Each Wind, a Skull's Smile on Your Wrist

The skull motif has long been an icon used by pirates. They believed that by venerating the skull, they would gain courage and instill fear in all enemies. Later, the skull was adopted by the military, serving as a reminder not to forget one's own mortality. In the face of death, many would display the skull as a symbol on their uniforms or aircraft to fulfill their mission. This is the story behind why Bell & Ross's "BR 01" series has repeatedly featured the skull motif.

However, this skull motif differs from those of the past. This is because the skull smiles in direct connection with the movement of the barrel. This automatically regulated moving mechanism is called an "automaton" in horological terms. Since its appearance in the 14th century, automatons have captivated medieval people and aristocrats alike. Yet, the automaton created by Bell & Ross is not merely nostalgic. The skull smiles. And this smile is directed solely at the wearer, making it profoundly meaningful.



In the newly developed Cal.BR-CAL.206 movement for this model, a gear extends from the barrel arbor, which winds the mainspring, to move the skull's lower jaw. Viewed from the back, this gear connects to the wheel that operates when winding the mainspring, located at the cannon pinion at the 6 o'clock position. Meanwhile, the gear train running from the skull's right mouth corner towards the right temple is for timekeeping.


At the top sits the regulating organ. This arrangement creates the illusion of a living skull. Furthermore, the skull is supported by four pillars, appearing to float.

This model, released as a limited edition of 500 pieces, will be launched atthe "COUTURE" watch and jewelry exhibitionin Las Vegas, USA, starting Thursday, May 31st. It's a watchmaking festival held in the largest market, the United States. Variations are also planned, including a precious model with a row of diamonds adorning the skull (limited to 99 pieces worldwide) and a full-paved model with even more diamonds (also limited to 99 pieces worldwide).

Both as a symbolic representation and from the perspective of automata, the skull's smiling movement will undoubtedly mark a milestone in this genre.

BR 01 Laughing Skull(Left)
BR 01 Laughing Skull Light Diamonds(Center)
BR 01 Laughing Skull Full Diamonds(Right)

Movement | Manual winding (Cal.BR-CAL.206)
Functions | Automaton (skull's lower jaw moves, smiling)
Case Material | SS *Clous de Paris decoration (Left, Center), Paved diamonds (Right)
Case Size | 46x46mm
Strap | Brown alligator, interchangeable black rubber
Water Resistance | 100m
Price | ¥1,350,000 (Left), ¥2,150,000 (Center), ¥3,600,000 (Right) *All prices exclude tax