Bell & Ross Introduces Two New Stylish BR03 Models — A White-Dialed Bronze Diver And A Blue-Dialed Steel GMT
I have always had a soft spot for the Bell & Ross BR03. The owner of a design agency that I previously worked for owned a stainless steel BR03-92. I always loved the look of the square watch with its ultra-recognizable dial design. In the years since its introduction, it has become a design statement that many people love, and over time, Bell & Ross has expanded the collection tremendously with many different iterations. The two newest BR03 releases are a bronze diver with a white dial and a blue GMT version. These two new pieces show the versatility of the BR03 design perfectly.
Before we jump into the new releases, I want to say that it’s great to see how far that BR03 design can be stretched. While my greatest emotional connection is to that instantly recognizable stainless steel version with its black dial, white numerals, and black rubber strap, Bell & Ross has shown that a lot more is possible with the BR03. From divers and chronographs to GMTs and futuristic-looking open-worked versions, options abound. For the latest additions to the collection, Bell & Ross picked a new diver and a new GMT variation of the BR03. And I must say that, although visually far removed from the BR03-92, both of them work very well indeed. Let’s have a closer look.
The Bell & Ross BR03-92 Diver White Bronze
Let’s start with the BR03-92 Diver White Bronze, a limited edition of 999 pieces. This dive version of the BR03 features the characteristic 42mm square case executed in bronze with a water resistance rating of 300 meters. The case features a mix of satin and polished finishes for a great dynamic feel. Its unidirectional bronze bezel features a brown anodized aluminum bezel insert with a 60-minute diving scale. The bronze crown features a rubber ring for extra grip and is protected by the signature crown guards.
The bronze case looks great in combination with the silver opaline dial. Nacho wrote about the regular steel model with the same dial, but this is a proper step up. The dial features rose-gold-plated applied indices with white Super-LumiNova inserts to keep the white aesthetic alive. The handset is gold plated, and the hour and minute hands and also filled with Super-LumiNova. Additionally, the seconds hand features a small dot with Super-LumiNova so that you can read the time in the dark without problems. I love the combination of the silvery-white opaline with the bronze and rose gold accents. It looks classy and stylish in combination with the brown leather strap.
This Diver version is an ISO-certified diver
Bell & Ross equips the watch with its BR-CAL.302, a movement based on the Sellita SW300-1. This caliber operates at 28,800vph, has 25 jewels, and provides 38 hours of power reserve. It is hidden underneath the stainless steel case back that features a depiction of a classic bronze diving helmet. It hints at the true dive status of the BR03 Diver. The watch complies with ISO 6425 and the NIHS standard 92611, making it a true diver at heart. Combining that with the great style of this piece makes it a great addition to the BR03 lineup that will be available for €4,800.
The Bell & Ross BR03-93 GMT Blue
The second new addition to the BR03 lineup is the new Bell & Ross BR03-93 GMT Blue. The GMT version of the BR03 is not a new face in the collection. A model that features a black dial and a black and red GMT bezel is a proper GMT take on the original BR03-92. Bell & Ross decided to add more color to the GMT for this new version. The latest release features the same 42mm square case but comes with a blue sunburst dial and a blue and gray GMT bezel. The red 24-hour hand stands out immediately against the blue background, making it easy to read the time in your second time zone of choice.
Powering the GMT Blue is the BR-CAL.303, which is based on the ETA 2893-2 movement. This automatic GMT caliber operates at 28,800vph, has 21 jewels, and delivers a power reserve of 42 hours. It also allows for independent adjustment of the GMT hand, making this a caller/office GMT instead of the much-desired flyer/travel GMT. Will this be a dealbreaker? I guess that if you love this BR03-93, it won’t be. On top of that, plenty of GMT watches still do not have a flyer GMT movement, so it will always be a discussion, just as much as the looks of this new BR03-93 GMT Blue. I have a great soft spot for the recognizable square BR03 collection, so I like seeing the different variations, including this new GMT version that clocks in at €4,400.
Initial impressions of the new Bell & Ross BR03 introductions
As I said in the intro, it’s great to see where Bell & Ross has taken the BR03. I especially love the Bronze Diver versions that fit the design so well. While I already liked the previous bronze model with a dark brown dial, the new version with the opaline dial easily beats it in terms of style and depth. I love seeing this new version and would love to take it for a spin if given the chance.
In addition to the Divers models, the GMT versions are another great example of how to evolve the style of the BR03. They are competing in a heavily crowded GMT market, making it tougher to find fans of the watch for its function alone. They need to appreciate the design of the BR03 specifically to be in the market for this new Bell & Ross BR03-93. But overall, it is hard to fault these watches in terms of style and finish. They look simply great and unique.
For more information, visit the official Bell & Ross website.
