Watchmaker Bell & Ross, known for cockpit-inspired watches evoking the romance of aviation, has unveiled a new limited-edition iteration of their BR 01 Cyber Skull timepiece. This macabre yet mechanically mesmerizing ticker released for 2023 encases a phantom “ice blue” skull in transparent sapphire, hovering like a hologram inside the crystalline cabin.

Echoing the cyberpunk aesthetic of the original BR 01 Cyber Skull’s faceted sapphire case, Bell & Ross sheathes their latest memento mori skull in translucent silicone straps, creating the illusion of a floating phantasm. This gravitas-defying skull forged in pale blue galvanized brass serves as the Cyber Skull’s skeletonized dial, with baton hands protruding from its nose to indicate the time. Its lower jaw even animates with the watch’s winding, exposing the mainspring barrel below like a chilling danse macabre.

The calibre powering this horological spectacle also maximizes visual exposure, with components cut away to spotlight the oscillating mass behind the skull. This is haute horlogerie exhibiting savage mechanical beauty, harnessing our fascination with mortality’s reminders.

Yet beyond the grim allure, the BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire ICE Blue stands as a pioneering demonstration of Bell & Ross’s fearless ingenuity and avant-garde watchmaking. With merely 25 examples released at $115,000 apiece, this hypnotic skull in sapphire lacquer remains the pinnacle of their daring mechanical artistry. Collectors understand this species of strange watch represents the apex works of ateliers like Bell & Ross today.