionally used for producing coins and medals, creating a true relief effect. The black SuperLuminova covering the dial face further accentuates the skull, intensifying its defiant stare.
Turn the watch over, and even the visible inscriptions on the case-back seem to be taken from a real tattoo, with the curved letters appearing to follow the contours of an arm. Its bold, edgy graphics recall the mythical fires of hell, and include numerous motifs symbolizing destiny and mortality: a heart, a rose, a scythe and an hourglass, lurking within the decoration.
Giving it a unique look, the BR01 Burning Skull Bronze’s case is produced using bronze with a microblasted finish. In perfect compliance with watchmaking quality standards, this alloy of copper (approx.91%), Aluminum (6.80%) and tin (1.75%) offers excellent resistance to wear while sporting a very distinctive colour.
This aged appearance with patina gives the BR01 Burning Skull Bronze a colouring makes every watch an absolutely unique piece as well. With all that in mind, it’s easy to see how B&R’s latest special rightfully commands a massive HK$63,000 (RM33,181.90) retail price.
