Hands-On: The New, Smaller, Bell & Ross BR 03
In the world of watches, small tweaks can make a significant difference. The new Bell & Ross BR 03 has undergone several subtle changes, resulting in a watch that feels less intense and more wearable. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this watch so different.
The Case
The new BR 03 features a reduction in case diameter from 42mm to 41mm, a change that may not be immediately noticeable but contributes to a more refined design. The shape of the case has also been slightly altered with rounded corners, maintaining the iconic square instrument panel shape for which Bell & Ross is known.
Lug Width
In addition to the smaller case diameter, the four lugs on the BR 03 have been slimmed down by half a millimeter. This reduction echoes the softened case lines and retains the same 24mm lug width as its predecessor. This is great news for existing Bell & Ross owners who have amassed a collection of 24mm flared-lug straps.
Movement
The movement inside the BR 03 has been updated with the BR CAL.302 automatic movement, offering an increased power reserve of 54 hours. This movement, coupled with the refined design, adds to the overall appeal of the watch.
New Variants
The BR 03 series now includes eight new watches in the 41mm size. Four of these watches have ceramic cases, while the other four feature brushed stainless steel cases. All models are three-handers with a date window at 4:30. The variant with a ceramic case, khaki green dial, and strap is particularly appealing, as the ceramic case offers lightness and scratch resistance.
Design and Wearability
The black hands and indices on the khaki dial create a striking contrast, although the brightness of the lume is not as strong as white lume. The streamlined design of the BR 03 makes it wearable with a variety of straps, with the green khaki and black rubber straps being the best choices for this particular model.
Conclusion
The new, smaller BR 03 may not be a groundbreaking update, but it offers a more refined and wearable experience while still maintaining the distinctive Bell & Ross aesthetic. The combination of small changes has resulted in a watch that is 1mm smaller but feels significantly better. If you’re a fan of Bell & Ross watches, this is definitely one to consider adding to your collection.
This article was originally published by Worn & Wound
