Iconic Bell & Ross BR 03 Gets Updated, Starting With A Smaller 41 mm Case

BR 01 may have started it all but the Bell & Ross BR 03 has taken over as the standard model. Now, after more than 15 years in the market (17 years, to be exact), the smaller model of the vintage aircraft instrument-inspired timepieces has been updated and deserving so (and perhaps long overdue).

Bell & Ross BR 03 41 mm Automatic Watches

The general look remains. The new BR 03 retains the same rounded square, with a circular dial and four-screw design. But it is even smaller, coming in at 41 mm versus the previous 42 mm. This results in thinner lugs too, at 4 mm versus 4.5 mm, and with a new faceting effect.

There are some subtle design changes too. There is the larger rounded corners with slightly larger radius, and a more pronounced chamfered edge on the case and the bezel. The strap also has a narrower profile and is more tapered at the buckle. Perhaps these changes are best felt when worn.

Those are not it. The hour hand is narrower too. Meanwhile, the track and the digits are more pronounced, if ever so slightly. Finally, the movement has been updated with the latest BR-CAL.302 automatic movement which uses the latest innovations of Sellita that boasts an extended power reserve of 54 hours – a 16-hour increase over the outgoing model and is based on the Swiss manufacturer’s SW300 architecture.

Rounding up the features list is the same 100-meter (328 feet) water resistance, a round date window at the 4.30 mark, a solid back, and a flat sapphire crystal.

The new BR 03 is presented in a collection of eight references, including 6 iconic designs revisited (three black ceramic case models, and three polished steel versions), and two new timepieces: a model equipped with a copper dial (BR 03 Copper) and a version in khaki-colored ceramic (BR 03 Military).

The Bell & Ross 41 mm Automatic Watches are available now for US$3,600 to US$4,300.