By placing Earth at its center, surrounded by the Moon and Mars, Bell & Ross pays homage to the blue planet and offers a fresh perspective on its watchmaking expertise.
Time in Zero Gravity
Precision-crafted, a watch can become a window into the vastness of the universe. Through this idea, the Franco-Swiss watchmaker has taken on the challenge of envisioning a planetary system within a 41mm case—scaled down to perfection! Original and unprecedented, its dial showcases the orbits of planets around Earth. An interplanetary timepiece dedicated not only to space exploration enthusiasts and astronomy buffs but also to admirers of our blue planet. With this limited edition of 999 pieces, Bell & Ross embraces a more narrative and playful approach to its new BR-03 Astro time instrument.
Earth Seen from Space: A Captivating and Technical Dial
“The Cupola, the observation dome of the International Space Station (ISS), inspired this watch, which acts as a kind of porthole opening onto the planets. I imagined Earth seen from space in symbolic alignment with the Moon and Mars. The magic of this watch lies in its display—not as a technical interpretation of an instrument watch but, for once, in an imaginative dimension,” explains Bruno Belamich, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Bell & Ross.
Conceptual in spirit, the BR-03 Astro is also highly technical in execution. For a realistic and faithful representation of Earth, maintaining Bell & Ross’s precision and legibility standards required a decal process beneath the glass. The glass of the dial is carved into a spherical cap, allowing Earth to be rendered realistically in both volume and decal. Calculating the weight and positioning of the hands—especially to support the engraved Moon—required the same meticulous approach applied to designing components of any other precision timepiece.
A journey through the solar system, the BR-03 Astro emphasizes the expressive magic of space, with Earth as the central figure in this cosmic scene.
Reimagining Time Display
In just one minute, a small satellite orbits Earth, precisely marking the passage of seconds. Each of its movements advances the Moon by one minute. And every hour, Mars shifts position. With this captive orbital system, displayed on a blue aventurine dial, the BR-03 Astro offers a reimagined way to read traditional time indicators. Its “hands” are unconventional: Mars indicates the hours, the Moon the minutes, and the small satellite functions as the seconds hand. Together, they create a constant animation on a dial designed like a natural setting in perspective. Every glance at the time becomes an escape.
Designed for Interstellar Travel
With a technical black exterior reminiscent of space’s darkness, the BR-03 Astro asserts itself as a statement of style and individuality. Measuring 41mm in diameter and 11.5mm in height, its case is entirely crafted from black ceramic. Water-resistant to 100 meters, it features an anti-reflective sapphire glass with a carved spherical cap at its center to showcase Earth in relief. Powered by the Swiss automatic mechanical movement BR.CAL-327, the watch is both robust and high-performing. Its black rubber strap, secured by a black PVD-coated steel pin buckle, reflects its professional heritage.
This rare watch, limited to 999 pieces, continues Bell & Ross’s legacy of crafting instruments inspired by aviation and exploration. With the new BR-03 Astro, Bell & Ross elevates this instrument collection to new heights.
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