Time In Zero Gravity
Crafted with precision, the BR-03 Astro becomes a window into the vastness of the universe. The Franco-Swiss watchmaker takes on the challenge of envisioning a planetary system within a 41mm case, bringing the cosmos to life on the wrist. The dial, an original and unprecedented display of planetary orbits around Earth, introduces an interplanetary narrative, captivating not only space exploration enthusiasts and astronomy lovers but also admirers of our blue planet. With a 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 emphasises the expressive magic of space, with Earth as the central figure in this cosmic scene.
Reimagining Time Display
The mission of the small satellite is simple and precise: to mark the seconds by completing a full orbit around the Earth in 60 seconds. The Moon indicates the minutes, while Mars slowly follows its orbit to display the passing hours. 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 centre 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.
Discover Bell & Ross timepieces at the Bell & Ross Boutique by Sincere Fine Watches, #B2M-203, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.