Bell & Ross, the Franco-Swiss watchmaker celebrated for its aviation instrument-inspired timepieces, ventures into the celestial realm with the BR-03 Astro. This striking new model, limited to 999 pieces, takes inspiration from the larger theme of space exploration, capturing the  Earth, Moon, and Mars within its avant-garde dial.

Despite the seemingly cosmic display, the dial only indicates the hours, minutes, and seconds in a conventional manner, keeping the watch affordable. By merging sharp execution with a cosmic narrative, Bell & Ross introduces an imaginative take on its mostly functional “tool” watches.

Initial thoughts 

At the core of the BR-03 Astro sits a unique, if simplistic, reinterpretation of a “planetary” movement. Over the celestial aventurine glass base, a tiny Mars indicates the hours, a realistic-looking Moon indicates the minutes, and a satellite marks the passing seconds. All these indicators revolve around a large Earth that rests immobile at the centre of the dial. 

What is basically a three-hand watch becomes a rather immersive reinterpretation of the universe. While the motion of the planets is not accurate, the interplay of these well-reproduced celestial bodies has an undeniable appeal to it.

The BR-03 Astro is not an astronomical complication nor an accurate cosmos model but manages to appeal through its playful take on the space theme, while staying in the same price range as the more conventional BR-03 models. This is an interesting proposition for both fans of the brand and anyone interested in a space-themed watch.

Inspired by the ISS

Echoing the Cupola observation dome of the International Space Station (ISS), the dial of the BR-03 Astro acts as a porthole into the universe — a feeling accentuated by the austere, screwed square bezel inspired by a fighter jet instrument panel.

The Earth, large and central, is intricately recessed beneath the sapphire crystal, creating a three-dimensional effect. The crystal had to be shaped with a spherical cap, in order to accommodate the Earth model. 

The Moon and Mars are crafted with laser-engraved detailing to replicate their respective cratered and rough surfaces. The Moon has a bright silvered finish which complements its texture.

Modern execution and clean looks

The BR-03 Astro is powered by the BR-CAL.327, a 4 Hz automatic movement, boasting a 54-hour power reserve. While the movement is based on the Sellita SW300, Bell & Ross watchmakers put some thought into making the cosmic time-telling format reliable. 

Usually the minutes hand is longer than the hours hand, but here it is the other way around. That must be because the Moon model is quite large and its inertial load on the movement needed to be compensated for. Mars is actually printed on a translucent disk, giving the impression of it floating over the aventurine space.

While the dial is fancy, the rest of the watch is all black. Encased in micro-blasted black ceramic, the case is robust and well-sized at 41 mm by 11.5 mm. The signature screws securing the bezel are blacked as well. The entire execution seems to guide the eye towards the dynamic dial. 

Key facts and price

Bell & Ross BR 03 Astro
Ref. BR03A-EMM-CE/SRB

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 11.5 mm
Material: Black ceramic
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: BR-CAL.327
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 54 hours

Strap: Rubber with PVD black steel pin buckle

Limited edition: 999 pieces 
Availability: From Bell & Ross’ online shop, boutiques, and authorised retailers
Price: US$4,800

For more, visit bellross.com.