The worlds of luxury watchmaking and premium cigars share an unmistakable DNA: both are driven by meticulous craftsmanship, time, and a passion for detail. This is not the first time the Franco-Swiss watchmaker has explored this hedonistic territory, but their latest creation takes this philosophy a step further. Introducing the new Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono S.T. Dupont, a limited edition of just 150 pieces that fuses the brand’s iconic urban lines with the refinement of the legendary French maison, S.T. Dupont.
A Luxury Watch Collaboration Born from Craftsmanship
This project is no coincidence. Behind this unique partnership lies the shared vision between Carlos Rosillo, co-founder of Bell & Ross, and Alain Crevet, president of S.T. Dupont. Both declared epicureans, they successfully bridged the watchmaking workshops of the brand with the Faverges manufacture in Haute-Savoie. It is here that S.T. Dupont has mastered ancient techniques since 1924, such as natural lacquer—a rare and complex craft in Europe today.
The result is a flawless dialogue between two worlds celebrating French art de vivre.
Smoky Aesthetics: Stainless Steel, Rose Gold, and a Sunray Dial
The BR 05 Chrono S.T. Dupont features a bold 42 mm case with a thickness of 14.25 mm. It masterfully combines polished and satin-finished stainless steel with 18-karat rose gold.
A Dial Inspired by Maduro Cigar Wrappers
The true visual centerpiece is the dial. Bell & Ross opted for a brown sunray finish with shifting reflections that immediately evoke the rich color gradients of premium tobacco leaves and the depth of amber.
- Legibility & Contrast: The applique numerals and indices are crafted in polished rose gold. The skeletonized hour and minute hands feature a beige Super-LumiNova treatment with a green emission, ensuring optimal readability while maintaining the warm harmony of the piece.
- Chronograph Layout: It sports a classic bi-compax layout (small seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock) along with a subtle date window positioned at 4:30.
Two Integrated Bracelet Options
To suit every collector’s taste, this chronograph offers two distinct styles: an integrated bicolor stainless steel and rose gold bracelet that highlights its architectural character, or a brown calfskin leather strap with a black patina that emulates the texture of alligator leather, adding an organic, classic touch.
Calibre BR-CAL.326: Cutting-Edge Automatic Mechanical Movement
Beating inside this luxury chronograph is the Calibre BR-CAL.326, a self-winding mechanical movement delivering a notable 60-hour power reserve. The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the 360° oscillating weight, a technical signature of the Bell & Ross urban collection. Furthermore, the timepiece boasts a water resistance of up to 10 bar (100 meters / 330 feet), secured by a screw-down crown with integrated guards.
An Exceptional Triptych: Much More Than a Watch
The ultimate differentiator of this limited edition is its presentation. The watch does not arrive alone; it comes integrated into a spectacular convertible humidor crafted from Macassar ebony on the outside and Spanish cedar on the inside—the ideal wood for preserving premium cigars as it naturally repels pests.
Upon opening the case, the BR 05 Chrono is displayed alongside two exclusive, matching S.T. Dupont accessories:
- Ligne 2 Lighter: Finished in a gradient brown lacquer identical to the watch dial, accented with gold and steel finishes.
- Ergonomic Cigar Cutter: Designed in perfect harmony with the materials and colors of the set.
Technical Specifications: Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono S.T. Dupont
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | BR05C-STD-STPG |
| Case | 42 mm width, 14.25 mm thickness. Stainless steel and 18k rose gold |
| Movement | Self-winding mechanical Calibre BR-CAL.326 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, and chronograph with 30-min counter |
| Dial | Sunray brown, rose gold indices, and beige Super-LumiNova® |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters (10 ATM) |
| Limited Edition | 150 numbered pieces in a custom humidor with lighter and cigar cutter |
| Price | Approx. €19,200 (Steel & Gold bracelet) / €14,900 (Leather strap) |
The Legacy of Premium Cigars at Bell & Ross
This partnership with S.T. Dupont marks the fourth special edition from Bell & Ross inspired by the world of premium cigars. A saga that debuted in 2006 with the BR Vintage 126 XL (crafted in rose gold and limited to 99 pieces), continued in 2015 with the poetic WW1 Limited Edition, and evolved in 2022 with the first BR 05 Chrono Limited Edition, inspired by the dark tones of Maduro cigars.
With this new release, Bell & Ross proves that their signature “circle within a square” design language fits just as perfectly in luxury collector lounges as it does in aviation cockpits.
What are your thoughts on this evolution of the BR 05 line? Do you prefer the technical look of the integrated bicolor bracelet or the timeless style of the patinated leather strap? Let us know in the comments below!
