Bell& Ross adds to their BR 03-94 collection a new funky looking model which they call the Multimeter. However, the Multimeter taps on the use of colour to evoke the time measurement instrument for sports competition.
Press Release information with Commentary in italics.
New: Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Multimeter
The price for the Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Multimeter is SGD 8,200 / EUR 5,600.Limited Editon of 500 pieces.
Commentary
An extension to a time tested and popular watch is always a risky proposition, and the design team at Bell & Ross has pulled it off once again. At first glance, the watch looks funky and perhaps playful given the multicolours on the dial…mildly reminiscent to the rainbows on an Apple Watch. But look deeper and the colours are useful measurements that can be applied to the BR 03-94 movement. The watch is basically similar to the other like the BR 03-94 A521 Alpine F1 Edition and BR 03-94 Patrouille de France, but clad in a black ceramic case. With the main differentiator being the dial.
The case remains the same BR 03 case, which has stood the test of time. This rounded square case has a very contemporary look and feel, especially when executed in ceramic. But the dial is where the interesting bits happen.
The movement remains the same BR-CAL.301, which is based on ETA 2894-2 with a Dubuis-Depraz chronograph module, and extensively used in Bell & Ross chronographs. 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock, central chronograph seconds for increased legibility.
We have confirmed a loaner for us to take the BR 03-94 Multimeter on its paces for a few days when it arrives in Singapore. And will report back with a detailed activity based report.
Press Release information
The BR 03-94 Multimeter is a chronograph. These sports watches are designed to measure short times. They are equipped with a large inde- pendent central hand that can be started, stopped and then reset. Chronographs also measure speed using a tachymeter scale.
Initially, these watches were used in:
- aviation. They allowed pilots to prepare their flight plan. They are also used to define the position of airborne aircraft.
- the navy to calculate the position of ships while out at sea.
- medicine. Some models are specifically developed for doctors. They allow you to take the pulse accurately.
- motorsport, in particular to determine the speed of a racing car.
The chronograph function therefore allows multiple measurements; the BR 03-94 Multimeter brings them all together on its dial. This exceptional model notably allows the measurement of speed, the number of breaths or even heartbeats. It is a type of “Swiss army knife” for athletes.
The cockpit as inspiration
The new BR 03-94 Multimeter takes up the iconic “circle within a square” shape of the emblematic cockpit clock. Created in 2005, this watch features a very graphic case, which has become a reference in terms of design. The 42 mm diameter of the BR 03-94 Multimeter makes it perfectly suitable for everyday use. The multicoloured dial of this sophisticated chronograph captivates the eye.
An information-rich dial for multiple measurements
Like all stopwatches, the BR 03-94 Multimeter is intended for measuring short times. This novelty turns out to be multi-functional, as it combines all the information indicated by a chronograph.
The BR 03-94 Multimeter represents a kind of ultimate instrument. It can be suitable for running, cycling, as well as for driving. With this novelty, Bell & Ross is targeting a very large number of athletes.
- Two additional dial counters complete the chronograph indication. The one at 9 o’clock indicates the timer minutes. The one at 3 o’clock displays the permanent seconds.
- To maintain optimal readability, the watchmaker has opted for double-weighted hands. Their counterweight makes it possible to compensate for this absence of indexes.
Naturally, the BR 03-94 Multimeter also displays the hour and minutes by central hands and the date in an aperture. Its 60-minute chrono scale is typically located on the flange of the dial.
One colour, one function
Aesthetically, the spectacular BR 03-94 Multimeter is visually attractive. This singular and graphic chronograph is extremely pleasing to the eye. Its coloured dial uses the principle of colour differentiation of the various indications displayed on the dashboards of aircraft. Its matt black ceramic case contrasts with its eye-catching dial overflowing with information. To maintain readability and functionality, Bell & Ross has chosen a specific shade for each category of information.
– The pulsometer scale is dressed in orange. It only runs on the right-hand side of the dial.
– The asthmometric scale is coated in bottle green. It also only runs on the right-hand side of the dial.
– The three tachymeter scales opt for pale green, light grey and white. They run over the entire dial.
For better readability, the date has been transferred between midday and 1 o’clock (it is usually located between 4 and 5 o’clock). In this position, it does not hide any indication.
The original BR 03-94 Multimeter is powered by the self-winding BR-CAL.301 calibre. This exceptional mechanism fits very well with this spectacular chronograph. At first glance, the operation of this watch may seem complex. In fact, it is much less complex than it seems. To fully understand it, it is imperative to refer to the small user manual, which is inserted on the left-hand side of the dial. Very easy to understand, it presents the 5 on-board scales.
It defines them according to three fundamental data: the base unit (“base”), the function (“function”) and the unit of measurement (“unit”). – The pulsometer counts the heartbeats. It is expressed in beats per minute on a 15-beat basis.
- The asthmometer monitors breaths and is expressed in expirations per minute. It is expressed on a 5-breath basis.
- The three tachometers measure speed, in km/h. Their basis of measurement is distinct for each of them and is based on three different units of measurement: 100 m, 250 m or 1 km. The first corresponds to the jogger (running), the second to the cyclist (bicycle) and the third to the pilot (sports car).
In practice, the stopwatch is started by pressing the top pushbutton.
The large hand is triggered and starts its cycle. It is stopped by pressing the top pushbutton again. The hand cuts the 5 colour scales indicating heartbeats and breaths. Speed, the main indication, is read on three scales based on different units. The classic chronograph function remains.
Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Multimeter specifications
Limited edition of 500 pieces.
Movement: BR-CAL.301. Automatic mechanical.
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 3 o’clock and date. Chronograph: 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock, central chronograph seconds. Tachymeter, pulsometer and asthmometer.
Case: 42 mm in width. 12.80 mm thick. Matt black ceramic.
Dial: black. Indicators for 3 tachymeter zones, 1 pulsometer zone and 1 asthmometer zone. Minute track painted white on the flange. Super-LumiNova®-painted hour and minute hands.
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating. Water-resistance: 100 metres.
Strap: perforated black rubber and ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric.
