Bell & Ross, creator of instrument watches, adapts the most iconic dial of an aircraft cockpit with the new BR 03 Gyrocompass. A highly evocative timepiece for aeronautics enthusiasts.
The silhouette of the fighter jet in the center of the black dial leaves no room for doubt. With the new limited edition BR 03 Gyrocompass, Bell & Ross pays homage to one of its favorite worlds: aeronautics. The appearance of the watch is faithful to the technical design of the pilot's dial at the controls of an airplane, using the graphic codes of what professionals call the heading indicator. This guidance element on the dashboard is essential: at a glance, the representation of an airplane in the sky indicates to the pilot his direction of travel, allowing him to realign the position with a magnetic compass if necessary. By approaching the feeling on board a cockpit, Bell & Ross stays on course.
The BR 03 family is a central pillar of the Bell & Ross collections. Since its launch in 2006, the concept has illustrated the watchmaker's ability to reinterpret the indicators of an aircraft dashboard on the wrist. Reinvented this year in new proportions, the emblematic rounded square shape of the BR 03 range is now offered in a 41 mm case. Also available in this new size, the BR 03 Gyrocompass has a black ceramic case that is only 10,6 mm thick and water-resistant to 100 meters. Complementing the iconic Flight Instruments collection launched in 2010, the watch's strong personality demonstrates its full functionality, elegantly transposing an aeronautical navigation tool into a watch design. With a robust finish inspired by aeronautical equipment, the black rubber strap fastens with a steel pin buckle with black PVD coating, emphasizing the professional dimension of the watch in a limited series of 999 pieces.
Better readability day and night
The new screen BR 03 Gyrocompass was designed to offer perfect practical readability in all circumstances, day and night. The silhouette of the fighter jet attracts attention. The tip of the plane's nose aligns with the indexes so that the wearer can read the time precisely. This is a solution first explored by Bell & Ross in 2013. By externalizing the digital inscriptions on the flange, reading the time becomes child's play. Alongside the hour hand, the large minute hand benefits from a generous white arrow evoking a pointer. Slim and ultra-precise, the central seconds hand creates an interesting kinetic visual effect thanks to its large counterweight that constantly animates the dial, like an airplane in flight. Discreet but effective, the date is displayed in a round window placed between 4 and 5 o'clock, making it easy to find when needed, without disturbing the instant reading of the time in the heat of battle.
To ensure its functionality in the dark, the watch benefits from a sophisticated luminescent treatment: the cardinal points and their triangular indexes are coated with Super-LumiNova® with a green emission color, while the time indications are highlighted by an instantly recognizable blue emission. As for the silhouette of the aircraft, it still stands out with a unique yellow hue with green emissions.
A celebration of mechanical excellence
Beyond the power of the display, the watch pays homage to the complex mechanics of the aeronautical gyrocompass. For pilots, knowing their precise position is crucial. That's why engineers developed the Gyrocompass, a visually simple but technically complex system, with a mechanism that transfers the aircraft's position in flight into a vertical graphic representation on the dial. BR 03 Gyrocompass is not equipped with a gyrocompass, but with a watch movement of proven reliability: the automatic caliber BR-CAL.302. It beats at a frequency of 28 vph (800Hz) and has a power reserve of 4 hours. It is the ideal watch for professional use, in flight or on land.
Original and fun, the BR 03 Gyrocompass completes the collection of concept watches directly linked to instruments. With its unique display, the BR 03 is aimed at design and aviation enthusiasts.
Technical specifications
BR 03 Bell & Ross Gyrocompass
BR03A-CPS-CE/SRB – Limited edition of 999 copies
Mouvement : caliber BR-CAL.302. Self-winding mechanical. Features : hours, minutes, seconds and date. Housing : 41 mm wide. 10,60 mm thick. Matte black ceramic. Dial : black. Cardinal points and triangular indexes coated with green Super-LumiNova®. Black flange with white-coated minute track. Ice : sapphire with anti-reflective treatment. Sealing : 100 meters. Bracelet : black rubber and ultra-resistant black synthetic fabric. Loop : with pin. Steel with black PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish.
Patrick Koune
