THE ASTRAL ROSE

22nd March 2018

Bell & Ross, the specialist in aviation-inspired instrument watches, soars through the skies in surprising aircrafts. Sometimes, its watches leave the stratosphere undertaking more distant journeys.

Paradoxically, women’s models are the ones that reach the highest heights: the recent BR S Diamond Eagle led women on a voyage to the stars. Like a miniature Milky Way on the wrist, its dark blue dial features the Aquila or Eagle Constellation formed by scintillating diamonds. This chic model met with great success. Now, Bell & Ross enriches its family of stellar watches with a new collection for women, which is just as heavenly. The seductive and glamorous BR S Novarosa is inspired by the pink hues of Supernovae, the stars that explode in the vastness of space. It comprises three highly refined models that feature the BR S case, the smallest of the square watches. The design reinterprets the brand’s iconic model by introducing precious features that will delight women. The stunning pink of the dial evokes the explosion of a supernova that reveals a striking pink halo. These timepieces are true jewels of the watchmaker’s art.

The BR S Novarosa takes its name from a rare and spectacular astronomical event: the explosion of a star. This occurs when it reaches the latter stages of its life. It starts shining very brightly before exploding in an enormous cloud of dust. The shock waves are big enough to encompass an entire galaxy, which typically contains around 100 billion stars. This extraordinary phenomenon can last several hours. It is estimated that the star releases the same amount of energy produced by the Sun over thousands of years. These supernovae are some of the brightest phenomena of the universe and only two or three occur each century. Despite such rare occurrence and the difficulty in observing them from the earth, they astound and amaze those who have the chance to witness them.

For this new family of contemporary watches, Bell & Ross chose the evocative name Novarosa. This neologism can be unpacked as follows: First comes the prefix “nova”, taken from supernova. Next, the delicate suffix “rosa”, a tribute to the most feminine colour. No matter the tone of pink — cotton candy, pale, dusky or fuchsia — it is synonymous of seduction and romance. It is also the colour of ingenuity, sensitivity, candor and purity. Finally, the expression “la vie en rose”, life through rose-tinted spectacles, evokes an existence filled with happiness and pleasure.

Bell & Ross has chosen this colour for the dials of the three watches,. Lastly, “rosa” recalls the stardust caused by the explosion of a supernova, which often takes on this hue. This mysterious cloud sometimes regenerates and triggers the formation of a new star. These three heavenly watches house a quartz movement displaying hours, minutes, seconds and the date. As a result, this trio of watches is perfect for everyday wear.

THESE SUPERNOVAE ARE SOME OF THE BRIGHTEST PHENOMENA OF THE UNIVERSE

The steel case features a streamlined design inspired by the shape of the BR family and by aviation instruments: “a circle within a square”. It belongs to the BR S collection, the smallest available and ideal for women’s wrists. Chic but resilient, these steel watches are water-resistant to 100 meters. The case is polished and satin-brushed finished, which gives it a sense of refinement and purity. The bezel on the diamond versions is set with 66 sparkling round diamonds, with a total weight of 0.99 carat.

All the dials have a pink sunray decoration that evokes the shimmering halo of dust formed by supernovae and are adorned with a sunray brushed finish that evokes the beams of the Sun. This painstaking technique is further proof of Bell & Ross’ expertise.

On the version without diamonds, the indexes are baton-shaped metal appliques. This stylish and contemporary variant is deal for everyday wear and is in perfect tune with the brand’s quest for purity. The two versions with diamonds feature twelve indexes formed by round diamonds set in faceted chatons for a very trendy look.

These watches are true pieces of jewellery and radiate luxurious refinement. The three models feature incredibly stylish hands.

For the very first time at Bell & Ross, the Novarosa collection is paired with a Milanese mesh strap. This intriguing name refers to the refined technique of interwoven steel strands. To ensure absolute comfort, they are polished on both sides. This elegant strap is a delight to wear: it is flexible and adapts to every wrist shape and size. Its metal blends perfectly with the cases, which are made from steel of the same colour. This Milanese strap, feminine, contemporary and timeless, enhances the character of this very personal series of watches. The collection is also available with pink alligator or grey calfskin straps.

Bell & Ross is available online and at ROX Argyll Arcade

CONTINUE READING

They say if you expect the unexpected you might just be prepared. This is something the dedicated team at Bell & Ross appreciate, with professional designers, engineers and watch makers committed to creating timepieces created with professional use in mind.

Just as time doesn’t stand still neither does watch design. Mastering the art of creating modern and forward thinking timepieces that stand shoulder to shoulder with respected traditional designs could seem like an unforgiving task, however, it is something the limited edition Bell & Ross BR-X1 HyperStellar Skeleton Chronograph manages with ease.

Bell & Ross is a brand known for going to extremes. Not content with simply sticking to the status quo, it continually strives to go above and beyond the call of duty to create timepieces that are both a technical and visual feat. Drawing on inspiration from the history of aviation and military specifications, it is little wonder that their designs are known for their power of precision.