Bell & Ross, known for its instrument watches, presents the new Bell & Ross BR 03 Gyrocompass, a limited edition model that draws directly from the aviation universe. Highlighting the silhouette of a fighter plane on the black dial, the watch attempts to mimic the course indicator that pilots use in their control panels.
The watch could only come from our friends at Great Masters of Time in Via della Spiga in Milan, a long-time partner of Bell & Ross.
The new Gyrocompass is part of Bell & Ross’ Flight Instruments series, a collection of timepieces equipped with important aviation functions. Also part of this collection is the famous Red Radar that literally invaded Instagram a few years ago through a reel of ours.
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But now back to us and let’s focus on BR 03 Gyrocompass, who knows it might become the new Red Radar!
Features and design
One of the first elements that jumps out at you is the 41 mm black ceramic case, only 10.6 mm thick, offering water resistance to 100 meters. Secondly, it is impossible not to notice the huge yellow plane featured on the dial. The Gyrocompass is complemented by the teal details of the cardinal point letters and indices on the flange.
The black rubber strap, complemented by a steel pin buckle with a black PVD finish, reflects a certain seriousness and sturdiness, giving a total black look that is muted only by the yellow of the plane and the teal of the cardinal points.
Readability and Functions
The dial is designed to offer optimal readability in all light conditions. The hour markers and numerals are designed to facilitate instant readability. The central seconds hand adds a dynamic touch to the dial, recreating a kinetic visual effect while remaining understated through the use of black.
The date is discreetly placed between 4 and 5 o’clock, making it available when needed without getting in the way of overall readability. Rarely have we seen such an unobtrusive date within the dial of a watch.
To ensure nighttime legibility, the watch uses a specific luminescent treatment: the cardinal points and triangular hour markers are coated with green Super-LumiNova®, while the hour markers have a bluish luminiscence.
The Caliber
Although the watch mimics the appearance of an aeronautical course indicator, it does not have an actual gyrocompass. Instead, the BR 03 Gyrocompass is powered by the BR-CAL.302 self-winding mechanical movement. With a frequency of 28,800 a/h (4Hz) and a power reserve of 54 hours, the watch is positioned as a reliable choice for both professional and recreational use.
Price and Availability
The Bell & Ross BR 03 Gyrocompass is a limited edition of 999 and will be available in boutiques, from selected retailers, and on the official Bell & Ross website. The price to own this watch is EUR 4,500.00.
Technical details
- Model: BR03A-CPS-CE/SRB
- Movement: Caliber BR-CAL.302, Automatic mechanical
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date
- Case: Width 41 mm, Thickness 10.60 mm, Matt black ceramic
- Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Straps: Black rubber and ultra-resistant synthetic fabric
- Dial: Black, with Super-LumiNova® treatment
- Buckle: Steel with black PVD finish
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