Bell & Ross releases its new BR 03-93 GMT watch with a two-tone 24 hour bezel. Borrowing soft drink nomenclature, the red and black bezel or coke bezel, is a more vibrant variant to the earlier BR 03-93 GMT.
Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT
The Case and Dial
The BR 03-93 GMT measures 42 mm in an instrument panel inspired square shaped case. The stainless steel case uses a closed caseback and is equipped with 100m water resistance.
The overall design is utilitarian, with a clear focus on legibility. Large hour numerals 3, 6, 9 and 12 divide the dial and paired with sword shaped hour and minutes hands. The indices are coated in Super-LumiNova® for low light visibility.
A unique texture is added to the quarter hour markers, using brushed steel numerals. The brushed texture reduces reflective glare while providing an additional depth of texture to the dial.
At its periphery, a 5 minute white rehaut fills the inclined space in the case. This adds an additional contrasting color to the monochromatic scheme. An independently adjusted red GMT hand is the final icing on the cake, different from the previously used orange hand.
The case is mostly flat and squarish with bevelled edges and contrasting polished and brushed surfaces. A pair of hexagonal screws secure the straps at its lugs. The crystal used is sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
The bezel uses a 24 hour marking system, with a day/night indication using the two colors. The bezel is bidirectional clicking with additional grip achieved using side grooves.
The movement
The BR 03-93 GMT uses the calibre BR-CAL.303. It is an automatic movement derived from the ETA 2893-2. A standard workhorse caliber, the movement beats at 28,800 vph and has approximately 40 hours power reserve. In this version, it is also equipped with a date wheel and an independently adjustable 24 hour GMT hand.
Concluding thoughts
Possibly the most iconic Bell & Ross line, the square cased Aviation themed watch looks as good as it is useful. The watch is priced at US$4,200, a fair sum for a ETA/Sellita based movement, but still a credible product nonetheless with an iconic design. Perhaps less relevant today, the GMT feature will be useful for when international travel becomes more mainstream again.
