Bell & Ross has transformed one of its cornerstone collections, the BR 03, into an ultra-modern, angular, black-on-black stealth machine that is reminiscent of early aughts super watches, yet not far off from the BR 03’s signature look. The BR 03 Cyber Ceramic combines the utilitarian, cockpit instrumentation look of the BR 03 collection with the Cyber collection’s graphic, futuristic codes. The result is a 3-dimensional interpretation of the signature square case, but with more and thicker angles and sharp edges, creating extra depth and a multi-level architectural construction.
Every line and edge of the case and skeletonized movement are faceted, which Bell & Ross says is a direct homage to the brand’s aeronautical roots and cockpit-instrumentation aesthetic. The faceting “evokes the powerful design of stealth aircraft, with their sharp-edge fuselages boasting the technical feature of reflecting waves,” says Bell & Ross co-founder and creative director Bruno Balamich. “This is how spy planes, drones and strategic bombers become undetectable to radars.” He adds, “The faceting on the lines is a nod to the digital arts. When a digital image freezes, it reveals the pixels of which it is made.”
The dial is openworked to display the inner workings of the time-only, automatic movement, BL-CAL.383, the special feature of which is that it is skeletonized in 3D form. It is treated in a matt black finish. The large (42mm x 43.7mm) case is made of black ceramic, a near indestructible material that is difficult to machine into these angles. The black rubber strap has been fully integrated into the case in a seamless design that eliminates the need for lugs, so despite its large size, the watch hugs the wrist. Metallic indexes and logos are printed underneath the sapphire crystal.
The new BR 03 Cyber Ceramic limited edition watch by Bell & Ross boasts a unique technical and stylistic expression that looks to the future. The idea was to transform the design of the iconic BR 03 line without distorting everything behind the strength and identity of one of the Maison’s cornerstone collections. This exclusive timepiece combines the emblematic BR 03 design with the Cyber collection’s graphic and futuristic codes. For this, Bell & Ross’ co-founder and Creative Director, Bruno Belamich, worked on redefining reality with faceted 3D designs.
The personality of a watch is expressed through the lines making up its case. The new BR 03 Cyber Ceramic’s unique quality lies in its faceting, which immediately evokes the powerful design of stealth aircraft, with their sharp-edged fuselages boasting the distinctive technical feature of reflecting waves.
In creating a watch inspired by stealth design, Bell & Ross transposes the readability of flight instruments to the wrist with a graphic edge. Pushing the concept of stealth invisibility further, Bell & Ross has chosen to openwork the dial and main components on the mechanical self-winding movement, the BR-CAL.383 calibre, with particularly spectacular 3D skeletonizing.