Prepare for Lift-Off! This Valentine’s Day, Bell & Ross has lifted the embargo on a watch that’s truly out of this world! Introducing the latest Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro. The stunning aventurine dial and unique interpretation of the hands will leave you starstruck. Without further ado, read on for our hands-on review.
New with Hands-on Review: Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro
The Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro will have a retail price of SGD 6,600. Price is inclusive of GST. Limited to 999 pieces.
Bell & Ross is a brand synonymous with tool watches inspired by aviation instruments. The new BR-03 Astro embodies their motto: “From the cockpit to the wrist.” and utilises the well known design language of the “circle within a square” design from the collection.
This Valentine’s Day, the Franco-Swiss watchmaker launched the Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro, transporting the wearer directly into the space shuttle’s cockpit. The BR-03 Astro is a tool watch inspired by the wonders of the universe, showcasing the expressive magic of space on its ceramic case and dial—allowing the wearer to literally stare into space.
YouTube video summary review
First Impression/The Case
Back to reality, where we finally got the chance to wear the watch. The 41mm case is crafted from micro-blasted black ceramic, staying true to the astro theme. Ceramic is also used in spacecraft due to its high temperature resistance, strength, and low-density properties.
When worn on the wrist, the 41mm watch fits well on Stanley’s 6.25-inch wrist thanks to the short lugs. We already knew this with our previous experiences with the BR-03 lineup, the watch’s squarish shape and 11.5mm thick case, it certainly makes a statement on any wrist.
The Dial
The pièce de résistance of the watch is certainly the dial! That’s the main factor that makes the BR-03 Astro the star of the show (no pun intended). The intricacies of creating the various components that is featured on the dial fascinates us especially in this price point.
Next, the watch hands are time indication, the small manmade satellite, laser-engraved in metal, marks the seconds, completing a full orbit around the Earth in 60 seconds. The Moon, also laser-engraved, indicates the minutes, with its craters rendered to create a lifelike appearance. Lastly, Mars represents the hour hand, etched onto a transparent plate.
Together, these elements capture the magic of space. The earth is particularly amazing, even though printed on a flat plate, it looks to pop out, and even appears so in photographs. The aventurine plate beneath the “hands” adds to the illusion of a dynamic, ever-changing (no they are not moving) cosmic scene, mimicking the vast and mysterious nature of space.
The Movement
Conventionally, the Sun’s gravitational pull influences the orbits of the Moon, Mars, and satellites in space. In the case of the BR-03 Astro, however, it is Earth’s gravity that powers the winding of the Selita SW300-based Calibre BR-CAL.327 automatic movement
When fully wound, the virtually bulletproof BR-CAL.327 allows the “Mars” on the dial to orbit the Earth 54 times.
The Strap
The limited edition BR-03 Astro includes two strap options in the box. As seen in the images, one is a standard black rubber strap paired with a steel tang buckle, which is coated in a micro-blasted matte black PVD finish.
The second strap option included with the watch is a black synthetic fabric strap, arguably the most theme-appropriate choice. Made famous by the “MoonSwatch,” it evokes the idea that astronauts wear their watches in space, secured with a black synthetic fabric strap fastened by Velcro.
Competitive Landscape
At Bell & Ross’ SGD 6,600 price point, there aren’t many choices for a watch that’s truly out of this world. Granted, one top contender would be CIGA design’s Blue Planet, but it lacks the playful Mars, Moon, and satellite hands that orbit around the Earth. The closest watch that comes to mind, with a similar sense of playfulness, comes with an astronomical (no pun intended) price tag: the Jacob & Co. Astronomia. Of course the Jacob also comes with the magnificent and very complicated movement.
Concluding Thoughts
Let’s be honest, this watch isn’t for everyone. It’s for the dreamer—the person who once dreamed of being an astronaut as a child but, as life often does, found themselves bound to a desk as a white-collar worker. It serves as a reminder to its wearer, where every glance at the time becomes an escape—a small nudge to never stop dreaming and to never stop striving for the best. Or its just a fun watch. The price is relatively modest, and why not go ahead and ease up a little. Live is too short to waste on lousy watches.
