SpotlightTime, Docked In Space: The Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro Watch Tells Time Differently

The ‘Space Age’ we live in truly is an exciting time in the earth’s history. Even today, space exploration continues to inspire scientific research, aeronautical engineering, technology, travel, design, infrastructure, architecture, fashion, art… you name it. The horological world is no exception and the Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro timepiece is a good example. Against stunning aventurine glass is a three dimensional view of the Earth as seen from the International Space Station. Details include the shades of blue that define our planet, and an extensive cloud cover. Scaled to size and displayed in its shaded, crater-filled glory is the moon, along with a small red orb that represents our nearest neighbour, and an artificial satellite. These elements aren’t just cosmic cosmetic additions to the dial—they actually tell the time.

Instrument, Art, Horological Marvel: Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro

Crafted from black ceramic, the 41mm square case is 11.5mm thick. In itself, this is quite impressive, considering all the dial’s layers. The micro-blasted ceramic features a matt finish, mirrored in the round bezel and four screws on the corners of the timepiece. With its knurled, screwed-down crown and closed caseback, the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100m. Inside is the self-winding BR-CAL.327 calibre, last seen in the brand’s BR-03 Horizon watch. The robust movement offers enhanced accuracy and an impressive power reserve of 54 hours.

Crafted from black ceramic, the 41mm square case of the Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro watch is 11.5mm thick. In itself, this is quite impressive, considering all the dial’s layers

Dedicated To Cosmic Beauty: Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro

Interestingly, there are no markings at all on the dial. This means there are no hour markers, brand name, nothing. Not even timekeeping hands. Time is read through an orbital system that includes the moon, Mars and a small satellite. The aventurine glass dial of the Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro watch evokes the starry sky and perfectly frames the imposing and oversized three-dimensional Earth. Partially obscured by the blue planet is a shimmering moon, its craters and mountains reflecting light and playing with shadows. This moon serves as the minute indicator. Hours are read through the position of the red planet, Mars, which is also displayed in stunning detail. A small satellite circles the central earth once in a minute, indicating the seconds.

The Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro in a nutshell

• Case: 41mm, square, ceramic
• Water resistance: 100m
• Glass: Sapphire crystal
• Caseback: Closed
• Dial: Aventurine glass; spherical decal of the Earth recessed into sapphire crystal; laser engraved silver moon as minutes indicator; scale image of Mars as hours hand; laser-engraved satellite as seconds hand
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
• Movement: BR-CAL.327; automatic; 54-hour power reserve
• Strap: Black rubber, additional synthetic strap in black

The moon serves as the minute indicator while hours are read through the position of Mars, and a small satellite circles the central Earth once in a minute, indicating the seconds

Bell & Ross are known for their highly technical instrument watches. And this view of the cosmos, with minimal markings and great detail, is a distinct departure for the brand. “The magic of this watch lies in its display—not as a technical interpretation of an instrument watch but, for once, in an imaginative dimension,” states Bruno Belamich, co-founder and creative director, and the ‘Bel’ of Bell & Ross. In animating time and space, the Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro offers the wearer a piece of the universe’s magic on their wrist.