Bell & Ross has a knack for implementing interesting conceptual themes into their instrument style square cases. This week they push that skill to the limit with a new BR-03 Astro, which does away with any traditional elements on the dial in favor of a view from earth’s orbit, with a large depiction of the earth at the center. The time is tracked by satellites, both natural and artificial, with mars coming to view to track the hours, while the moon provides the minutes, and in between we find a small satellite completing its orbit in 60 seconds. The view is an imaginative one that was inspired by the porthole viewing window of the ISS, and blurs the line between art and mechanics.
This is a brand that’s gone through plenty of highs and lows in trying to establish their footing in recent years, and I’d say they’ve found some momentum in creating watches like this that break from expectations. From the radar themes that they’ve played with, to the excellent Multimeter, Bell & Ross have found fertile ground to express just what an instrument can be in the context of their famous square frame. That said, I’m not exactly sure who these watches are for. The brand identity feels a bit too malleable for these types of watches to have the kind of pull they should enjoy.
Their latest efforts seen in this BR-03 Astro, while compelling, feel somewhat disjointed from the more literal instrument inspiration. This is a watch that expands their purview into new territory, and to have the impact it needs to have, I suspect that they’ll need to show some consistency, so time will tell on that front.
The Astro is a watch that sets a scene from space within the confines of a black ceramic case that measures 41mm wide (and tall) and 11.5mm thick. The square shape is tricky to pull off on the wrist, but the time only variations make it more accessible than the larger chronographs we’ve seen. The use of a Sellita SW-300 base movement helps to keep things tidy in that regard, and also keeps the price in check, especially considering the ceramic case.
A starry backdrop hosts the large terrestrial depiction with the orbiting elements tracking the time, and the net effect is quite captivating. The view will obviously change throughout the day, keeping it interesting in a more dynamic manner than we’re used to seeing. The blue of the earth is contrasted with the deep orange depiction of mars while the moon remains ever present behind the curvature of the earth.
Bell & Ross will produce 999 examples of the BR-03 Astro, with availability on your choice of a rubber strap, or a nylon velcro unit. Pricing is set at $4,800. Bell & Ross
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