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We join Bell &amp; Ross in its latest journey to Malaysia, where the brand inaugurates a new boutique and showcases its “concepts and haute horlogerie” exhibit. Joezer Mandagi reports
<figure id="attachment_100638" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-100638" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-100638" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossConceptsHH_Carlos-3.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="427" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossConceptsHH_Carlos-3.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossConceptsHH_Carlos-3-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-100638" class="wp-caption-text">Bell &amp; Ross CEO and co-founder Carlos Rosillo</figcaption></figure>
What is it that distinguishes a brand? Some would say a rich heritage, others would say innovation and creativity. Still, others would say that distinctive design—having products that are so unique or iconic that they’re instantly recognizable—is the mark of a truly distinguished brand. And in the world of fine watches, a prime example of this highly desirable quality is Bell &amp; Ross.
Not too long ago, DA MAN joined the French watchmaker in a journey to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to witness the inauguration of a new boutique and take a deep dive into <a href="https://daman.co.id/tag/bell-&amp;-ross/">Bell &amp; Ross</a>’ philosophy of watchmaking through the “Concepts and Haute Horlogerie” exhibition.
“For Bell &amp; Ross, the ongoing and heightened expression of innovation within our brand and product identity serves as a crucial compass guiding our journey into the future. Concepts and Haute Horlogerie will propel us forward, pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship to define new horizons in the ever-evolving landscape of watchmaking. This commitment to innovation not only preserves our legacy but also ensures that we remain at the forefront of horological excellence, captivating enthusiasts with groundbreaking concepts and exceptional timepieces,” said Carlos Rosillo, CEO and Founder of Bell &amp; Ross, who also came all the way to Kuala Lumpur to preside at the event.
<figure id="attachment_100640" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-100640" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-100640 size-full" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossTRX_From-Left-Carlos-Rosillo-H.E.-Axel-Cruau.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="427" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossTRX_From-Left-Carlos-Rosillo-H.E.-Axel-Cruau.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossTRX_From-Left-Carlos-Rosillo-H.E.-Axel-Cruau-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-100640" class="wp-caption-text">Carlos Rosillo and Axel Cruau at the new Bell &amp; Ross boutique</figcaption></figure>
Before we relive the eye-opening experience with Bell &amp; Ross that unfolded throughout the last day of January this year, a brief crash course on the brand’s journey of watchmaking is perhaps in order&#8230;
<h2>Concepts and Haute Horlogerie</h2>
The story of Bell &amp; Ross started in 1992, when two friends, designer Bruno Belamich and businessman Carlos A. Rosillo, decided to join forces in a watchmaking venture that would “transcended conventional boundaries.”
One interesting—and quite famous— way that Bell &amp; Ross has been pushing the boundaries of creativity is by creating ingenious vehicles, such as the B-Rocket concept bike. But above all else, the name Bell &amp; Ross has become synonymous with watches inspired by aviation and military instrumentation. And while many watchmakers cite the same influence, it’s safe to say that Bell &amp; Ross is a completely different level, to the point that the brand actually supplies timepieces to the French air force, perhaps most prominently the Escadron de Chasse 2/4 Lafayette. This particular squadron currently operates the Dassault Rafale fighter plane, which has starred in a number of Bell &amp; Ross campaigns.
On a more fundamental level, Bell &amp; Ross timepieces are designed to transcend the ordinary within the domains of concepts and also haute horlogerie—hence the exhibition. “Concept is an abstract representation of an object or an assembly of objects with common characteristics,” Calros Rosillo elaborated. “At Bell &amp; Ross, concepts are at the source of new ranges to nourish the brand’s DNA. they enable the company to push back the boundaries of innovations and know-how.”
The first concept underlying Bell &amp; Ross’ creations is perhaps the most popular: From cockpit to the wrist, which is manifested in the Flight Instruments collection that are inspired by, well, instruments found in an aircraft’s cockpit. At this point, Rosillo also touched on recognizability. “You instantly recognize the ‘round in a square with four screws’ design. You don’t need to see the logo to tell that it’s a Bell &amp; Ross,” he says. “We have a design that is consistent and different. It doesn’t look to any other watch.”
The second concept is LUM, which highlights the brand’s focus on legibility. The actual LUM line was launched in 2017 and uses Super-LumiNova in a way that draws inspiration from the matte tones of tritium seen in vintage military timepieces.
<figure id="attachment_100642" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-100642" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-100642" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR01-SKULL-O-SK-ST-BR01-SKULL-SK-FLD-BR0192-AIRBOR-FLD-BR0192-AIRBORNE.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="960" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR01-SKULL-O-SK-ST-BR01-SKULL-SK-FLD-BR0192-AIRBOR-FLD-BR0192-AIRBORNE.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR01-SKULL-O-SK-ST-BR01-SKULL-SK-FLD-BR0192-AIRBOR-FLD-BR0192-AIRBORNE-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-100642" class="wp-caption-text">a series of Skull watches at the Concepts and Haute Horlogerie exhibit</figcaption></figure>
Earlier in its history, in 2009, Bell &amp; Ross made waves with the introduction of the BR 01 SKULL—which brings us to the third concept. “Among elite military troops, the skull shows courage and strength,” Rosillo points out. “It’s a way for them to express that they are not afraid of death; that they have the courage to confront death.”
And finally, we have Cyber, a concept that channels the angular shape of stealth aircraft. This collection plays with avant-garde graphic elements and futuristic codes.
The other part of the equation, haute horlogerie, is manifested in a series of limitededition masterpieces characterized by the use of exquisite materials and meticulous craftsmanship. A good case in point would be the BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire. Skeletonized movements and the tourbillon are marks of solid watchmaking savoir-faire, while the use of sapphire in the manufacture of a watch case presents a host of challenges while allowing a unique paradox of solidity and visual transparency.
“We have solid foundation. We take the instrumentation from aircraft cockpits to the wrist as the initials of the brand. It’s what makes you recognize the brand; what makes it different,” says Rosillo. “And then, we stay faithful to that concept and make sure that every year we keep that focus. But with creativity, you go one step further.”
<h2>An Unveiling and a Celebration</h2>
After the short masterclass in Bell &amp; Ross’ philosophy of watchmaking by its charismatic co-founder, the spotlight shifted to the brand’s new boutique at The Exchange TRX. Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the modern shopping mall presents the perfect venue for Bell &amp; Ross to solidify its foothold in what is essentially one of the most happening spaces in Southeast Asia.
<figure id="attachment_100643" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-100643" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-100643 size-full" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR_From-Left-Mitch-Wilson-H.E.-Axel-Cruau-Carlos-Rosillo-Tong-Wei-Chee-2.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="800" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR_From-Left-Mitch-Wilson-H.E.-Axel-Cruau-Carlos-Rosillo-Tong-Wei-Chee-2.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR_From-Left-Mitch-Wilson-H.E.-Axel-Cruau-Carlos-Rosillo-Tong-Wei-Chee-2-240x300.jpg 240w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-100643" class="wp-caption-text">Inauguration of the Bell &amp; Ross boutique at The Exchange TRX</figcaption></figure>
The interior of the boutique itself is inspired by the structure of aircraft fuselages, with wooden furnishing adding touches of natural sophistication. The inauguration of the venue was, of course, appropriately festive. Joining Carlos Rosillo at the ribbon cutting ceremony were Mitch Wilson (the Project Director of The Exchange TRX0, HE Axel Cruau (the ambassador of France to Malaysia) along with Tong Chee Wei (General Manager of Bell &amp; Ross Asia).
With the boutique officially opened, attending VIPs, guests and media representatives started to mingle and browse through the new space. As the evening progressed, however, groups of guests were ushered to the venue of the Concepts and Haute Horlogerie exhibition, which was still within The Exchange 106 skyscraper.
<figure id="attachment_100636" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-100636" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-100636 size-full" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR_-LeftAzrel-Ismail-Uzair-Haqimy-Tong-Chee-Wei-Elisha-Sandha-Fyza-Kadir-Ahmed-Feruz.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="427" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR_-LeftAzrel-Ismail-Uzair-Haqimy-Tong-Chee-Wei-Elisha-Sandha-Fyza-Kadir-Ahmed-Feruz.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR_-LeftAzrel-Ismail-Uzair-Haqimy-Tong-Chee-Wei-Elisha-Sandha-Fyza-Kadir-Ahmed-Feruz-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-100636" class="wp-caption-text">Guests at the Concepts and Haute Horlogerie exhibtion</figcaption></figure>
After an elevator ride and a short walk, guests arrived at a futuristic space where plays of contrasts and lighting set the tone for the evening. A dark corridor then led attendees to the actual exhibition space, where displays showcased various watches that embody the aforementioned concepts along with Bell &amp; Ross’ philosophy of haute horlogerie.
<figure id="attachment_100637" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-100637" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-100637 size-full" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR_TRX_BR03-Cyber-Ceramic_BR01-Cyber-Rainbow-2.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="960" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR_TRX_BR03-Cyber-Ceramic_BR01-Cyber-Rainbow-2.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BR_TRX_BR03-Cyber-Ceramic_BR01-Cyber-Rainbow-2-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-100637" class="wp-caption-text">The Bell &amp; Ross BR 03 Cyber Ceramic and the BR 03 Cyber Rainbow</figcaption></figure>
One display containing the the BR 05 Artline Dragon proved particularly popular as, when the exhibition took place, the Chinese New Year was only 10 days away. Another showcase highlighted the various instrumentation-inspired watches, including the BR 03-92 H.U.D, the BR 01-92 Compass, BR 01 Red Radar and the BR 03 Gyrocompass. The Cyber collection was, of course, well represented, with one case showcasing the BR 03 Cyber Ceramic side by side with the BR 03 Cyber Rainbow.
<figure id="attachment_100641" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-100641" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-100641 size-full" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossTRX-02_06245-PhotobyAllIsAmazing.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="427" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossTRX-02_06245-PhotobyAllIsAmazing.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossTRX-02_06245-PhotobyAllIsAmazing-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-100641" class="wp-caption-text">Dinner hosted by Carlos Rosillo</figcaption></figure>
Soon afterwards, dinner commenced. Guests were then guided to a new space set with tables and a stage. The first to step up was, unsurprisingly, Carlos Rosillo himself, to deliver a brief presentation touching on the concepts we’ve covered above along with highlights from Bell &amp; Ross’ latest timepieces.
<figure id="attachment_100639" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-100639" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-100639" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossConceptsHH_-Performance_Dewi-Seriestha-4.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="427" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossConceptsHH_-Performance_Dewi-Seriestha-4.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BellRossConceptsHH_-Performance_Dewi-Seriestha-4-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-100639" class="wp-caption-text">Dewi Seriestha</figcaption></figure>
Dinner itself was prepared by Chef Raymond Tham, the man behind the Michelin-starred Beta KL restaurant. And then, adding a distinctive voice to the festivities, Malaysian singer Dewi Seriestha took the stage with a number of lovely songs.
And with that, the amazing—and illuminating—evening with Bell &amp; Ross came to a close, leaving attendees with a new appreciation for the watchmaker, and renewed anticipation for the novelties to be unveiled in the months to come.

Bell & Ross celebrates “Concepts and Haute Horlogerie” in Malaysia