True to the Bell & Ross philosophy, the aviation collection is inspired by aircraft cockpits, where each instrument is a reference point in terms of legibility, reliability and performance.

In addition to the BR 01 Compass and BR 01 Radar, Bell & Ross is introducing a new version directly inspired by aeronautical instrumentation: the BR 01 Horizon.

The attitude indicator, a vital instrument in air navigation, makes it possible to monitor the aircraft’s position relative to the horizon, regardless of visibility conditions. Bell & Ross designers have borrowed the graphic design of the attitude indicator to create an original and innovative display.

• A dial on two levels
  
  • In the background, the dial (A) comprises, similar to the original instrument, two parts representing the sky, in gray, and the earth, in black. These two parts are separated by a white horizon line marking the 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock axis.
    
  • In the foreground, the raised dial (C) with index marks provides optimal legibility of the hour graduations. With its bridge at 12 o’clock (D), it conceals the attachment of the hands and is reminiscent of the shape of an aviation instrument.
    
  • Between these two levels, two hands of different shapes provide instantaneous legibility of the hours (B) and minutes (E). A window at 12 o’clock enables them to remain visible when they disappear below the bridge of the raised dial.
• The two hands echo the style of the original gauge, both in their minimalist graphic design and their oscillating movement.
  
• The hands and the index marks are covered in a white photo-luminescent coating that contrasts with the black of the dial, echoing the legibility principles of professional aviation instruments.
  
• The anti-glare, matte black carbon finish of the case is inspired by the color of an instrument panel, designed to make the dials easier to read by eliminating glare.

BR 01 Horizon – Dial elements

A. Dial – B. Hour hand – C. Raised dial – D. Bridge for raised dial – E. Minute hand – F. Minute hand counterweight

With the BR 01 Horizon, Bell & Ross once again goes beyond the traditional concept of reading time by emulating as closely as possible the graphic style of the instrument from which it draws its inspiration – the attitude indicator. The BR 01 Horizon is the first in a series of watches inspired by instruments essential to air navigation.