Bell & Ross welcomes a new addition to its BR-03 range, but instead of sticking to its roots in aviation, the brand is now looking at the stars.
Introducing the Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro. Take one look at this special dial and you will notice a wildly different dial than what you would expect from Bell & Ross. In fact, it is a dial that veers from the typical timepiece in general. But that is a good thing from this perspective.
Speaking of perspectives, the BR-03 Astro invites us to look at time-telling from a new vantage point, and that is by looking at Earth as seen from space. The first element that draws the eye would also be the biggest feature on the dial, and that is our very own blue planet.
Rendered under the sapphire glass that was carved on the underside, the image of Earth almost seems to pop right out of the case. And that alone is a feat of craftsmanship, as carving the third-hardest mineral to this level of accuracy must be a challenge in and of its own. The result speaks for itself, though, and it is only in real life that you will be able to enjoy this depth to the fullest. Photographs simply cannot do it justice.
Circling Earth are the other markers depicted as the International Space Station (ISS), the Moon, and Mars. They display the seconds, minutes, and hours respectively. While the ISS and the Moon (seconds and minutes) indicators sweep across the dial like traditional watch hands, Mars sits on top of a disc that rotates itself.
It only takes one minute to witness the ISS’ full rotation along the Earth, an indulgence that you will definitely partake in a few times per day. To add to this detail, all of these elements are set atop an aventurine dial — black with sparkles — and there is no better choice to signify the stars and cosmos beyond.
In terms of dimensions, this watch measures 41mm in diameter and 11.5mm in height. The scratch-resistant ceramic case and 100-metre water resistance rating mean that this unique timepiece can still serve as a daily driver, handling all your everyday rigours despite the unconventional method of time-telling. The rubber straps add to the comfort factor as well.
Inside, you’ll find the self-winding BR.CAL-327 movement, which provides a 54-hour power reserve and no complications — a perfect choice, seeing how any addition of complications would detract from the enjoyment of watching the dial. As Bell & Ross puts it, “Every glance at the time becomes an escape,” and we can certainly attest to that hypnotising effect.
Space nerds and watch fans alike would do well to add this piece to their collection, but they should also know that the production run of this model is limited to 999 pieces. So it would do you best to heed to this adage: Time and tide wait for no man, unless you wear a moon on your wrist, that is.