Bell & Ross is back with another square instrument watch in black ceramic, but this time taking a sharp turn away from its traditional emphasis on no-nonsense, military-inspired style. Instantly different from the typical B&R offering, the BR 03-94 Multimeter prioritises colours and shapes, sacrificing the legibility in favour of style – which is not actually a bad thing.

Initial thoughts

The BR 03-94 Multimeter is ostensibly an instrument. The multi-scale dial can measure heart rate, respirations, or speed of travel for three forms of locomotion.

But that’s how it works in theory. It’s filled with an overload of colours, letters, and numbers, providing the wearer with five different scales to go with the chronograph, including three types of tachymetric scales, one each for running, biking, and driving.

Admittedly all that is more for aesthetic effect that practical usage. The dial isn’t the easiest to read, especially when driving or biking, but it certainly looks cool. It’s strikingly different from the usual military-inspired look of B&R, which can be monotonous.

Multi-scale

The various scales on the dial are highlighted in different colours – orange, bottle green, white, pale green and forest green. And each scale is accompanied by its own base and unit indicator, so the wearer can use the watch as a measuring device when the scale is read in tandem with the running chronograph seconds hand.

While the look is poles apart from the fighter jet instrument origins of the BR 03, the watch stays true to its roots with its trademark case of four screws holding a round bezel on a square case. The form was modelled on the cockpit instrument panel of a fighter jet.

Made of virtually scratch-proof, matte black ceramic, the square case gets the addition of rectangular chronograph pushers, a knurled crown. It measures 42 mm in width and 12.80 mm in height. And the watch is paired paired with a perforated black rubber strap and water resistant up to 100 m.

Key facts and price

Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Multimeter
Ref. BR0394-SW-CE/SRB

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 12.8 mm
Material: Black ceramic
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: BR-CAL.301
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Rubber and additional fabric strap with Velcro closure

Limited edition: 500 pieces 
Availability: From Bell & Ross’ online shop, boutiques, and authorised retailers
Price: US$5,800, or 8,200 Singapore dollars

For more, visit bellross.com.