Simply Abu Dhabi XXX

1 8 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I B ell & Ross’s design studio has been hard at it again. Year in, year out they put their collective heads together to create a mechanical wonder with which to inspire and feed into the creation of a matching timepiece. Whether it’s a car, motorbike, or even a new airplane, Bell & Ross never fails to make eyebrows raise and wallet pockets rustle. An ultramodern single-seat, propeller-engine aircraft, built entirely of high-tech materials including graphite, fibreglass, titanium and aluminium alloy, the BR-Bird is powered by a V12 Rolls Royce engine developed on a Merlin base. It is capable of competing in the famous Reno Air Race, the most extreme speed competition in the aviation world. The event has been running for 94 years and it sees aircrafts flying at full speed and low altitudes on a closed circuit delineated by 10-metre-high pylons. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful air racecourses in the world with peerless public success, the pilots need the best machines possible to bravely display their skills in the air. The BR-Bird is the brainchild of Bruno Belamich, Bell & Ross’s cofounder and creative director, and the two limited edition watches that accompany the project are nothing short of stunning. Both the BR V1-92 three- hander and the BR V2-94 Racing Bird Chronograph unite with the design language of the BR-Bird racing plane and are attention-grabbing in white and blue with just a pop of orange. The BR V1-92 is powered by a Sellita SW300-1 automatic movement, which is named by Bell & Ross as the BR-CAL.302 It has a power reserve of 38 hours and its crisp, unfussy minimalism is sure to appeal to many collectors and discerning watch enthusiasts. The aviation codes are present, such as the BR-Bird-shaped counterbalance on the seconds hand and the three-day date which evokes cockpit gauges. BR V2-94 Racing Bird Chronograph has the same three-day date display at 3 o’clock sunk into the seconds sub dial but at the heart of the watch is an ETA 2984-2 automatic movement, named by Bell & Ross as the BR-CAL.301calibre. Aligning with the livery of the BR-Bird, it’s a fresh-looking aviation watch with a clean, contemporary feel. The Racing Bird Chronograph is available on a blue leather strap or a steel bracelet, while the BR V1-92 is on blue leather with orange lining. Both watches are limited to 999 pieces. The brand says, ‘With their graphic design and style, these limited edition BRV1 and BRV2 Racing Bird watches are starting a new chapter in a saga that weaves together Bell &Ross and aviation history, performance, extreme professionals… and passion.’