Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze
The Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze is the latest release from the Paris-based firm. Housed in a 42mm case made from CuSn8 bronze, this new creation perpetuates the brand’s reputation for making interesting divers’ watches.
Bell & Ross depuis 1992
Bell & Ross was founded in 1992 and from the outset, it focussed on making watches for professional use. Initially, its target audience included astronauts, bomb disposal experts, divers and pilots. Form followed function with practical consideration strongly influencing product design.
Bell & Ross BR 01 unveiled in 2005
In 2005, Bell & Ross unveiled the BR 01, a square watch that closely resembled the appearance of a cockpit instrument. The model proved a resounding success, but as a consequence placed some of the brand’s other references in the shade. Indeed, while many eyes focussed on the innovative aviation-themed watch, it must be remembered that Bell & Ross were making some hardcore divers’ watches.
The BR02 was water-resistant to 1000 metres and was equipped with the requisite unidirectional bezel and helium valve. However, the BR02’s subaquatic potential paled in comparison to the ingenious Hydromax 11 100 M. This latter model was repeatedly tested in a hyperbaric tank and was shown to have a resistance of 1,1000 bars, equivalent to a maximum water resistance of 11,100 metres. Moreover, the watch’s case was completely filled with a transparent fluoridated oil, augmenting underwater readability.
Bell & Ross BR 03 models unveiled in 2017
In 2017, Bell & Ross pared its divers’ watch know-how with its beloved square watch case. Consistent with other BR 03 models, the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver measured 42 mm in diameter, smaller than the aforementioned BR 01 (46 mm). The BR 03-92 Diver was housed in steel and featured a black dial and bezel. At the time, I reviewed the model and thought it was a fabulous watch, especially considering its keen price. Clearly buoyed by the public’s positive reaction, Bell & Ross unveiled further models in steel, including a blue dial option in 2018 and an orange dial variant in 2020.
The luxury brand also looked at alternative case materials, such as black ceramic, and even created a model with an extraordinary degree of nocturnal legibility, the BR 03-92 Diver Full Lum. Furthermore, the watch firm tapped into the prevailing lust for bronze watches, releasing a series of dial variants including black (2018), green (2019) and blue (2020).
Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze – carmine dial
For 2021, the Maison returns with another divers’ model, the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze. The dial and bezel are delivered in a rich shade of carmine with bold baton-style hour and minute hands, a central seconds hand and highly legible, plump indexes. A date indication completes the inventory of functions.
Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze – 42 mm bronze case
Interestingly, Bell & Ross has chosen to house the watch in a 42 mm case made from CuSn8 bronze. The composition of the alloy bestows reddish hues, albeit its appearance will change as it acquires a patina with the onset of years. Bell & Ross has tastefully blended both satin-finished and polished surfaces, bestowing a sumptuous aesthetic.
The Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze is supplied with a brown calfskin strap as well as a ‘woven black rubber’ strap. The model, powered by the self-winding calibre BR-CAL.302, is limited to 999 pieces.
Price: £3800 (RRP as of 20.3.2021)
Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze – the brand’s press release (March 2021)
Bell & Ross diving watches offer the perfect solutions when exploring an environment that is as fascinating, as dangerous. The maritime expertise of the brand is born from the convergence of the knowledge and skills of designers, master watchmakers and underwater experts. Each timepiece is designed to adapt to its specific surroundings.
Bell & Ross has developed DIVER BRONZE timepieces that are perfectly in-keeping with the marine depth. After releasing a black version in 2018, a green version in 2019, and a blue one last year, the brand is now completing its shade card with red.
Its case and bezel are made of satin-polished CuSn8 Bronze, an alloy combining 92% Copper and 8% Tin, that is deeply linked to diving history as it was used in the past for deep-sea helmets and naval construction. Adorning hints of pink, the bronze will age well. The patina will emphasize the authentic and unique character of this DIVER watch, much loved by collectors.
Anodised red for the bezel, red lacquer for the dial and a reddish-brown strap. The 3 shades work in perfect harmony and feature a high-quality finish. As on previous versions, all the metal parts of the case are made from bronze except the case-back, which is made from stainless steel, and the anodised aluminium bezel ring.
Available in a limited edition of 500, the BR 03-92 DIVER RED BRONZE sports the watch’s emblem, a deep-sea diver’s helmet that is engraved on the case-back. Precious yet resistant, the BR 03-92 DIVER RED BRONZE is full of character and designed to accompany the gentleman adventurer both on land and at sea.
The brand’s constant strive for excellence, challenge and innovation is confirmed in this elegant BR 03-92 DIVER RED BRONZE that meets all the standards for diving watches set by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, ISO 6425. Water-resistant to 300 metres, it is ready to conquer the depths of the ocean.
The matte brown leather strap and beige stitching confirm the watch’s authentic vintage spirit but can be replaced with a rubber strap for use while diving.