October 22nd 2024
The watch industry has a longstanding tradition of introducing color variations, but changing the hue rarely fixes flaws in the original design. Bell & Ross, known for its innovative timepieces, took this approach when they launched the BR-X5 Green Lum in 2023. This model featured a fully luminous green case that glowed in the dark, attracting attention for its use of lume. However, its pale green-yellow tint in daylight left some enthusiasts comparing it to less flattering things, like mucus.
As a follow-up, Bell & Ross has now introduced the BR-X5 Blue Lum, a blue version of last year’s Green Lum. While the design and construction remain the same, the color shift to blue creates a more appealing aesthetic. The luminous parts now show a pale blue tint in daylight and emit a bright aqua blue glow at night, making it a more visually pleasing option.
Same Dimensions, New Hue
The new BR-X5 Blue Lum retains the dimensions of its predecessor, with a 41mm-wide and 12.8mm-thick case. Its construction blends sandblasted grade 2 titanium with a photoluminescent composite known as LM3D, which glows blue. The sapphire crystal dial and smoked caseback are also carried over, with the only change being the color of the glowing materials.
Dial and Movement Details
The dial of the BR-X5 Blue Lum remains matte black, with blue Super-LumiNova accents on the hands and hour markers. A power reserve indicator sits at 9 o’clock, and a date window is located at 3 o’clock. Powered by the Caliber BR-CAL.323 automatic movement from Swiss manufacturer Kenissi, the watch boasts a 70-hour power reserve and high reliability.
Conclusion
Although essentially “last year’s watch, now in blue,” the Bell & Ross BR-X5 Blue Lum is a more successful iteration of the Lum concept. Its blue tint is less divisive and better suited for daily wear, maintaining the same price and limited edition status as the green version. With only 500 pieces available, it’s sure to appeal to collectors looking for a luminous timepiece with a refined look.