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Bell & Ross BR 01 Laughing Skull

Pirates can now bust out a chuckle as Bell & Ross returns to the market with yet another version of their “BR 01 Skull” edition. But, that’s not all! This time around they’ve added a new movement and an automaton that makes the skull actually laugh at you!

Video courtesy of: Bell & Ross

It’s been almost a decade since Bell & Ross introduced their first skull themed watch. It all began with the “BR 01 Skull”, followed up by the “BR 01 Skull Bronze” edition and the artfully engraved “BR 01 Burning Skull” edition adorned with black lacquer.

In between some of those versions was also released the highly collectable “BR 01 Tourbillon Skull” limited edition of only 20 manufactured pieces, which comes with the hefty price tag of $150,000.00 USD.

Now the new “Laughing Skull” model comes in a 46mm case made of micro-blasted steel with a “Clous de Paris” design. There is a visible screw placed in each corner of this square case, which is integrated into the overall design by being encapsulated in the bones portion of this “skull & bones” design.

It comes equipped with a setting-crown that has been riveted for an enhanced grip and features the Bell & Ross logo embossed on to it. Another highlight is the skull-shaped crystal placed on the partially transparent case back, which paired with the partially skeletonization of the dial allows for an interestingly unique view.

Topped by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating that also assists with water-resistance on this watch reaching up to 100 meters (330 feet). That is quite a feat for a watch design that typically would not be capable of such a lengthy immersion, adding more value and guaranteeing longevity. Plus there are also two more versions of this “Bell & Ross Laughing Skull” available in either a “Light Diamond” option that features a bezel set with 104 diamonds totaling 1.032ct;

MSRP: $18,000.00 USD

Or, a “Full Diamond” option that features a bezel and case set with 392 diamonds for a total of 2.891ct.

MSRP: $30,000.00 USD

BellRoss-Lauging-Skull-Case-Pic---EiT

Time is exhibited from within a skull-shaped dial and bezel set inside the iconic Bell & Ross aforementioned square watch case. There aren’t any numerals but the silhouette of the skull-shaped cut-out has small notch marks that serve as minute index markers, with wider gaps that double as 5-minute increments and hour index markers. A simple yet quite effective and legible form to tell time, although initially it wouldn’t seem so.

The central hands are in the form of “swashbuckling swords” keeping with the pirate motif brought forth by the cross and bones symbology. And these hands have their axis point placed on the nose concave of this skull that makes up the main allure of this timepiece. A tourbillion movement can be seen coming out of the skulls forehead.

The “Bell & Ross” logo and insignia has been engraved in grey directly on the sapphire crystal, looming over the tourbillon movement below. And the defining element over which this timepiece has been named after is the moving mandible! As the watch is being wound its jaw moves up and down, literally laughing back at you, as if it were amused to be ticking away, or tickled by your wind.

Video courtesy of: Bell & Ross

Bell Ross BR 01 Laughing Skull

This “Bell Ross BR 01 Laughing Skull” (Ref#: BR01-SKULL-SK-ST) is powered by a hand-wound mechanical movement, caliber BR-CAL.206 with 26 jewels and 28,800 Vph. Power reserve can last up to 50 hours, when fully wound.

Mounted to the watch is a brown alligator strap with a rubber layer, while secured to the wrist by a micro-blasted steel pin buckle. This is a limited edition of only 500 manufactured pieces. For more up to date information visit the official Bell & Ross website here.

MSRP: $9,900.00 USD