Bell & Ross has made its reputation on being able to take aircraft instruments and translate them faithfully to the wrist. The iconic and ultra successful BR 01, the BR 01 Compass and the BR 01 Radar are just a few examples from this very popular brand.
Well, Bell & Ross has done it again, with the limited edition BR 01 Horizon. One of the most vital instruments in the cockpit of any plane is the attitude indicator (also known as the artificial horizon), which allows pilots to monitor the aircraft’s position relative to the horizon, regardless of visibility. This year at Basel, Bell & Ross’s designers have borrowed the layout of an attitude indicator to create this striking timepiece, which is limited to 999 pieces for the world.

Two-level dial
Like the instrument from which it draws its inspiration, the 46mm BR 01 Horizon has a two level dial, with the grey (the sky) and black (the earth) portions split by a horizon line on one level and the indices on the upper level. The bridge at 12 o’clock of this upper dial mimics the actual instrument, while a window in the top allows the hands to still be read when they are underneath.

Instruments on the wrist
The BR 01 Horizon continues the instrument nature of Bell & Ross, truly translating aeronautic dashboard instruments into very popular timepieces.

Source: Europa Star April - May 2012 Magazine Issue