Simply Abu Dhabi XI

How was Bell & Ross devised? Carlos Rosillo: Bell & Ross watches were born out of the passion and obsession we have for delivering the clearest and most reliable time to professionals. The founding idea of Bell & Ross is that time is essential for professionals working under extreme conditions. We guarantee our watches’ performance by combining and perfecting four essential design principles in each watch: legibility, functionality, precision and reliability. We wanted to replicate very simple watches from the 50s to the 70s that didn’t exist anymore in 1990. It was a dream project that I conceived with my childhood friend and associate Bruno Belamich. In 1992 came the big jump and the Bell & Ross adventure started. Bruno Belamich: We are grateful to Mr. Sinn because without his help Bell & Ross wouldn’t exist today. After the Sinn partnership ended we went back to our brand’s main source of inspiration in order to define the brand: the dashboard of a plane. In 2005 we’ve came up with our iconic model, the BR01. This watch takes direct inspiration from a flight panel’s clock and it became the identity of Bell & Ross. Since then we’ve expanded the universe with our diving watches and the BRS series modelled on the BR01 but smaller (39 mm diameter). A couple of years ago we launched the new version of our Vintage line inspired by pilot’s watches of the 40s. What do you think distinguishes Bell & Ross in a popular industry? Bruno Belamich: We created an extremely precise collection that immediately categorised us as a niche brand, and we are part of the top ten worldwide of high-level watches for professionals. We have been faithful to our original idea and our watches today reflect perfectly the world of pilots and professionals. What movements do Bell & Ross predominantly use? Bruno Belamich: For the basic models we aim to maintain a good balance between quality and price. As for the high-end pieces, for which we do not have price or material constraints, we can really create our own work of art by developing our own specific movements thanks to collaborations with the best watchmakers. Our last collections are the proof of this trend as we use mechanisms either developed in cooperation with the best watchmakers, like we did for our Tourbillon models or the Jumping Hour, working with prestigious suppliers like Dubois, Depraz or La Joux-Perret. Does Bell & Ross hold any patents? Bruno Belamich: Yes. The Hydromax has been designed to meet the most extreme deep-sea diving conditions. Tests performed in a hyperbaric tank have proved the Hydromax watch’s resistance to a pressure of 1110 bar, equivalent to a record depth of 11100 metres. This performance is due to a major technical development – the perfect filling of the watchcase with a transparent fluoride oil known as Hydroil®. It guarantees optimum water-resistance. How do your roles within the company differ? Carlos Rosillo: Regarding our backgrounds, Bruno has been naturally pointed out as the creative director and understandably I became the CEO of the brand. But it is obvious that we consult each other daily for important matters. From where do you draw continuous inspiration? Bruno Belamich: What really inspires me is the military and aviation world. Indeed, I love the rational world of the army that values utility and function. A good watch always starts with a precise function. I think about the functions needed by men in extreme situations or professions… their world of performance. The cockpit is also a key source of inspiration to me. As I said before, the iconic BR 01 Aviation collection is directly inspired by the instrumentation of aircraft cockpits. This year we are enhancing the Aviation collection with three new instruments inspired by the cockpit – the Heading Indicator, Airspeed and Climb, all essential to flying and navigation. With this new trio we recreate the graphic style of navigation instruments as closely as possible, once again going beyond the traditional approach to reading the time. The first 99 will be offered exclusively in a lavish collector’s box containing the six instruments: BR 01 Horizon, Altimeter, Turn Coordinator, Heading Indicator, Airspeed and Climb. This exclusive box will make its owner feel as though they own a fragment of an aircraft’s cockpit. How did the two of you meet and can you tell us about your background? Carlos Rosillo: We both attended the same college-preparatory high school in Paris and became friends. I graduated from the prestigious business school based in Paris, the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales, HEC. Later, I joined the Banque Bruxelles Lambert France as a manager within the Industrial and Financial Affairs Department. Bruno Belamich: I studied at the French school of industrial design (ENSCI). During my studies I had the chance to participate in projects for design companies in Hong Kong and Paris. I developed my thesis around the idea of developing a watch brand. This was the beginning of the Bell & Ross story. In this time I also did an internship at the Sinn Company in Frankfurt, owned by Helmut Sinn, who helped us produce our first 500 Bell & Ross watches. So your entry into the world of watchmaking began with your thesis? Bruno Belamich: Yes, it was entitled ‘The launch of a watchmaking brand specialising in the production of functional watches for professional use’ over 20 years ago. My internship at the Sinn Company specialised in navigation watches and on- board instrumentation. So my first real immersion was in a world that fascinated me: aeronautics. Would you describe yourselves as watch collectors? Carlos Rosillo: I have several Bell & Ross watches that I wear according to my daily mood. My watch accompanies me all day long so that is why I prefer understated, rather simple timepieces. What does the future hold for Bell & Ross? Carlos Rosillo: The main challenge is to design something new every year, yet remain faithful to the brand and its vision. The only way to make sure that we are not deviating is to always go to the original objective and vision: create watches for professionals of the extreme that answer to their needs. How important is the Middle Eastern market to Bell & Ross? Carlos Rosillo: The Middle East is a strategic market for Bell & Ross and that’s the reason why we have opened our own boutique there. It is the best way to improve the customers’ brand experience. At the moment we have one boutique in Dubai Burjuman Mall and a corner in Marina Mall. We also have plans to open a second boutique in Dubai this year. And are you considering expansion into Abu Dhabi? Carlos Rosillo: Indeed, the opening of our first Boutique in Abu Dhabi is forthcoming. And lastly our signature question… What do you think of Simply Abu Dhabi? I am impressed by the quality of Simply Abu Dhabi. It is a real “chef d’oeuvre”. Its beautiful package gives a strong feel of luxury and uniqueness and I appreciate the diversified topics covered. From extravagant lifestyles and outstanding designs, to exceptional culinary experiences and magical getaways. From cover to cover the publication simply exudes luxury. 9 1 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I