Bell & Ross delivers a masterclass in horological innovation with its latest novelties.
By The Time Place Magazine
Nowadays, few luxury watch brands blend functionality, innovation, and avant-garde design as effortlessly as Bell & Ross. This sentiment is evident in its latest releases: the BR-03 Skeleton, which redefines the art of skeletonisation, and the BR-05 36 mm, a more compact and versatile urban timepiece suited for both men and women.
For the former, Bell & Ross enhances its iconic square timepiece by introducing the BR-03 Skeleton, following two decades of innovation within the BR-03 collection. This launch is part of the “20 YEARS BOLD” campaign, a tribute to the collection’s legacy and a bold step into the future of watchmaking, highlighting the rich history of this distinguished square watch.
In essence, the BR-03 Skeleton is a statement piece. Available in three distinct versions—Black Ceramic, Grey Steel, and Lum Ceramic—each model showcases Bell & Ross’ expertise in skeletonisation. Simply put, the brand reveals the watch’s inner workings by hollowing out and intricately cutting its components, turning it into a wearable sculpture.
For instance, the BR-03 Skeleton Black Ceramic is a study in transparency and technical purity. Its 41 mm black ceramic case and smoked sapphire crystal dial create a cohesive, minimalist aesthetic, while the green Super-LumiNova-filled indexes and hands ensure optimal legibility. This model, if anything, is a nod to Bell & Ross’ aviation roots, with its stealthy, instrument-inspired design.
Moreover, the BR-03 Skeleton Grey Steel transforms the sports watch into a contemporary jewel, making it a more luxurious interpretation. Limited to 250 pieces, this model features a polished, satin-finished steel case, faceted indexes, and a rhodium-plated dial that captures and reflects light like a high-tech sculpture. It’s a watch that blurs the line between horology and art with disruptive design.
Next is the most daring of the trio, the BR-03 Skeleton Lum Ceramic. By day, it’s a sophisticated black ceramic timepiece; by night, it transforms into a luminescent spectacle. The green Super-LumiNova outlines on the skeletonised dial create a neon-like effect reminiscent of a sci-fi film. Limited to 250 pieces, this model is a bold expression of Bell & Ross’ unparalleled creativity and technical prowess.
Nonetheless, what sets the BR-03 Skeleton apart is its ability to balance form and function. Each version is designed with the wearer in mind, offering 100 metres of water resistance, interchangeable straps, and craftsmanship that exceeds industry standards. At the heart of it lies the BR-CAL.328, a newly developed automatic movement designed exclusively for Bell & Ross. With a 54-hour power reserve and a precision-engineered X-shaped bridge structure, this movement is the latest proof of the brand’s commitment to technical excellence. The X-shaped design enhances the watch’s modernist aesthetic and reinforces its technicality, making it as robust as it is beautiful.
Aside from the BR-03 Skeleton, Bell & Ross unveiled the BR-05 36 mm, a smaller version of its predecessor that embodies the brand’s commitment to precision, design, and accessibility. First introduced in 2019, the BR-05 quickly became a hallmark of Bell & Ross’s urban collection, blending sporty functionality with sleek, modern aesthetics. Known for its distinctive “circle within a square” design, inspired by aviation instruments, the BR-05 has always been a symbol of versatility.
However, with the introduction of the 36 mm case, Bell & Ross has taken this iconic design to new heights, offering a watch that fits more comfortably on a broader range of wrists while maintaining the collection’s signature style. The BR-05’s complex construction, which includes an upper section attached to the case and hermetically sealed by four distinctive screws, required a complete redesign to ensure the smaller model retained the essence of its larger siblings. The result is a new watch that feels familiar and fresh, offering a refined alternative for those who prefer a more compact timepiece.
Each version exudes its unique charm and is available in four dial variations—black, grey, ice blue, and mother-of-pearl. Appearance-wise, the sunray-finished dials, paired with bold numerals and luminescent indexes, ensure optimal legibility while adding a touch of sophistication. The interplay of satin-brushed surfaces and polished bevels on the angular case and bracelet further enhances the watch’s dynamic aesthetic, making it a perfect companion for casual and formal occasions.
Beneath its new construction, this thoughtfully reimagined watch is powered by the BR-CAL.329, a self-winding mechanical movement with a 54-hour power reserve. This reliable calibre ensures precision and performance, while the watch’s slim profile (just 8.5 mm thick) makes it exceptionally comfortable for daily wear.
Overall, Bell & Ross once again proves its ability to innovate while honouring its heritage, crafting timepieces that are as functional as they are beautiful. Whether you’re drawn to its sleek design or its versatile size, the BR-05 36 mm is a shining example of how a brand can evolve while staying true to its roots.
At the same time, as Bell & Ross celebrates two decades of the BR-03 collection, the BR-03 Skeleton trilogy is a fitting tribute to the brand’s legacy of innovation and bold design. Whether it’s the stealthy allure of Black Ceramic, the metallic brilliance of Grey Steel, or the futuristic glow of Lum Ceramic, the BR-03 Skeleton offers a statement piece for every watch connoisseur.
In both collections, Bell & Ross continues to push the boundaries of horological design, delivering a masterclass in haute horology and proving that the future of watchmaking is constantly in motion—led by a brand that never stops evolving.
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