Watch News Briefing: Meteorite, Longer Power Reserve, and New Master Models
Three new releases, three different approaches: Bell & Ross incorporates extraterrestrial material into the BR-X5, Formex enhances the technology and ergonomics of its 39-millimeter bestseller, and Longines expands the Master Collection with new dials, materials, and a chronograph featuring a moon phase.
Cover photo: Formex Essence 39
Bell & Ross BR-X5 Meteorite: Every dial is one-of-a-kind
Bell & Ross has added a meteorite dial to the BR-X5. The distinctive Widmanstätten pattern is formed over very long periods of time by the slow cooling of iron-nickel material in space. Since the pattern varies with each cut, no two dials are exactly alike.
The contrast is intentional: material that is several billion years old meets the BR-X5’s technically sophisticated, modular architecture. The new model is available with a rubber strap and a stainless steel bracelet.
Formex Essence 39: Technical update without a new case design
Formex has kept the proportions and design of the Essence 39—which has been available since 2018—unchanged, but has revised three features relevant to everyday use. New additions include a screw-down crown, the Sellita SW200-2 Power+ movement, and a clasp that can be finely adjusted directly on the wrist.
The new automatic movement maintains a frequency of four hertz but increases the power reserve to 65 hours. It retains its COSC certification, as well as the patented Case Suspension System and water resistance to 100 meters. On the steel bracelet, the clasp can be adjusted in 3-millimeter increments for a total of 6 millimeters without having to open it.
The Formex Essence 39 is available in many versions
The available options are Signature Blue, Alpine White with blued hands and hour markers, and Radiant Bronze. Prices start at 1,680 euros with a fabric, leather, or rubber strap; with a stainless steel bracelet, the Essence 39 costs 1,790 euros.
Longines Master Collection: Three New Additions
Longines is expanding the Master Collection with various models that cover different segments of the line. The L2.450.4.97.6, for example, features a 34-millimeter stainless steel case paired with an ice-blue sunburst dial set with diamonds. The automatic caliber L592.5 offers approximately 45 hours of power reserve and a date display.
More complex models include the Master Collection – Chrono Monopusher L2.960.4.93.2, featuring the exclusive hand-wound Longines column-wheel caliber, L799.5, a silicon balance spring, and a power reserve of up to 68 hours, as well as the Master Chronograph Moonphase L2.962.4.73.2. Housed in a 41-millimeter case, the L687.5 caliber features a column wheel, a silicon balance spring, and a power reserve of approximately 66 hours. In addition to the chronograph function, the watch displays the moon phase.
The third new model, reference L2.450.5.87.7, combines a 34-millimeter stainless steel case and bracelet with an 18-karat yellow gold crown. The mother-of-pearl dial is also set with Top Wesselton diamonds. The official sales embargo ends on September 3, 2026.
