The best part about having a good, distinct design language is that you can operate within those parameters as much as you like (within reason) and still maintain your brand identity. With one of the most recognizable brand identities in the industry, French watchmaker Bell & Ross cemented its own ethos in 2005 with the BR-01, featuring a minimalist 46mm square case with a circular dial inspired by cockpit instruments. Shortly after, the BR-03 was born, sporting a smaller look at 42mm. Then in 2017, the BR 03-92 Diver was born, sporting a rotating bezel and increased underwater capabilities with ISO 6425 compliance. Compared to dive watches from other luxury brands, the one from Bell & Ross has always been one of the more unique options. Today, that BR-03 Diver has gotten some updates. Let’s take a look…
Like previous iterations, the new BR-03 Diver keeps the 42mm x 42mm case size, 12mm thickness, and 300m of water resistance with ISO 6425 standards. Accompanied by a unidirectional diving bezel, the case comes in either stainless steel or black ceramic case options — the former of which comes in either black, blue, or white dials, while the latter has either matte black or light blue dial options. The light blue dial is fully luminescent thanks to Super-LumiNova (this style is technically not new but previous versions were only offered as limited editions).
This time around, the applied indices are a bit larger and the handset is a bit more assertive, with an arrow for the hour and a sword for the minute — both filled with Super-LumiNova in either white or green (on the white dial version only). We also get a new circular date window between the 4 and the 5. Also, the rotating bezels swap out aluminum for ceramic inserts, giving this more of a luxury feel along with upping the durability.
Affixed to the watches are either the textured black rubber strap, which has been slightly updated for better integration into the case, or the black synthetic canvas strap. However, a matching blue rubber strap has been given to the blue steel reference.
We don’t get anything too spectacular powering this watch, although the movement has been updated from a BR-CAL.302 automatic to a BR-CAL.302-1 automatic, based on the Sellita SW300-1 caliber. With the small upgrade comes an increase in power reserve, from 40 hours to 54 hours. Any way you slice it, these movements are pretty darn reliable.
Case Size: 42mm
Case Thickness: 12mm
Case Material: Stainless steel or black ceramic
Water Resistance: 300m
Movement: BR-CAL.302-1 automatic
Band: Black textured rubber strap or synthetic canvas
Limited Edition?: No
Not limited in edition size, all five BR-03 Diver models are currently available from Bell & Ross’ website, ranging from $4,400 to $5,400. Head over to the brand’s website to learn more.
Bell & Ross updates its BR-03 Diver with the same capabilities but new aesthetic choices for the dial. It comes in five colorways including a fully lumed dial option.
