Founded in 1992 by Bruno Belamich (Bell) and Carlos A. Rosillo (Ross) whilst they were still at university, Paris based Bell & Ross manufacture Swiss Made watches inspired by the history of aviation and the cockpit instruments of military aircraft.
Having supplied watches from the “Instruments” collection to the armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (French Air and Space Force), the Patrouille de France (French Acrobatic Patrol) along with various other divisions of the French military there’s no doubting that Bell & Ross make serious tool watches designed for use by professionals. And yet the adherence to four key principles of legibility, functionality, precision and reliability also makes them a great choice for those of us whose day does not involve launching into space, pushing aircraft to their limits, or diffusing bombs underwater.
In production since 2005, the Instruments Collection is based around 5 core models; the BR01, the BR03, the BR03-92 Diver, the BRS and the BR05. Ranging in size from 46-39mm, and with a variety of movements, functions, materials, styles and price, there is something for everyone, with the only possible drawback being so much choice!
At the risk of turning this into a book on Bell & Ross rather than an article, today we’re focusing on the BR03 models within the Instruments collection. At 42mm, these Swiss Made watches hit the sweet spot for most wrist sizes, are available in both ceramic and stainless steel cases, have at least 100m water resistance (300m for the diver) and provide both professionals and watch fans alike with rugged tools for keeping track of time.
To help you choose your next horological instrument, we’ve picked out 5 of our favourite BR03 models, all available now from Montredo.
Let’s check them out:
The newest member of the LUM family, the BR0392 GREY LUM achieves optimal legibility thanks to the SuperLumiNova® C3 found on the numerals, indecises and skeletonised hands.
A slightly dressier version of the iconic Bell & Ross Instrument dial layout first found in the BR01, thanks to the beautiful anthracite grey sunray dial overlaid with large decimal numerals and indices that evoke the night-time glow of runway lights. The BR 03-92 GREY LUM looks truly spectacular on both the sunniest day, and the darkest night!
Specification:
Ref: BR0392-GC3-ST/SCA
RRP: €3,400
If you’re looking for a simple yet spectacular military-styled Bell & Ross, the BR0392 NIGHTLUM is the one for you. Its matte black ceramic case is perfectly complimented by a matte black dial, and lashings of bright green SuperLumiNova® C3 on the numerals, indices and hands.
Fitted with a grey-green calfskin and ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric strap, the BR 03-92 NIGHTLUM looks great whether you wear it with a flight suit or something a little more casual.
Specification:
Ref: BR0392-BL3-CE/SCA
RRP: €3,800
Exploring the crossover between horology and motorsport, the Bell & Ross B3 03-94 R.S.20 takes inspiration from Renault’s 2020 F1® car and spectacular R.S.2027 concept car to create a futuristic chronograph for the driver of today.
Limited to just 999 pieces, this 42mm matt black ceramic twin register chronograph is equipped with an anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal, and fitted to a comfortable and sporty perforated black leather and synthetic fabric strap. Gentlemen, start your engines!
Specification:
Limited Edition of 999 pieces
Ref: BR0394-RS20/SRB
RRP: €5,990
Reimagined for 2021, the Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT Instrument has gone through a full redesign, making it more modern, more functional, and more readable.
With large white SuperLumiNova® numerals and indices laid over a brilliant black sunray dial, and the red-edged GMT hand, the BR 03-93 GMT is fantastically legible both day and night. And thanks to the addition of a bi-directional bezel (along with the quick setting GMT hand), this reimagined Bell & Ross GMT displays the time in up to three locations around the world. A vital tool for those that need to keep in touch across time zones!
Specification:
Ref: BR0393-BL-ST/SCA
RRP: €3,990
Square cases are well known for being more difficult to make truly water-resistant, so whilst the BR 03-92 Diver may share the appearance of other models in the BR 03 family, its case has been heavily modified with a thicker crystal and caseback and rugged crown guards to ensure it keeps the water where it should be – on the outside!
Compliant to the ISO 6425 standard for dive watches, this blue dialled beauty is water-resistant to 300m, equipped with an un-directional steel bezel with aluminium insert, and glows long and strong thanks to Super-LumiNova® inserts in the dial indices and skeletonised hands. Are you ready to dive in?
Specification:
Ref: BR0392-D-BU-ST/SRB
RRP: €3,800
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