Bell & Ross reveals a new 41mm size for the BR 03 watch

Here’s what you need to know about the latest BR 03 watches to be released by Bell & Ross. The models mark an evolution of the design for 2023 – a smaller 41mm case size, narrower lugs and a slimmer band, not to mention a new movement and an improved power reserve. For those who love the design of the BR 03 but have always felt it wears too big, it’s your lucky day.

“Function shapes form” – that has always been the ethos behind the vision shared between two university friends, Bruno Belamich (Bell) and Carlos A. Rosillo (Ross). Since 1992, the brand’s philosophy has been to produce watches with military specifications and technical advances that make them stand out from the rest. Drawing from the history of aviation, Bell & Ross has experienced great success in creating modern wristwatches with plenty of vintage flair. The models from the brand’s current catalogue are manufactured in the Swiss town of La Chaux de Fonds and at the core of the company is the iconic circle-within-a-square design, which has been capturing the spirit of the brand’s saga – aircraft cockpits – since its inception. Those models that share the circle-square DNA are the BR-X1, the BR 01, the BR 03 and the BRS.

The BR 03 collection has been a fundamental part of the brand’s evolution since 2006 when the first model was released. It joins several other innovative designs aimed at meeting the demands of professional pilots and explorers in extreme conditions. The first-class performance promised by a Bell & Ross BR 03 watch is guaranteed by values of precision, reliability, functionality, and legibility. Its design follows the specifications of the Air Force and has been equipped with a mechanical automatic movement for ultimate precision. Above all, however, the identifiable case – the legendary “circle within a square” - is accentuated by four screws that are reminiscent of cockpit clocks and it is this look that true Bell & Ross fans adore. The first to feature such a design was the BR-01 watch, launched in 2005, measuring a 46mm diameter. Following this was a smaller 42mm option. Then came the BR 03 in 2006, boasting many of the same features alongside several remarkable attributes. You can explore many of these features in our BR 03 watch collection at Jura Watches here.

The new revolutionised BR 03 watch for 2023

As mentioned, the new BR 03 watches feature a smaller 41mm diameter compared to their slightly larger counterparts measuring 42mm. They also feature a new movement with an improved power reserve. The BR-CAL.302 is fitted to the heart of the new stainless steel and black ceramic models, promising around-the-clock accuracy and a power reserve once fully wound of 58 hours. The movement is protected inside a tough case made from durable materials including an anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass front. The new BR 03 watches for 2023 have changed nothing in the way of faithful characteristics, however. Co-founder and Creative Director, Bruno Belamich understands the importance of preserving such an iconic design, explaining in more detail;

“With the new BR 03, we modified the proportions of the collection by respecting its canons. Our goal was to preserve the identity that has made the BR 03 so successful while adapting it to the new times and maintaining its allure.”

So, the shape and identity of the case changes very little, however, the new 41mm case size can certainly still pack a punch on the wrist. Whilst the black ceramic variations have a matte surface, exuding a sleek personality, the steel models are satin polished for a contemporary finish. The watches feature slimmer lugs that now measure 4.5mm as opposed to 4mm and therefore call for a smaller strap width. The 41mm BR 03 watches also promise a 100-meter water resistance, making each design perfect for wearing every day of the week. Let’s take a look at the different variations…

Military green, copper and classic dial options

As well as the more unusual copper dial colour and the military green model, there are still plenty of options to explore if your preference is something more classic. The new BR 03 41mm watches for 2023 are available in traditional black as well as a deep blue colour – a shade that has proved incredibly popular in the past. There are three black ceramic case options available in the new range, with matching black dials. These include the BR 03 Black Matte with a black rubber and synthetic fabric strap, the BR 03 Heritage with a brown calfskin and black synthetic canvas fabric strap, and the BR 03 Phantom with a black rubber and synthetic strap. These all secure to the wrist with a black PVD-coated stainless steel pin buckle. In addition to this, one other ceramic case joins the mix – this time with a khaki dial and ceramic, fitted on a khaki rubber and black synthetic fabric strap and with the same buckle.

Without a doubt, the stainless steel options donate a more conventional look to elegant attire and have been executed with a satin polished finish. These steel models come in dial options of black for the Black Steel reference, a brown sunray dial for the Golden Heritage model, a copper sunray dial for the BR 03 Copper reference, and a deep blue sunray dial for the Blue Steel reference. These models come on respective black, rich brown, dark brown and blue calfskin and synthetic fabric straps. They also secure with a classic stainless steel pin buckle. There is an additional fourth model made from ceramic too. This one, executed in a khaki green colour, boasts a military green dial with black enlarged Arabic numeral hour markers and black central hands.

Undeniably, it is the copper and military green dial options of the new BR 03 that achieve uniqueness. The copper variant has undergone a galvanised process to achieve its rich, indulgent nuances. The military green model, however, looks ready for action. Its army green colour pairs beautifully with a khaki ceramic case to create a stealthy yet sporty presence on the wrist.

If you’d like to learn more about the new BR 03 watches for 2023, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453 or view the 41mm models here in more detail.