Bell-&-Ross-B-Rocket-at-Colette

The upscale Colette concept store at Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris has played host to the striking Bell & Ross B-Rocket one-off motorcycle, as well as the BR 01 and BR 03 B-Rocket watches that were designed with it. On display from May 12-17, the bike is now on a world tour.

The B-Rocket, built by British Harley-Davidson customiser Shaw Speed and Custom, features styling influences from the American jet fighters and speed bikes of the 1960s, with a bullet-shaped nose cone, flush wheels, rear fairings with tail fin and distinctive twin turbines on either side of the bike (which feed air to the V-twin engine as well as the oil cooler). A Bell & Ross-designed rev counter sits inside the nose cone.

The BR 01 B-Rocket chronograph features a large minutes counter as well as a smaller hours counter. The outer edge of the dial is inscribed with a tachymetric scale, while the small seconds counter at the three o'clock mark mimics the graphic display used in experimental vehicle testing.

The more intricate BR 03 B-Rocket has a large date window with cutouts that showcase the complexity of the disc mechanism. Meanwhile, the circular power reserve indicator at the six o'clock mark takes its inspiration from a racing fuel gauge.

Both watches feature satin brushed steel cases, black padded leather straps with red edging and lining, matte black dials inspired by motorcycle tachometers as well as a triangular red 12 o'clock marker inspired by the triangles on the B-Rocket's rev counter and turbines. They are also fitted with anti-glare sapphire crystal glass and are water resistant to a depth up to 100 metres. Both are limited to 500 pieces each.

Bell & Ross has also introduced the BR 03 Ceramic, a highly legible watch inspired by aircraft instrumentation. One of the key features of this timepiece is the unglazed ceramic case, a hard-wearing material that is scratch-proof, lightweight, hypoallergenic and easy to wear. The matte black case finish reduces reflections, while the clear design, large white numerals and photoluminescent coating allow immediate reading of time both day and night.