Bell & Ross

Basel 2008 is the first chance the public had to view some exciting new releases from Bell & Ross. The new Phantom Tourbillon is a stunning watch that is the all black version of the BR 01 Tourbillon that was released by Bell & Ross in early 2007. The Phantom features an all black case and dial, with the most noticable feature being the silver tourbillon that sits above the 6 o'clock position. The Phantom is a very limited production, with only 18 watches to be produced, far fewer than the 60 pieces made of the original BR 01 Tourbillon. The large 46mm case is made from a virtually scratch-proof DLC treated titanium. The dial is made from carbon fiber and the hands and indexes have been treated with a photo luminescent coating for easy readablility. In addition to the tournillon, the Phantom's complications include a regulator, a precision indicator and a power reserve indicator. It has a mechanical manual winding movement and is water proof to 100 meters. Of all the horological hot spots in Asia, perhaps none is as much a connoisseurs paradise as Singapore, which by many accounts boasts the most watch collectors, per capita, of anywhere on earth. This city-state's energetic cosmopolitan atmosphere includes a plethora of extremely fine luxury shopping venues, authorized timepiece retailers, and of course, exclusive boutiques for many of the world's celebrated watch brands. The latest addition to this latter group is Bell & Ross. This dynamic brand headquartered in La Chaux-de-Fonds and famous for the bold square-cased Instrument BR watch collection, just concluded the opening of an elegantly appointed flagship boutique in Singapore's prestigious Orchard Road shopping district. A special highlight of the occasion was the introduction of an exclusive edition BR 01-92 Phantom timepiece with a distinctive left-hand crown, to be offered in an edition of 50 pieces just for the Singapore market. Bell & Ross CEO Carlos Rosillo was present for the ribbon cutting, along with Bruno Belamich, the brand's Creative Director and other members of the Bell & Ross executive team. ""The opening of the first Bell & Ross flagship boutique in Singapore symbolizes a very significant milestone for our brand, and it is only possible with the strong support of Bell & Ross' loyal followers,"" said Carlos Rosillo. Mr. Belamich expressed his enthusiasm for the special edition left-hand Instrument BR 01-92 Phantom watch, calling it a timepiece that ""collectors will appreciate."" According to a press statement from Bell & Ross, additional watches produced exclusively for the Singapore boutique will be unveiled over time. Visitors to 333A Orchard Road #01-15 Mandarin Gallery will enjoy a modern yet sumptuously appointed space where light hardwood floors create a pleasing contrast with black lacquered furniture and displays. Elegant leather seating beckons clients to relax and experience the various Bell & Ross timepieces at leisure. And, to fully appreciate the provocative details of the watches, particularly the stealthy luminous markings on the limited edition Phantom models, ultraviolet lighting is provided.