There are professions that force people to bear exceptional temperatures, undergo violent accelerations or withstand dangerous pressures. These extreme situations are studied by Bell & Ross along with those who experience them: pilots, divers, and bomb disposal experts - professionals for whom a watch is not just a tool to serve their missions but a constant ally.



This is why Bell & Ross decided to equip Michel Fournier in his search for the extreme.
Bell & Ross has already achieved a world record with its Hydromax* model (water-resistance at 11,100 meters [1,110 bars]). Now Bell & Ross is partnering with Fournier who will try to beat the altitude world record for a sky dive with this 40,000 meter (130,000 feet or nearly 25 mile) jump.


BR02 Instrument

Michel Fournier, the “BIG JUMP”
On May 27, in North Battleford, Canada, Michel Fournier will make a stratospheric jump from the frontier of space and for the first time in history a skydiver will break the sound barrier at a speed of 1,500 kilometers per hour (932 miles per hour).

This skydive will enable him to beat 4 world records:


 Altitude record for skydive (130,000 feet, 40 kilometers)

 Altitude record for human balloon flight

 Record for longest free-fall

 Record for fastest skydive

This event is of major scientific interest to those working on methods of rescuing astronauts facing critical situations at high altitudes in space. The jump is also of great interest to those working in the technology and sports fields. Fournier, using the latest in technology, is undergoing rigorous scientific, medical and physical training in preparation for the “Big Jump.”



BR 02 INSTRUMENT: The instrument-watch for professionnals working under extreme conditions

For this record breaking performance Michel Fournier will be wearing the BR 02 INSTRUMENT.
The BR 02, a combination of high technology and precision watchmaking, is an extremely reliable instrument. Its mechanism was designed to resist extreme pressures, as well as abnormally low temperatures.

During the 6 minute and 25 second skydive, with a relative temperature of -120°c (-184°F), the BR 02 will have to withstand several extreme conditions: various airflows, cosmic radiation, and high variations in atmospheric pressure.

The ergonomics of the case, the elasticity and the adaptability of a made-to-measure watchband will also give Fournier optimal comfort during his jump.

“Because he wants to reach for the stars and explore the ocean depths, because he lives out his passions to the fullest, man has always measured himself against time. To turn a few seconds into a moment of eternity.“ The philosophy of Bell & Ross since the beginning.


Michel Fournier

For more information about the “Big Jump” please visit Bell & Ross website: www.bellross.com

(Please credit europastar.com)