Launched in 2022, the BR-X5 collection marked a milestone in the contemporary history of Bell & Ross. Conceived as an advanced time instrument, it combines a technical watchmaking architecture with a functionalist design. Its steel case, openworked structure, and multi-layer sandwich construction established a distinctive identity within the Maison’s universe from the outset. With the BR-X5 Meteorite, this architecture incorporates a dial made from Muonionalusta meteorite, creating a limited edition that combines the collection’s signature design with a material of extraterrestrial origin.

A Material with Billions of Years of History

The dial of the BR-X5 Meteorite is made from Muonionalusta meteorite, an iron meteorite discovered in 1906 in the Norrbotten region of northern Sweden. It is estimated to be approximately 4.5 billion years old, making it almost as old as the solar system itself. It fell to Earth approximately one million years ago and remained preserved for millennia beneath the Scandinavian permafrost.

Once cut and treated, the meteorite reveals the characteristic Widmanstätten pattern, a natural crystalline structure formed by an intricate network of fine lines. This pattern developed through an extremely slow cooling process over millions of years in space and cannot be artificially reproduced.

The dial is made directly from solid meteorite, without a brass base, making it a monolithic component whose supports pass directly through the raw material. A thin PVD coating is applied to protect the surface and ensure its long-term stability while preserving the material’s natural appearance.

Shades of grey and black are combined with metallic reflections that change depending on the light. Due to the natural structure of the meteorite, each of the 250 dials features a different pattern.

A Dial Designed for Legibility

Despite the distinctive nature of the material, legibility remains a priority. The applied bathtub-style indexes are polished and rhodium-plated, with white BGW9 Super-LumiNova®, Grade X1, emitting a blue glow.

The hour and minute hands are skeletonized, rhodium-plated, and sandblasted. They are also filled with white BGW9 Super-LumiNova®, Grade X1, emitting a blue glow. The design is completed by a circular satin-finished flange with a 60-minute graduation and black markings.

The layout of the indications maintains the functional character of the model, with a date window positioned at 3 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock.

The BR-X5 Signature Architecture

The 41 mm steel case retains the architecture that defines the BR-X5 collection. Its finish combines satin-brushed and polished surfaces, while the openworked structure helps reduce both the visual and physical weight of the watch.

The multi-layer sandwich construction brings together different technical components within a cohesive architecture, secured by four visible screws that form part of the collection’s visual and technical identity.

The case measures 12.80 mm in thickness and features a screw-down crown with crown protection. At the back, the sapphire crystal caseback provides a view of the oscillating weight.

Manufacture Movement and Performance

The BR-X5 Meteorite is equipped with the BR-CAL.323 manufacture movement, produced exclusively for Bell & Ross and COSC-certified. It is a self-winding mechanical movement with an approximately 70-hour power reserve.

The movement provides hours, minutes, and seconds, along with a date display and power reserve indicator. The watch also offers 100-meter water resistance and features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.

A Limited Edition of 250 Pieces

The BR-X5 Meteorite is limited to 250 pieces. Each example features a dial with a different configuration due to the natural characteristics of the meteorite used.

The model is available with two strap options: a polished and satin-finished steel bracelet or a black rubber strap. Both options are fitted with a polished and satin-finished steel folding clasp, allowing the technical architecture of the watch to be paired with either a more refined or sportier aesthetic.

The BR-X5 Meteorite brings together the elements that define the BR-X5 collection with a distinctive dial execution and a COSC-certified manufacture movement. Limited to 250 pieces, it offers a new interpretation of Bell & Ross’s contemporary architecture.