Five new models have been released as part of Bell & Ross’s new DIVER watch range, combining technical and aesthetic improvements.
Bell & Ross’s second major launch of 2024, following the release of the BR 05 Black Ceramic collection at Watches & Wonders, is this latest BR 03 DIVER range. This new release also celebrates the brand’s 7th anniversary of the DIVER range, to which they have pushed the limits of functionality even further with a modernised approach.
Launched in 1997, the Hydromax from Bell & Ross set a new standard for diving timepieces. It established a world record for water tightness, achieving perfect water resistance to a depth of 11,100 meters. One of the major contributing factors in achieving this historic feat was also a major technical innovation: the case was filled with a patented, transparent, fluorinated oil.
A decade later, in 2007, Bell & Ross introduced a second diver’s watch, the BR 02. This watch was specifically designed for diving, and it came with a barrel-shaped case, a helium decompression chamber, and an ultra-resistant curved sapphire face—all essential ingredients for timepieces created for saturation diving.
Then, another decade later, in 2017, the brand introduced the first BR 03 Diver with the BR 03-92. For this first reference of the latest generation of BR diver models, the brand took the elements of an instrument panel on a fighter aircraft and translated that onto the dial of the watch. The watch’s case used the “circle in a square” design reference, giving it a bold, new, daring look. Since its inception, the BR 03 has been given a fair few updates, with one of the more notable features being the 42 x 42mm square case being sculpted in bronze, an iconic material in the world of diving.
Now, as part of the seventh birthday of the BR 03 collection, Bell & Ross has given three new features for the main model presented in steel, along with a brand new model presented in matte black ceramic and a new full lum version. In regards to these upgrades, Bell & Ross states that “The upgrades for the BR 03 Diver range are a natural, logical development for these models. Understated but far-reaching, these technical and design developments are justified and not merely tinkering with the aesthetics. On the one hand, Bell & Ross has perfected several components to improve the technical features of its Diver family: a ceramic insert for greater resistance and durability and a new evolution of the movement to increase the power reserve to 54 hours.”
BR 03 DIVER Steel
The latest BR 03 Diver in steel comes with the signature 42mm x 42mm square case in polished stainless steel. The model is now presented in three colours. Firstly, we get the standard black dial with a black bezel, then a white dial with a black bezel, and to break up the monotone look, a more colourful option with a blue dial and blue bezel. Each timepiece comes with a unidirectional swing bezel.
Another upgrade for this latest BR 03 collection is the improvement in design for the hands and indices, which have been recreated for greater readability. All three models are also presented in an ultra-resistant rubber strap or synthetic canvas, which has been recreated for better comfort. The rubber straps also colour-match the bezel, adding to the aesthetic appearance of the timepiece.
BR 03 DIVER Black Matte Ceramic
The BR 03 DIVER Black Matte Ceramic offers a subtle yet aesthetically pleasing option for those who don’t want the traditional black, white or blue colours. Not only that, but the design of the timepiece evokes the clean lines of stealth vessels, making this the stealth option in this latest BR 03 collection. Besides the matte ceramic finish, the watch retains all the same characteristics as per the new BR 03 DIVER Steel model, including the redesigned indices, hands and rubber strap.
BR 03 DIVER Full Lum Ceramic
My favourite model in this latest BR 03 collection is this new full lum Ceramic. It retains the black ceramic case and bezel from BR 03 DIVER Black Matte Ceramic; however, this time, it adds a stunning pale blue colour to the dial. The choice of this colour wasn’t just for aesthetic purposes. The pale blue is actually Super-LumiNova, which means that in low-light conditions (for example, when you are deep-diving), the whole dial will emit a bright blue light. To differentiate between the dial’s lum and the lum on the hour indices and hands, Bell & Ross has given the latter elements a white Super-LumiNova coating.
Calibre BR-CAL.302-1 Movement
The Calibre BR-CAL.302-1 was a movement that was seen on Bell & Ross’s classic BR 03 model and has now transferred onto the brand’s Diver collection. The movement has been based on Sellita’s SW300-1, with Bell & Ross’s own take on it. It’s almost important to note that this is the second generation of this movement, with the first, BR-CAL.302, only coming with 38 hours of power reserve. This movement has been upgraded to a power reserve of 54 hours whilst still operating at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH).
Final Thoughts
The new BR 03 DIVER collection adds new aesthetic changes to the brand’s heritage diver range and upgrades the movement. The core signature design of the Diver collection, however, remains unchanged, with the brand raising the readability of the dial with enhanced hour indices and hands.
I personally love the pale blue look of the full-length model. The timepiece has a beautiful aesthetic contrast between the blue and the matte black ceramic finish of the case and bezel. Everything about these dials screams readability, with the bezel markings, hour indices, and hands all being a crisp, clear design whilst also being visually appealing. Another design feature I like is the subtle appearance of the date window. Bell & Ross have made the date window as small as possible while also colour-matching it to the dial. However, its appearance next to the dial’s “Automatic Water Resistance” inscription is what makes it blend into the dial and is not immediately noticeable, allowing the dial to retain its balanced design.
The new Bell & Ross BR 03 DIVER collection is available for purchase through the brand’s boutiques, authorised retailers or online at bellross.com.au
Reference: BR03A-D-BL-ST/SRB (Black dial), BR03A-D-WH-ST/SRB (White Dial), BR03A-D-BLU-ST/SRB (Blue Dial)
Specifications
- Case Size: 42mm x 42mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Dial: Black, white or blue sunray finished dials with black or blue bezel colours.
- Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.302-1
- Power Reserve: Approx. 54 hours
- Water Resistance: 300m
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Strap/Bracelet: Woven blue rubber and ultra-resistant synthetic black fabric.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $6,700 (All three references)
Availability: Available through Bell & Ross boutiques, authorised retailers and online at bellross.com.au
Reference: BR03A-D-BL-CE/SRB (Black Matte Ceramic)
Specifications
- Case Size: 42mm x 42mm
- Case Material: Black ceramic case and bezel
- Dial: Matte black finish
- Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.302-1
- Power Reserve: Approx. 54 hours
- Water Resistance: 300m
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Strap/Bracelet: Woven black rubber and ultra-resistant synthetic black fabric.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $7,600
Availability: Available through Bell & Ross boutiques, authorised retailers and online at bellross.com.au
Reference: BR03A-D-LM-CE/SRB (Full Lum Ceramic)
Specifications
- Case Size: 42mm x 42mm
- Case Material: Black ceramic case and bezel
- Dial: Coated in pale blue Super-LumiNova® (blue glow).
- Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.302-1
- Power Reserve: Approx. 54 hours
- Water Resistance: 300m
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Strap/Bracelet: Woven black rubber and ultra-resistant synthetic black fabric.
