As part of the Bell & Ross “Urban” collection, the BR-X5 series represents one of the brand’s more elevated offerings, and it takes the fundamental concept of the BR-05 but renders it with a more intricate case architecture and a superior internal movement. Unlike watches from the Bell & Ross “Instruments” collection, which closely adhere to a cockpit-inspired aesthetic, the brand’s Urban collection represents a more refined and dressy expression of Bell & Ross’ signature design language. While the standard BR-X5 models are available with the option of either black or ice blue dials, the brand’s latest release of 2024 expands the collection to include a vibrant color-changing dial, and the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 Iridescent features a multi-colored appearance that showcases a variety of blue, green, and purple hues.
From a fundamental design and construction standpoint, the Bell & Ross BR-X5 Iridescent is identical to the standard-production watches from the series, and it is very much just a dial variation of a model that has been around since 2022. Over the course of the past two years, Bell & Ross has created a handful of variations of the BR-X5, such as a forged carbon version with orange accents, the motorsport-themed BR-X5 Racing, and even the BR-X5 Green LUM with a fully luminous case. However, while the new BR-X5 Iridescent is just a new dial variation of the core-collection stainless steel models, its color-changing dial represents a significant departure from the rather serious aesthetic that has previously characterized the collection, and it is easily the most lighthearted and whimsical model from the current BR-X5 lineup.
Crafted from stainless steel, the case of the Bell & Ross BR-X5 Iridescent is identical to what can be found among the standard-production models from the series, and it measures 41mm in diameter by 12.8mm thick, with the same multi-component structure that exists throughout the BR-X5 collection. Just like other Bell & Ross watches, the bezel and display-style caseback of the BR-X5 Iridescent are secured by the four exposed screws that run through the entirety of its case; however, the BR-X5 models also feature a three-part middle case that consists of a central section sandwiched between two outer components that form the upper and lower surfaces of its lugs. Flat sapphire crystals are fitted to both the bezel and display caseback, while a screw-down crown resides between two angular guards at the 3 o’clock location, and water resistance for the BR-X5 Iridescent comes in at the same 100 meters that can be found elsewhere throughout the collection.
The real stand-out feature of the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 Iridescent is its color-changing dial, and while it retains the same core layout as its black and ice blue siblings, its multi-colored iridescent surface immediately makes it stand out among the collection. An aviation-themed date window appears at 3 o’clock and displays three values through an arc-shaped aperture, while the three-day power reserve is tracked by a sub-dial sitting opposite it at the 9 o’clock location. Meanwhile, the time is displayed by a trio of centrally-mounted hands against matching rounded baton-shaped hour markers, and the hands and indexes are filled with white Super-LimiNova. Additionally, rather than being rhodium-plated like the rest of the hands and markers, the seconds hand is finished matte white, and the rest of the dial and chapter ring showcase a multi-colored iridescent surface that displays a variety of hues that change from green and dark blue to vibrant shades of aqua and purple, simply depending on the angle and lighting.
Unlike the brand’s BR-05 models powered by Sellita-based calibers, the Bell & Ross BR-X5 series receives the brand’s Kenissi-based BR-CAL.323 automatic movement. Running at a frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz), the Bell & Ross BR-CAL.323 offers superior specs compared to its Sellita-based counterparts, and in addition to offering a longer power reserve of 70 hours, the Kenissi-manufactured movement is also a COSC-certified chronometer, which means that promises an accuracy rating of -4/+6 seconds per day. With that in mind, unlike the various other time-and-date Kenissi movements that can be found inside watches produced by other brands, the BR-CAL.323 is fitted with a custom skeletonized rotor that offers a similar aesthetic to the rotors that can be found on other contemporary Bell & Ross models.
Just like the standard-production BR-X5 watches, the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 Iridescent is available on either a rubber strap or a matching stainless steel bracelet. Similar to the rest of the watch, both the strap and bracelet for the BR-X5 Iridescent are fundamentally the same as what can be found on the core-collection models, and the bracelet features a flat H-link design with brushed and polished surfaces to match the integrated lugs of the case. With that in mind, the ventilated rubber strap for the BR-X5 Iridescent is a bright white color (rather than black or pale blue like the original models), and it is completed by a deployant-style folding clasp that is operated with a double push-button release and is signed with the Bell & Ross logo. Additionally, it is worth noting that the BR-X5 Iridescent isn’t packaged as a set with both options, and buyers can choose between the white rubber strap or the matching stainless steel bracelet.
Compared to the various three-handed Bell & Ross models that rely on Sellita-based calibers, the brand’s BR-X5 series represents a significantly more elevated creation, and both its case architecture and chronometer-certified movement result in a noticeably higher price than what the brand charges for its entry-level watches. With an official retail price of $7,900 USD when purchased on a rubber strap or $8,400 USD should buyers opt for the bracelet-equipped version of the model, the new Bell & Ross BR-X5 Iridescent represents a full thousand-dollar premium compared to the standard-production BR-X5 models, and this undeniably seems a bit high, considering that the only tangible difference between this latest offering and the core-collection versions is its striking color-changing iridescent dial. For more information on the Bell & Ross BR-X5 Iridescent, please visit the brand’s website.
