In a limited edition of 99 pieces comes the Bell & Ross BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro Rotor ref. BRX2-MRTB-ST. Following the trend set by brands like Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey, MB&F and Hublot, Bell & Ross first released their BR-X1 Tourbillon Sapphire priced at a whopping almost half a million dollars in order to play within a much higher price point in the market. As a sequel to the BR-X1, Bell & Ross released the BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro Rotor —also available in a fully skeletonized version— at a much more affordable price point but sill way too high for what anyone would be willing to pay for a Bell & Ross.
Things to Know About the Watch
The BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro Rotor features the very well known 42.5 mm square case shape that Bell & Ross made famous more than a decade ago. With a middle case in satin-brushed stainless steel sandwiched between two sapphire crystal bezels at the front and the back, the dial of the BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro Rotor is partially skeletonized with a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock and applied metal hour markers. Delivered on a gray alligator strap that matches the color scheme of the watch flawlessly, the watch falls short without an in-house beating heart.
Despite what you’d expect from an entry level brand like Bell & Ross, the dial is very well finished with vertical satin-brushed finish, chamfered edges on the different skeletonized parts and a circular satin-brushed finish on the round perimeter where the applied markers are located. While the flying tourbillon is not in-house either, its design is a perfect ode to the DNA of Bell & Ross with the ampersand logo.
The Movement
Powered by the 31-jewel calibre BR-CAL.380 which is an automatic movement with micro rotor and flying tourbillon, the movement architecture is nice and the movement is very well finished in line with its price point close to six figures. The movement provides a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound and it is visible via the sapphire crystal display case back. Just like the calibre BR-CAL.285 powering the BR-X1 Tourbillon Sapphire, this non-in-house movement was produced by Geneva-based MHC Manufacture Haute Complication.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Bell & Ross BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro Rotor wears true to its size and just like all other Bell & Ross BR square-shaped watches. Water resistant to 50 meters, we can’t deny that the BR-X2 is a good looking watch, just not worth this type of money. At an almost $70K USD price point one can choose to buy instead a Patek, a Vacheron, an AP or even something from the independent brands. While this amount of money might not warrant getting a tourbillon from any of the brands previously mentioned, you’d still be getting much more bang for your buck with an in-house beating heart and indisputable watch pedigree.
Sticker Price $64,900 USD. For more info on Bell & Ross click here.
