Bell & Ross is a tool watch company that draws much of its inspiration from aeronautical design, most notably its signature rounded-off-square case with four exposed screws.
But the French brand’s catalog expands far beyond pilot’s watches, and the BR-03 collection is underrated for its diving prowess. The aquatic collection really came into its own with a 2024 overhaul, and for the first time since then, it is available with a bronze case.
For me, bronze watch cases are hit-or-miss. Some make a nice existing watch look old-fashioned, while others elevate the appearance with the alloy’s golden luster. Simply put, sometimes bronze makes sense for a case design, and sometimes it doesn’t.
As for the BR-03 Diver, building the 42mm case and bezel frame out of bronze is a striking upgrade, and it is primarily thanks to the complementary glossy black of the lacquered dial and ceramic bezel ring.
Admittedly, I have a soft spot for black-and-gilt watches, especially when it comes to divers. So the rich bronze, finished with a combination of satin brushing and polished chamfered edges, and perfectly balanced by the slick black dial and bezel, is right up my alley.
