A Closer Look: Bell & Ross BR-X5 Blue Lum

Recently, at WatchTime New York 2024, Bell & Ross made a major introduction of its newest BR-X5 Blue Lum watch – depicting its magic use of blue light.  The watch is stunning in day light with its pale blue overtones but may be even more alluring in the dark thanks to its intense luminosity. What makes this timepiece so special? The fact that Bell & Ross engineers went beyond just luminating a dial or bezel accents; they brought lume to the case in several different components.

In fact, like the BR-X5 Green Lum the brand unveiled last year, this watch is made from quartz fibers that emit a bold blue light. Its glow is achieved using luminescent materials as well as a multi-layer construction of the 41mm case, which alternates between a LM3D photoluminescent composite material and black DLC micro-blasted titanium.

In addition to the case lighting the night in blue, dial accents also gleam in color coordination – making readability optimal. An anti-reflective sapphire crystal ensures glare proofing of the matte black dial with Super-LumiNova hour and minute indexes, subsidiary dials, power reserve indicators and date window.

Matching the bold spirit of the looks of this watch is the high-performance Manufacture movement that powers it. The watch is equipped with the BR-CAL.323 automatic movement that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour – or 4 Hz —  for added accuracy. The watch – a COSC-certified chronometer — is endowed with 70 hours of power reserve, and a specially made oscillating weight.

To me, this is one of the most beautiful luminous watches on the market today. It has attitude without being too in your face. The blue is subtle in daytime yet has a cool urban chic appeal and at night it lights up the room. This is a definite must-have for luminous lovers. Sadly, just 500 will be made, each retailing for $13,300.