Squares and Circles: Bell & Ross Divers

Perhaps no other brand is as strongly associated with squares as Bell & Ross. Best known for their BR cockpit-instrument inspired watches, it came as a surprise when they announced the BR03-92 (square diver) at Baselworld 2017. The fact that a ‘diver’ requires a rotating bezel tends to all but rule out square shaped watches from the water. Although B&R haven’t made a square rotating bezel, what they have done is continue the already popular aesthetic the brand is known for. That being, circles within squares. Bell & Ross have essentially taken what works on their aviation-inspired watches and applied to a diver. And the result? It’s pretty damn cool. It also ticks all the boxes of what to expect from a B&R watch, namely: legibility, functionality, precision and reliability.

Bell & Ross Hydromax

Not exactly new to the diver category. B&R cut its teeth with the development of the Hydromax, boasting an impressive depth rating of 11,000 m. Due to it’s oil filled case (transparent silicone oil called Hydroil) back in 1997. 10 years later B&R introduced the tonneau-shaped BR02. Featuring a helium escape valve, an inner-rotating bezel and a chunky (but very solid looking) steel case with a water resistance of 500 m, B&R put together what looked like (and what felt like on the wrist) a proper diving instrument.

Bell & Ross BR02-94 Marine Chronograph (Credit: A Blog To Watch)

And here we are in 2018, B&R have expanded upon the BR03-92 by introducing two new references, the blue BR 03-92 DIVER and the bronze BR 03-92 DIVER. No longer an isolated reference, the original BR03-92 is now part of a fully fledged collection. Pictures and Specs below:

BR03-92 DIVER BLUE

Up close

Legible from any angle

BR03-92 DIVER BLUE

(REF: BR0392-D-BU-ST/SRB)

Build

• Satin-polished steel case
• Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Blue dial
• Metal skeletonised Super-LumiNova®-filled hands.
• Appliqué metal indices with Super-LumiNova® inserts
• Blue rubber and ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric strap
• Satin-polished steel buckle pin
• 300 m (29 atm) water resistance
• Unidirectional rotating steel bezel with 60-minute scale and blue anodised aluminium insert.

Movement

• Calibre BR-CAL.302
• Automatic mechanical
• 38 hour power reserve
• Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Dimensions

• 42 mm diameter
• 9.8 mm height (case thickness)

Special Qualities

• Anti-shock and anti-magnetic protection

BR 03-92 DIVER BRONZE

BR 03-92 DIVER BRONZE Up Close

BR03-92 Diver Bronze Case back

BR 03-92 DIVER BRONZE

(REF: BR0392-D-BL-BR/SCA)

Build

• Satin-polished CuSn8 bronze case
• Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Black dial
• Gold-plated skeletonised Super-LumiNova®-filled hands.
• Gold-plated appliqué indices with Super-LumiNova® inserts.
• Brown calfskin and black rubber
• Bronze buckle pin
• 300 m (29 atm) water resistance
• Unidirectional rotating solid bronze bezel with 60-minute scale

Movement

• Calibre BR-CAL.302
• Automatic mechanical
• 38 hour power reserve
• Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Dimensions

• 42 mm diameter
• 9.8 mm height (case thickness)

Special Qualities