Bell & Ross’ latest BR-03 adds elevated elegance to its beloved staple — a sign of the higher stratosphere the American manufacture is cruising into. 

Since its inception, Bell & Ross has been known for its unique take on military tool watches, with the utilitarian, ‘circle within a square’ design language a central feature of its various offerings. The BR-03 collection is the current manifestation of those utilitarian ideals, but the manufacture has also started to discover the line’s versatile potential.

This year’s BR-03 “White Steel & Gold” — as its name suggests — incorporates rose gold into the case materials, continuing the experimental departure from the collection’s rugged, military aesthetic. While the watch has the standard Calibre BR-CAL.302-1 movement at its ticking heart, a sense of elevated refinement is delivered in a satin-brushed and polished steel case, with an 18K rose gold bezel and matching crown.

The refined aesthetics continue dial-side, with Bell & Ross’ classic aviation-instrument indices and Arabic numerals applied in the same 18K rose gold, juxtaposed against a sophisticated white opaline dial backdrop. Altogether, the brushed and polished surfaces and opaline dial create an exquisite light play that is a far cry from the blackout, stealthy look of its more functional siblings. Together with the latte-brown leather calfskin strap that complements the warm hues of rose gold, the watch is one that clearly cruises in a more luxurious stratosphere. 

That said, although it sports a more dressy appearance, this BR-03 retains the same utilitarian essence of its forebears, with a 100m water resistance and 54-hour power reserve. It might come in a prettier package, but — in what is always a good sign — Bell & Ross clearly did not forget their high-performance roots with this BR-03.

While utilitarian functionality remains at the core of Bell & Ross’ offerings, the continued inclusion of refined variants within the BR-03 line, and development of the integrated-bracelet sports watch BR-05 line, are signs that the manufacture’s ascent higher into the horological stratosphere is more planned flight than experimental rocket launch. As long as they continue in this fashion, the sky is the limit for Bell & Ross.

Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our June/July 2024 issue.