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In the world of haute horlogerie, the most compelling stories are found in the textures, the nuances, and the quiet dialogues between disciplines. This season, Bell & Ross writes a particularly evocative chapter, not just in partnership with a fellow French maison, but in a profound celebration of the epicurean spirit.
The new BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont is the fourth installment in the brand’s celebrated Edición Limitada line, and it marks a historic first: a collaboration with S.T. Dupont, the venerated French house synonymous with the art of fire and fine accessories. What emerges is not only a limited-edition timepiece, but a complete lifestyle triptych, a watch, a lighter, and a cigar cutter, enclosed in a presentation that feels more like a treasure chest than a box.
At first glance, the watch captivates with its chromatic mastery. The 42mm steel chronograph is grounded in the urban architectural codes of the BR-05 line, yet it is the dial that commands attention. Finished in a rich, sunray brown, it shifts with the light, evoking the deep, oily patina of a perfectly aged cigar wrapper. The gold-toned indices, numerals, and hands are bathed in photoluminescent material, ensuring that legibility. This gilded aesthetic finds harmony in the brushed steel bezel and bracelet, though the true connoisseur might opt for the gradient brown alligator-style leather strap, which imbues the piece with a softer, more organic sophistication.
For Carlos Rosillo, co-founder of Bell & Ross, and Alain Crevet of S.T. Dupont, this collaboration was less a business decision and more a meeting of minds. Both men share a respect for the artisan, an appreciation for the meticulous process, and an understanding that true luxury lies in ritual. This piece is for the connoisseur, one who understands that whether selecting a watch or a cigar, the act is a lifestyle rooted in contemplation and sharing.
The parallels are clear, the careful selection of tobacco leaves mirrors the sourcing of materials; the complex choreography of a chronograph movement reflects the precise hand-rolling of a robusto. The BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont embraces these codes, fusing the technical precision of the watchmaker with the tactile poetry of the cigar world.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this release is the holistic nature of the package, the presentation case, crafted from Macassar ebony and lined with Spanish cedar, is itself a masterpiece. It is a humidor as much as a watch box, convertible to house up to 50 of one’s most prized cigars. Inside, the watch sits in perfect symmetry with a bespoke Ligne 2 lighter and a matching cigar cutter. The lighter, finished in steel and gold with a gradient brown lacquer, echoes the watch dial exactly, while the cutter’s harmonized finishes ensure that the experience is seamless from the first draw to the final glance at the wrist.
This is not the first time Bell & Ross has drawn inspiration from the leaf, but it is by far the most integrated. Since the early days of the BR Vintage 126 XL and the WW1 Edición Limitada, the brand has flirted with the aesthetic; however, the 2022 BR-05 Chrono Edición Limitada and this 2026 collaboration with S.T. Dupont demonstrate a maturity in approach. Limited to just 150 numbered pieces, this edition highlights the precision of aviation instruments and the rich heritage of French art de vivre.
The BR-05 Chrono S.T. Dupont is a testament to the power of collaboration, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of taking time to enjoy life’s finer things.
