SpotlightInstrument Re-Interpretation: The New BR 03 White Steel & Gold by Bell & Ross
An instrument watch, the canonical circle-in-a-square design, accentuated with a combination of rose gold accents, and an opaline dial, makes this a vision in sporty sophistication
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Bearing the signature ‘circle within a square’ design, the new BR 03 White Steel and Gold retains Bell & Ross’s iconic design and charm with the warm tones of its 18-karat rose gold case. A harmonious play of contrasts and textures, the latest model has all the strappings of a modern timepiece meant for a stylish, urban individual—a classic material combination of stainless steel and 18-karat rose gold, a slightly smaller 41mm case and a brown leather strap.
Iconic Design and Movement of BR 03 White Steel and Gold
Launched in 2006, the BR 03 has been a flagship of the Bell & Ross brand. Inspired by an aircraft’s cockpit, its distinctive design exemplifies the Maison’s foundational principle of functionality through its signature ’rounded square with four screws’. Bell & Ross chose to immerse themselves in the aeronautical world, striving to meet the needs of professionals with tool watches that prioritise precision, readability, and functionality. The latest timepiece meets the specifications of the air forces and its distinctive square case is inspired by onboard instrumentation seen in cockpits.
From the cockpit to the wrist, the brand have redesigned and reproportioned the BR 03 case in 2024, with an upgraded movement offering an increased power reserve of 54 hours that makes it a powerful modern timepiece to add to your watch wardrobe. The fundamental geometric shapes that define Bell & Ross’s identity are showcased in the 41mm case with its iconic ‘circle within a square, held by four screws’. This latest version of the BR 03 embraces sophisticated aesthetic codes, retaining its intricate sandwich construction while introducing an added dimension through a unique combination of materials. It is powered by the latest-generation calibre BR-CAL.302-1 self-winding mechanical movement that runs at a rate of 28,800vph.
The Opulent Opaline Dial of BR 03 White Steel and Gold
The dial makes a lasting impression and, as the face of the watch, the BR 03 White Steel and Gold exudes a luxurious feel. With a bright and airy opaline dial, it appears simple but reflects the intricate craftsmanship required to achieve its milky white effect. The unique texturing of the dial achieved after years of cutting-edge expertise allows the light to play on the silvery appearance and to produce slightly iridescent reflections. Like the perfect canvas of a painting, the lustrous opaline white dial immediately underlines the neo-classical refinement of the timepiece and serves as the perfect backdrop for showcasing the precision of the essential markings: hours, minutes, seconds and date.
The Optimal Readability of BR 03 White Steel and Gold
BR 03 seamlessly blends its refined urban aesthetic with its inherent instrument watch character. Legibility is essential for any instrument watch, particularly one inspired by cockpit instruments. In the latest BR 03 White Steel and Gold, the applied indices and large Arabic numerals, gilded to match the bezel, continue the rose gold theme. To ensure visibility in low-light conditions, these elements are filled with beige Super-LumiNova. The hour and minute hands, crafted from 18-karat rose gold, are skeletonized and treated with beige SLN for enhanced legibility. A small round aperture at 4:30 discreetly displays the date with a matching white background. Protected by antireflective sapphire crystal, the combination of the lustrous white opaline dial and golden appliques creates a refined, urbanite watch. Simple yet sophisticated, armed with hours, minutes, seconds and date, and a brown leather strap, top-stitched in white and an opaline dial, the BR 03 White Steel and Gold is a powerful addition to the avant-garde watch collection of the Parisian brand.
