Urban, Luxury and Bold
Stealth appeal is far from superficial, as it most certainly runs deep in the new BR 05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic monochromatic design. Stupendously dauntless and framed within the covetous mystic of quiet luxury, this 500-piece limited edition by Bell & Ross, embodies a sleek, modern-day armour for the discerning urbanite. Its all-black ceramic case and integrated bracelet exude a subtle intensity — bold yet restrained, sharp but fluid.
Bell & Ross engineered the BR 05 Skeleton Phantom for dynamic metropolitan landscapes, introducing it in 2019 as a bold stylistic shift. Designed to appeal to collectors who value mechanical performance and a subtle rugged edge, the timepiece reflects the brand’s forward-thinking ethos.
An Enticing Enigma, A Powerhouse for Design
With the BR 05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic, the vision reaches a bold new peak.
The brand crafted its 41mm case and integrated bracelet entirely from black ceramic—a material selected for both form and function. Scratch-resistant, hypoallergenic, and lighter than steel, the case features alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes that subtly reflect light, giving the watch its “urban jewel” character. Polished screws and bevels elevate the finishing even further, enhancing its premium appeal.
The standout feature of the BR 05 Skeleton Phantom is its black-tinted sapphire crystal dial, revealing the open-worked BR-CAL.322-1 automatic movement beneath. The fully skeletonised mechanism also offers a show-stopping outlook of its inner workings from both the front and back.
The hour and minute hands and matte black indexes, are filled with black Super-LumiNova—invisible during the day, but luminous green at dusk. A rhodium-plated seconds hand adds visual contrast, keeping the dial transformative and crisp despite its monochrome palette.
Inspired by Aviation Precision, Designed for Urban Aesthetics
As far as urban aesthetics are concerned, the BR 05 owes much of its inspiration to military aviation aspects. Think Top Gun: Maverick camaraderie charm, against the backdrop of serving a purpose for the greater good. The “Phantom” finish, first introduced in 2007, surreptitiously draws from stealth aircraft technology, where function dictates form.
The comprehensive engineering of the timepiece function, together in design and architecture is what fabricates the identity of the Skeleton Phantom. It is assertive, elegant and completely in-tune with the pulse of the lonesome, yet highly energetic metropolis.
Power, Performance, and Presence
The BR-CAL.322-1 caliber offers a 54-hour power reserve and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), delivering reliable precision. A sapphire case back reveals the custom black oscillating weight and intricate bridges, mirroring the transparent dial’s theme. Water-resistant up to 100 meters, the watch is available with either a black ceramic bracelet or a black rubber strap with a deployment buckle.
In retrospect, those who seek distinction in discretion, the BR 05 Skeleton Phantom Ceramic is more than a timepiece—it’s a wearable culture of quiet power.
