The many perils confronted by military paratroopers, the US Airborne divisions in particular, have inspired a striking new timepiece from Bell & Ross. Limited to an edition of 500 examples in black carbon powder coated steel, the Bell & Ross BR 01 Airborne watch boldly employs the skull and cross bones in the design of its case and dial–a visually arresting homage to the sacrifices, and silently lethal capabilities, of these warriors from the sky.

During the second World War, imagery involving skulls became a good luck talisman for airborne divisions, who saw in them their ability to deal death to the enemy behind his own lines; it also represented the very real chance of dying the paratroopers themselves faced on every mission. Since that time, this powerful symbol has been widely brought into use on both aircraft and the uniforms of various elite units. A press statement from Bell & Ross says, “The BR 01 Airborne is an anthem to the extraordinary saga of military paratroopers. This new watch is a tribute to those brave young men who fought in one of the toughest army corps, particularly the US Airborne divisions.” The visual effect of the skull dial is most pronounced when the lights go out, and the luminous material gives the symbol and other-worldly glow.

As suits a timepiece intended for the most grave of missions, the Bell & Ross BR 01 Airborne watch presents the time only, with no supplemental functions or complications. Reliable performance is assured by the tried-and-tested ETA 2892 caliber, which features a smooth balance completing 28,800 vibrations per hour, bi-directional winding, and a 42 hour power reserve. The movement is securely protected beneath the solid steel caseback, which is part of the sturdy construction enabling the timepiece to resist water infiltration to 100 meters.

Each Bell & Ross BR 01 Airborne timepiece is completed by a rubber strap bearing the Bell & Ross logo, as well as an additional strap in synthetic canvas or calf leather that, in the manner of all Instrument BR models, can be readily switched out. The shaped crystal is manufactured from synthetic sapphire, an industry standard material which offers outstanding resistance to scratching.