The worlds of horology and aviation once again converge as Bell & Ross, the renowned instrument watch designer, introduces its latest masterpiece, the BR 03 Gyrocompass. This limited-edition timepiece pays homage to the iconic airplane cockpit and its gauges. It makes a bold statement with its unmistakable fighter plane silhouette at the center of the sleek black dial.
One of the standout features of the BR 03 Gyrocompass is its exceptional readability, whether in broad daylight or in the darkest of nights. The fighter plane silhouette, cleverly aligned with the indices, allows for precise time-telling. This design approach, first introduced by Bell & Ross in 2013, relocates the numerical inscriptions to the flange, resulting in a seamless and intuitive timekeeping experience.
The large minute hand, adorned with a prominent white arrow, enhances readability, while the central second hand’s elegant design creates a mesmerizing visual effect reminiscent of an aircraft in flight. The discreetly placed date window, positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock, ensures that the date is always accessible without obstructing instant timekeeping.
To ensure functionality in low-light conditions, the BR 03 Gyrocompass incorporates an advanced luminescent treatment. The cardinal points and their triangular indices are coated with Super-LumiNova® that emits a vivid green glow, while the time indicators feature a distinct blue emission. The aircraft silhouette retains its unique identity, standing out with a distinctive yellow tint and green emissions.
Beyond its striking visual appeal, the BR 03 Gyrocompass pays tribute to the intricate mechanical design of the aeronautical gyrocompass. Powered by the BR-CAL.302 self-winding caliber, beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz), the watch boasts 54 hours of power reserve. This makes it an ideal timepiece for both professional use in flight and everyday wear on land. With its unique display and unmistakable design, this watch is tailored for those who appreciate both exceptional timekeeping precision and the allure of aviation.
In this latest iteration, the iconic cushion-cornered square shape of the BR 03 range has been resized to a contemporary 41mm case. The BR 03 Gyrocompass features a black ceramic case, measuring just 10.6 mm thick, and is water resistant up to 100 meters. As part of the celebrated Flight Instruments collection, this watch seamlessly bridges the gap between aeronautical navigation tools and horology. The robust finish is reminiscent of aeronautical equipment, and the black rubber strap fastens securely with a steel pin buckle. This limited-edition timepiece is produced in a series of only 999 pieces, each retailing for $4,500.