Hamilton is Interstellar, Bell & Ross goes HyperStellar. In this new version of the BR-X1 chronograph, Bell & Ross suggest the space theme principally by the colour combination, blue and grey.

The BR-X1 HyperStellar has a 45 mm case in titanium, with a protective insert for the bezel in blue anodized aluminium. Its water resistance is 100 metres. The case is given extra protection and colour by a grey rubber bumper and grip on the left. The dial has a small seconds subdial at 3 o’clock, a 30-minute chronograph subdial at 9 o’clock with an aluminium disc instead of a hand, and a central chronograph seconds hand. A date window at 6 o’clock reveals the numeral on the skeletonized date ring. Hour and minute hands have sections of luminescent paint. The bi-material strap is in rubber and alligator leather; the steel buckle has an overmoulded rubber insert.

The BR-X1 HyperStellar is powered by the self-winding calibre BR-CAL.313, based on the ETA 2894-2 chronograph movement. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz), with a power reserve of about 42 hours. The X-shaped bridge is DLC-treated to give it its black colour. The solid caseback has a small circular window revealing the balance.

Price of the Bell & Ross BR‑X1 HyperStellar

The Bell & Ross BR‑X1 HyperStellar is a limited edition of 250 pieces. It costs €17,900. I think that mechanical watches are luxury products, you fall in love with a particular piece and so price is a secondary consideration: in this case the obvious comparison would be with the Omega Speedmaster, available in many variants at prices from around €10,000. The most obvious difference with respect to the Bell & Ross HyperStellar is that the Speedmaster actually went into space…