Collaborations...

I find collaborations such an interesting topic, more so in the watch world. Take for example the Tudor and Breitling collaboration. Never expected that. 

The Tudor Breitling collaboration allows Tudor to use the Breitling B01 as the base movement for its caliber MT5813. Breitling will build the movement for Tudor but using parts from Tudor like the oscillating weight, silicon balance spring and even finish the movement to Tudor specifications. The movement will be used in the Tudor Black Bay Chrono.

Photograph: Tudor

In return, Breitling gets Tudor to build its caliber B20, which is based on the Tudor MT5613. As with the case above, Tudor will build the movement for Breitling using parts from Breitling like the oscillating weight, regulating system, balance spring and finish the movement to Breitling specifications. This movement will be used in the Breitling Superocean Heritage II.

Photograph: Breitling

On the other hand we have this interesting collaboration between Rolex, Swatch Group and Patek Philippe. They back the Swiss Micro-engineering Institute CSEM which holds the intellectual property on the development of silicon hairsprings. And because they own the intellectual property, Baume&Mercier, and by extension its parent company Richemont have been asked to stop using the silicon hairsprings. This was used in Baume&Mercier Baumatic watch which was launched in 2018. I believe the case is in the courts.

Photograph: Baume&Mercier

This is the most interesting collaboration so far this year, maybe last year. It involves the company known as Kenissi Holding SA. Not much is known about the company except it is the industrial arm of Tudor and it will make automatic movement for watches. It is also reported that the owner is a Swiss industrialist whose main line of business is making sapphire crystals for some of the biggest watch groups. 

It is currently based in Geneva but will move to a new facility in Le-Locle in 2021. It is reported that the facility will be divided into two parts, one for Tudor and the other half for Kenissi. It is believed that the facility is being built by Rolex on land owned by Rolex. 

This is where it gets interesting. Chanel announced that it has acquired a 20% stake in Kenissi at almost the same time it acquired a minority shareholding in F.P. Journe (believed to be about 20%). Chanel has also indicated that its first watch to be powered by the movement made by Kenissi will be shown in Basel 2019. Will this new movement appear in Bell&Ross watches, which Chanel has a majority shareholding? 

It is also reported that Kenissi will be headed by Mr. Jean-Paul Girardin. He used to be the CEO of Breiling. Interesting no?

Other members of the board (also very interesting):

Mr. Eric Yvon Pirson. He is the Chief of Tudor, which should not come as a surprise. 

Mr. Pascal Bratschi. He is a Director in Rolex.

Mr. Philippe Jacques Dalloz. He is a Director in a number of companies dealing with watch components. Could he be the hand behind Kenissi?

Mr. Frederic Jean-Paul Daniel Grangie. He is a Director in F.P. Journe. 

Anyway, Basel 2019 is just around the corner and I am sure we will learn more then .

Bell&Ross BRV Aeronavale

Bell and Ross have released two new watches in the BRV Aeronavale. 

Right from its inception, Bell and Ross has been passionate about the history and values of the military. To progress as far as possible in its quest for excellence, Bell and Ross has made aeronautical instrumentation one of its primary sources of inspiration, both in terms of design and technology. This is why its watches meet the functional and ergonomic criteria required by pilots and all users of professional horological instruments. Featuring the colour codes and rich detail of the naval officer's uniform, the BRV AÉRONAVALE symbolises military excellence and tradition.

The prestige of the uniform In the cockpit of a Rafale, a naval air force pilot wears a flight suit covered in pockets, for practicality and comfort. During official ceremonies, his attire changes to display military prestige.

The blue of the uniform evokes the sea. The gold of the wings, trim and buttons conveys poise, nobility and victory. The blue/gold combination is also found on VINTAGE BR AÉRONAVALE models, which feature all the symbols and motifs that appear on naval uniforms.

Reflecting the prestige of the ceremonial uniform worn by naval officers, the VINTAGE BR AÉRONAVALE models will seduce fans of timepieces rich in both colour and values.

Two new models have been added to the BRV AÉRONAVALE collection: a chronograph and three-hand small seconds. The 41 mm diameter polished steel case exudes retro chic. On both versions, the gilt skeletonised hour and minute hands stand out starkly against the navy blue sunray dial. The contrast between the two colours offers a refined air and excellent legibility. Designed for pilots, the BRV AÉRONAVALE Chronograph is a time measuring instrument that marries functionality and elegance. It has two additional counters with snailed guilloché decoration and a 60-minute graduated bezel in blue anodised aluminium.

The ultra-curved sapphire crystal underlines both the classic style of the watch and its strength. Made in Switzerland and renowned for their reliability and accuracy, the mechanical movements with automatic winding that drive these two versions are visible through a transparent case-back.

The watch comes with either a distressed blue calfskin strap with cinnamon stitching, or a midnight blue alligator strap with a pin buckle clasp. The shiny alligator strap of the BRV AERONAVALE exudes classic sophistication, while the satin-like texture of the calfskin, with distressed effect and overstitching in contrasting colours, makes for a very sharp, on-trend look.

Bell and Ross BRV Aeronavale is retailing from RM13,000 to RM20,700. 

The technical Specifications of the watches:

BR V2-92 Aeronavale

Movement: calibre BR-CAL.302. Automatic mechanical. 

Functions: hours, minutes, central seconds and date. 

Case: 41 mm in diameter. Polished steel. Rotating steel bezel with anodised blue aluminium ring and 60-minute scale. Screw-down crown. Sapphire case-back. 

Dial: blue sunray. Gilt applique numerals and indices. Gilt skeletonised Superluminova filled hour and minute hands. 

Crystal: ultra-curved sapphire with anti-refective coating. 

Water-resistance: 100 metres. 

Strap: satin-polished steel or ice blue calfskin. 

Buckle: folding. Satin-polished steel. 

Photographs: Bell and Ross

BR V2-94 Aeronavale

Movement: calibre BR-CAL.301. Automatic mechanical.

Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 3 o'clock. Date. 

Chronograph: 30-min timer at 9 o'clock, central chronograph seconds. 

Case: 41 mm in diameter. Polished steel. Steel bezel with anodised blue aluminium ring and 60-minute scale. Screw-down crown and push-buttons. Sapphire case-back. 

Dial: blue sunray. Gilt applique numerals and indices. Gilt skeletonised Superluminova filled hour and minute hands.

Crystal: ultra-curved sapphire with anti-refective coating. 

Water-resistance: 100 metres. 

Strap: satin-polished steel or ice blue calfskin. 

Buckle: folding. Satin-polished steel. 

I would like to thank Bell and Ross Malaysia for the information.

Bell & Ross BR03-94 AeroGT Orange

Bell&Ross is glad to introduce its newest timepiece (launched in Malaysia), the BR03-94 AeroGT Orange, a limited edition of 500 pieces that enhances our focus on the motoring world. The BR03-94 AeroGT Orange follows the avant garde AeroGT concept launched last year in a new orange version. 

The watch is inspired by a racing car designed by Bruno Belamich (“the Bell” of Bell&Ross).

That is one awesome looking car.

The new BR03-94 Aero GT Orange retails at RM38,000 and is available at all Bell&Ross boutiques.

Photographs: Bell&Ross

Technical specifications:

Limited edition of 500 pieces.

Movement: calibre BR-CAL.319. Automatic mechanical.

Functions: hours, minutes and small seconds at 12 o'clock. Date. Chronograph: 12-hour timer at 6 o'clock, 30-min timer at 9 o'clock, central chronograph seconds. Tachymeter scale on the flange.

Case: 42 mm in diameter. Satin-polished steel. Back with opening in sapphire crystal, centred on the balance.

Dial: skeleton. Metal applique Superluminova®-filled indices. Metal skeleton Superluminova®-filled hour and minute hands. Anodised orange movement bridge.

Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating. 

Water-resistance: 100 metres.

Straps: perforated black calfskin with orange piping and ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric.

Buckle: pin. Satin-polished steel.

For more information on the watch:

BR03-94 AeroGT Orange

Thank you Bell&Ross Malaysia for the update.

Exciting time at Bell & Ross

I am sure we will see some interesting collaborations.....

Renault Drivers Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer wearing the Bell & Ross X1 Carbon Forge. 

Jolyon Palmer and Carlos Rosillo.

Kevin Magnussen and Carlos Rosillo.

The car...

And finally...

Photographs: Bell&Ross

Bell&Ross Desert Collection

It is indeed something to look forward to. And what is it? It is the Bell&Ross Desert Collection. The collection will be launched in Basel 2016. I have to say it is a very very good looking collection. 

The Bell&Ross Desert Collection..

MILITARY BY NATURE

The BR 03 Desert Type was designed to meet the specifications of air forces operating in warm countries. Therefore, it is sand- coloured, just like the outfits worn by pilots on desert missions. An inherently professional instrument, the BR 03 Desert Type perfectly illustrates the four fundamental principles of Bell & Ross: legibility, functionality, precision and water resistance. Equipped with a chronograph function, this watch was specially designed for air pilots needing a tool to measure short time intervals. Its strap, which is available in beige leather or black ultra-resistant fabric, serves as a reminder of the practical purpose of this camouflage model.

A SOPHISTICATED DESIGN THAT ENHANCES LEGIBILITY

To adhere to the principles of aeronautical design, the case is black and the crystal features an anti-reflective coating. True to its continuous quest for excellence, Bell & Ross opted for ceramic in a black through-coloured shade for the case of its new chronograph. This innovative and high-tech material occupies pride of place in the production of pieces subjected to very high temperatures, acidic conditions, corrosion and erosion. Hypoallergenic and ultra-light, ceramic offers an exceptional feel and quickly adapts to body temperature for ultimate comfort.

The anti-reflective crystal is made of sapphire, a very tough material exhibiting tried-and-tested robustness. The four screws in the corners of the case evoke the aeronautical origins of the BR 01, using the front-mounting system of on board instruments featured in aircraft cockpits. These are functional and secure the bezel to the case, ensuring the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100 metros.

Just like analogue aviation counters, the shape of the hands and the typography of the numerals guarantee total ease of reading. Meanwhile, the dial’s design is inspired by military techniques of marking for maximum legibility. Formed by two overlapping inserts, the beige upper section is cut away around the numerals and indices, revealing the black photoluminescent coating covering the lower insert. This black and sand-coloured contrast provides optimal reading of the dial during the daytime, as well as equally remarkable legibility at night thanks to its consistent and masterful photoluminescence.

THREE VERSIONS PRESENTING DIFFERENT FEATURES

To meet the requirements of the men working in the field, the new Desert Type is available in three versions, each with its own Swiss movement. On the 42 mm version, the three-hand BR 03-92 and the BR 03-94 chronograph present the large opening generally used for instrument watches. The 39 mm model presents the three-hand BR S for a version suited for smaller wrists, and also for women wishing to stand out from the crowd.

Although originally developed for fighter pilots on field operations, the Desert Type models will also delight lovers of characterful watches, as well as those who enjoy travelling to desert landscapes.

BR 03-94

Specifications:

Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.301.Automatic mechanical.

Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 3 o’clock. Date. Short time interval chronograph: 30-min counter at 9 o’clock, central chronograph seconds. Minute track on the flange.

Case: 42 mm diameter. Matt black ceramic.

Dial: beige. Superluminova-filled numerals, indices and HM hands.

Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating.

Water resistance: 100 metres.

Straps: beige calfskin and ultra-resistant black synthetic fabric.

Buckle: pin. Black PVD coated steel.

BR 03-92

Specifications:

Movement: calibre BR-CAL.302. Automatic mechanical.

Functions: hours, minutes, seconds and date.

Case: 42 mm in diameter. Matte black ceramic.

Dial: beige. Superluminova-filled numerals, indices and HM hands.

Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating.

Water resistance: 100 metres.

Straps: beige calfskin and ultra-resistant black synthetic fabric.

Buckle: pin. Black PVD coated steel.

BRS

Specifications:

Movement: calibre BR-CAL.102. Quartz.

Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock. Date.

Case: 39 mm in diameter. Matt black ceramic.

Dial: beige. Superluminova-filled numerals, indices and HM hands.

Crystal: sapphire with antireflective coating.

Water resistance: 100 metres.

Straps: beige calfskin.

Buckle: pin. Black PVD coated steel.

And finally, what makes me like the collection? This…

Photographs: Bell&Ross

Beautiful sandwich dial and the details...