The hammer was dropped at 220,000 CHF (about US$239,095) for the Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Only Watch. Fret not if you did not win the auction, or even made it to the bidding because there is now a non-Only Watch version up for grab.
The Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire is nearly identical to the Only Watch model, except that instead of an orange skull, it has a clear, geometric skull.
Like the Only Watch version, the skull and crossbones are captured between two sapphire crystals, making them appear to be suspended in the air.
Also, like the Only Watch version, the case and skull are machined from blocks of sapphire.
In other words, it is a completely translucent, full sapphire version. It plays the transparency card to the full, right down to the translucent rubber strap.
The multi-faceted design draws its inspiration from several sources, including origami and the fuselage of the iconic American F117 Sloth Bomber.
Under the hood, it is powered by calibre BR-CAL.209 hand-wound mechanical movement and boasts manufacture consisting of skeletonized, rhodium-plated main plate and bridges, and packs no less than 21 jewels.
The watch further features incabloc shock protection, a 48-hour power reserve, a faceted polished steel crown, balance at 12 o’clock, a steel pin buckle with black PVD finish, and water resistance to 30 meters (3 ATM or about 98 feet).
The water resistance is probably an added feature, IMHO. I mean, surely nobody would wear US$117,000 to a pool, right? I mean, not especially when the watch has a limited run of just 10 pieces worldwide.
All images courtesy of Bell & Ross.