TALES FROM THE CRYPT

Bell & Ross brings out the beauty and humour in mortality with two avantgarde timepieces featuring a sophisticated take on the artistic trope of memento mori

- JONATHAN HO

BR 01 CYBER SKULL BRONZE 

Here today, gone tomorrow. This sentiment is central to the philosophy of memento mori, which embraces death rather than fears it. It was a concept that was heavily explored throughout art history, from 16th-century still-life paintings to Baroque tomb sculptures. It eventually made its way into timepieces as watches became more popular. Skull cases, which open to reveal a watch, were especially popular in the 17th century. Bell & Ross takes this concept forward in the Cyber Skull Bronze watch.

Bell & Ross revived the Skull trend in watchmaking in 2009 with the release of the first watch in its Skull collection, the BR 01 Skull. Ten years later, the new Cyber Skull confirms Bell & Ross’ prominent position within contemporary watch design. The plan was to design a Cyber case that resembled a stealth aircraft. It was first available in matte black ceramic, then in this new BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze.