Bell & Ross has long been synonymous with robust, aviation-inspired timepieces, often drawing direct inspiration from cockpit instruments. The new BR-03 Astro, however, takes a bold leap beyond Earth's atmosphere, venturing into the vast expanse of the cosmos. This limited-edition watch, restricted to 999 pieces, is an imaginative exploration of our place in the universe, showcasing a unique and playful approach to displaying time. Instead of focusing on the intricacies of flight mechanics, this model is an artist's depiction of the universe.
The dial of the BR-03 Astro is a captivating miniature representation of a planetary system, with Earth taking center stage. This is not just a superficial design choice; it's a technically impressive execution.
Bell & Ross achieved a realistic, three-dimensional rendering of our planet through a decal process beneath the sapphire crystal. The crystal itself is carved into a spherical cap, further enhancing the depth and volume of the Earth depiction. Bruno Belamich, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Bell & Ross, explains that the inspiration came from the Cupola, the observation dome of the International Space Station (ISS), envisioning the watch as a "porthole opening onto the planets."
Courtesy of Bell & Ross
Instead of traditional hands, the BR-03 Astro utilizes celestial bodies to indicate time. A small satellite, meticulously crafted and engraved, orbits the Earth, completing a full rotation every 60 seconds to mark the passage of seconds. The Moon, with its surface detailed with laser-engraved craters, indicates the minutes. Mars, displayed on a transparent plate, slowly orbits the dial to display the hours. These "hands" are constantly in motion, creating a dynamic and visually engaging display against the backdrop of a blue aventurine dial that represents the starry expanse of space. This constant dance of celestial objects transforms the act of checking the time into a brief escape, a moment of reflection on the grand scale of the cosmos.
The BR-03 Astro's technical specifications are just as impressive as its aesthetics. The 41mm square case, a signature
Bell & Ross design element, is crafted from micro-blasted black ceramic. This material choice not only contributes to the watch's sleek and modern appearance but also offers excellent scratch resistance, making it very practical. The case measures 11.5mm in thickness, giving it a substantial presence on the wrist without feeling overly bulky. With a water resistance of 100 meters, this watch can be worn daily. The screw-down crown ensures a secure seal, protecting the inner workings from the elements.
Courtesy of Bell & Ross
Inside the BR-03 Astro beats the calibre BR-CAL.327, an automatic mechanical movement based on the Sellita SW300-1. This movement is known for its reliability and has been updated to offer an extended 54-hour power reserve. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement ensures smooth and accurate timekeeping. The watch's functions are straightforward: hours, minutes, and seconds, displayed in the unique celestial manner described earlier. The movement has a hacking function, which is convenient.
The "From the cockpit to the wrist" mantra of Bell and Ross has always been in their heritage. The brand has consistently pushed boundaries in design and functionality, often drawing direct inspiration from the world of aviation. Partnering with organizations like La Patrouille de France, the precision aerobatic demonstration unit of the French Air Force, further solidifies this connection. Bell & Ross watches are built to withstand the demands of extreme environments, making them a favorite among pilots and other professionals who require reliable and precise timekeeping instruments. But with the introduction of watches like the BR-03 Astro, Bell & Ross is demonstrating that its vision extends beyond the earthly realm, embracing a broader narrative of exploration and wonder.
The BR-03 Astro comes with two strap options: a black rubber strap and a black synthetic fabric strap. Both straps are designed to complement the watch's overall aesthetic and provide a comfortable and secure fit. The straps are attached to the case with a pin buckle made of steel with a matte black PVD micro-blasted finish, matching the case material.
Courtesy of Bell & Ross
The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the BR-03 Astro's design. The anti-reflective sapphire crystal not only provides a clear view of the dial but also features the hollowed-out sphere on the inside, creating the three-dimensional effect of the Earth. The solid ceramic case back, while concealing the movement, maintains the watch's overall sleek and minimalist design.
The BR-03 Astro is not merely a functional timepiece; it is a conversation starter, a wearable piece of art that sparks curiosity and invites contemplation. It's a watch that appeals not only to horology enthusiasts but also to those who appreciate astronomy, space exploration, and the beauty of our planet. The combination of its unique design, technical sophistication, and playful approach to timekeeping makes it a standout piece in the Bell & Ross collection and the wider watch market.
The blue aventurine dial is an intricate detail in itself. It represents the night sky and adds another layer of cosmic beauty to the watch. It is not easy to get a perfect representation of the night sky, but Bell & Ross really succeeded with the dial on this timepiece.
Courtesy of Bell & Ross
One can really appreciate the laser-engraved moon on this watch as well. Bell & Ross spared no expense to make sure the craters were represented in detail. Having this level of detail is a small feature that makes this watch more enjoyable and helps create a strong connection between the owner and timepiece.
The small satellite that is representative of the seconds hand is also very intricate. It circles around the Earth, making it clear how the second's hand operates. It is very unique and unlike other watches that simply use a traditional center seconds hand. The planet Mars is on a transparent plate that acts as the hour hand. This detail is very well done and creative. It seems that a lot of thought went into how to best represent the hour using a planet on the dial.
The BR-CAL.327 automatic movement is a robust and reliable choice for this watch. The 54-hour power reserve is ample for everyday use, and the 28,800 vibrations per hour ensure a smooth sweep of the seconds "hand." The movement is well-regarded for its accuracy and durability.
Courtesy of Bell & Ross
The BR-03 Astro’s 100 meters of water resistance is a practical feature that adds to the watch's versatility. It's not a dive watch, but it can certainly handle splashes, rain, and even a brief swim without any issues. This makes it a suitable choice for everyday wear, regardless of the weather.
The BR-03 Astro, reference BR03A-EMM-CE/SRB, is a limited edition of 999 pieces. The watch is priced at EUR 4,990. Given the unique design, the technical features, and the limited production run, the price point reflects the watch's exclusivity and craftsmanship. It is available through authorized Bell & Ross retailers and boutiques.
Case: 41mm x 41mm square, 11.5mm thick. Black micro-blasted ceramic. Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, hollowed sphere on the inside. Solid ceramic back. Screw-down crown. 100m water-resistant.
Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.327 (base Sellita SW300-1, new version with longer power reserve). Automatic. 28,800 vibrations/hour. 54-hour power reserve. Hours, minutes, seconds (hacking).
Dial: Blue aventurine plate representing space. Hour by a representation of Mars drawn on a transparent plate. Minutes by laser-engraved metal Moon. Seconds by the satellite. Earth in the center, recessed into the sapphire.
Strap: Black rubber and black synthetic fabric included. Pin buckle in steel with matte black PVD micro-blasted finish.
Price: EUR 4,990
Reference Number: BR03A-EMM-CE/SRB
Notes: Limited Edition of 999 pieces. Unique celestial display of time. Inspired by the Cupola observation dome of the ISS.