Bell & Ross, designer of instrument clocks, appropriates the most symbolic dial of an aircraft cockpit with the new BR 03 gyrocompass. A highly impressive watch designed for lovers of the aviation world
The fighter plane silhouette in the middle of the black dial leaves no doubt: the new BR 03 limited edition gyrocompass is a homage from Bell & Ross to one of the most important worlds, aviation. This profile is faithful to the technical drawing of the dials available to a pilot at the controls of his aircraft. The clock adopts the graphic codes of what experts call the heading display. An essential element of orientation on a dashboard, as this representation on the aircraft’s sky allows the pilot to know his direction on the fly and reorient himself on a magnetic compass if necessary. By approaching the atmosphere aboard a cockpit, Bell & Ross stays on track.
The BR 03 family is a central pillar of the Bell & Ross collections. Since its launch in 2006, it has demonstrated the full extent of the watch house’s creativity with one concept: attaching indicators from an airplane’s dashboard to your wrist. The iconic BR 03 range has been reinvented in new proportions this year, offering its iconic round-in-square shape in a 41mm case. The BR 03 gyrocompass, also available in this new dimension, has a black ceramic housing that is only 10.6 mm thick and is waterproof up to 100 meters. This timepiece with a strong personality completes the iconic Flight Instruments collection launched in 2010 and reveals all its functionality by transforming the air navigation device into a watchmaking object. The sturdy and aviation-inspired black rubber strap, fastened with a black PVD-coated steel pin buckle, underlines the professional dimension of this watch, produced in a limited series of 999 pieces.
Gyrocompass BR 03 © Bell & Ross
Increased readability day and night
The new BR 03 gyrocompass was designed to offer perfect, practical readability of its displays in all circumstances, day and night. The silhouette of the fighter plane attracts attention. This is of course the time indication, which is perfectly legible due to the position of the device’s nose tip on the hour markers. A solution that Bell & Ross adopted back in 2013. By externalizing the numerical inscriptions on the flange, instant reading of the time is obvious. As a counterpoint, the large minute hand features a generous white arrow that acts like a pointer. The central second hand is fine and extremely precise and shows the seconds. Thanks to its large counterweight, it has an interesting kinetic visual effect that constantly animates the dial, like a flying airplane. The date appears discreetly but effectively in a round window between 4 and 5 o’clock. A way to be present when needed without disrupting the instantaneous reading of time in the heat of the moment.
Gyrocompass BR 03 © Bell & Ross
A tribute to mechanical excellence
In addition to the performance of the display, this watch also pays homage to the complex mechanical design of the aviation gyrocompass. For a pilot, the precision of the direction to follow is a crucial element. To help you navigate, engineers developed this visually simple but technically complex system that uses a mechanism that can convert the aircraft’s position in flight into a vertical graphical representation on the dial. To display the hours, minutes, seconds and date – the functions to which this watch instrument is assigned – the BR 03 GYROCOMPASS does not have a gyrocompass, but rather a movement with proven reliability, the automatic BR-CAL.302 self-winding caliber. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and has a power reserve of 54 hours. Perfect for professional use, both in flight and on land.
The original and fun BR 03 gyrocompass completes the collection of concept watches directly linked to instrumentation. With its original display, this BR 03 is aimed at design and aviation enthusiasts.