Bell & Ross: The Big Jump

Posted on May 14, 2008 Under Gadgetry

We’ve championed Bell & Ross brand timepieces for quite some time now. The Swiss watchmakers build instruments for those whose professions force them to withstand physical trials well beyond the everyday commute. Did you know a Bell & Ross watch was the first automatic chronograph worn in space? Or that their Hydromax model holds the world record for water resistance? Seeking to build on their reputation for breaking records and enduring extreme conditions, Bell & Ross is teaming up with skydiver Michael Fournier on The Big Jump.

On Fournier’s wrist will be a BR 02 Instrument watch, as he attempts to break the altitude world records for skydiving and balloon flight (as well as the records for longest free fall and fastest skydive) with his 40,000 meter stratospheric jump, taking place between May 24th and May 28th over North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Both Fournier and the watch will have to withstand -120 degree Celsius temperatures, cosmic radiation, and variations in atmospheric pressure. We’re sure the BR 02 will hold up. Mr. Fournier … uh, TBD.