SpotlightTaking Flight-Inspired Time To The Next Step: The BR 03 Gyrocompass From Bell & Ross
Since the advent of the BR 03 collection in 2006, the Parisian brand has made the collection their ‘ground control’ for their aviation-inspired pieces. The latest reference in the BR 03 collection, the Gyrocompass, is the first instrument-inspired model in the collection after its update in 2023
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Bell & Ross’s mantra, ‘From the cockpit to the wrist’, continues to inspire their trajectory. The BR 03 collection, in particular, has received some incredible timepieces that have taken direct inspiration from cockpit instruments, like the ‘Red Radar’. No prizes for guessing what that one was inspired by. The BR 03 Gyrocompass follows suit, taking inspiration from what is known to professionals as a ‘course indicator’—a vital tool that allows pilots to grasp at a glance their direction of travel. Read on to learn more about the direction of travel for the new Gyrocompass.
Bell & Ross’s Modus Operandi: The BR 03 Before The Gyrocompass
A timepiece inspired by the head-up display of a cockpit, or another by an altimeter, or a compass, even. These are all timepieces that belong in the BR 03 family, and it’s clear to see that the brand are a bit obsessed with aeronautics.
Of late, they’ve actively been populating the BR 03 collection, and in 2023, the collection was updated with a slightly smaller case of 41mm instead of the previous 42mm. We now see a new design with slimmer lugs and a more powerful movement, but the essence of Bell & Ross’s aeronautic pursuits remains the same.
The Gyrocompass is the first timepiece in the collection to implement these changes, and it’s a delight to see that the brand have stuck to the fun—yet daring—designs that distinguish them. Taking inspiration from a course indicator this time around, the big yellow fighter jet silhouette in the dial is actually the hour hand for the watch. In a sense, it’s indicating the course of time’s arrow: forward.
A Watch That Keeps You On Course: The BR 03 Gyrocompass
Presented on a familiar square case of Bell & Ross but in a 41mm size, the watch stands at a thickness of just 10.6mm. Limited to 999 pieces worldwide, this watch is presented in a very attractive black ceramic case, and a black rubber strap perfectly complements the aesthetics of the watch.
The star of the show, of course, is the silhouette of the fighter jet on the dial, courageously coloured in a yellow SNL. Acting as the hour hand, it takes up most of the dial, while the minute and second hands are muted in matt black, with only the white, luminous tips visible.
The elevated flange that surrounds the dial features four navigation markers and a minute ring. ‘By externalising the numerical inscriptions on the flange, checking the time becomes a seamless experience,’ according to the brand.
The cardinal points and their triangular indices on the dial are coated with Super-LumiNova with a green emission colour, while the time indications are highlighted by an immediately recognisable blue emission. Meanwhile, the aircraft silhouette still stands out in a unique yellow tint with green emissions.
The final detail is the discreet date window neatly tucked away between four and five. Powering all this is the BR-CAL.302 self-winding calibre, which beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and offers a power reserve of 54 hours.
‘Original and fun, the BR 03 is aimed at design and aviation enthusiasts,’ the brand stated when the watch was unveiled. This watch further solidifies their commitment to aeronautical timepieces. It continues to remain obvious world of inspiration for them—consistent but with enough variety to keep things interesting.
