Bell&Ross: BR-03 Astro

Bell & Ross presents the new BR-03 Astro in a limited edition of 999 pieces, an interesting fusion of watchmaking and astronomy that places the Earth at the center, surrounded by the Moon and Mars.

Through this idea, Bell & Ross 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. 

“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.

The BR-03 Astro stands out not only for its conceptual approach but also for the technique used. The creation of this watch requires particular attention to detail, as demonstrated by the use of the decalcomania process under 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. 

BR-03 ASTRO: A NEW VIEW OF TIME

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 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. 

With a black look reminiscent of the darkness of space, the BR-03 Astro features a 41mm diameter case with a thickness of 11.5mm made 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. Inside, the BR-03 automatic caliber with 54 hours of power reserve guarantees robustness and performance in any situation. A black rubber strap, inspired by pilots’ equipment, equipped with a black PVD-treated steel pin buckle, completes the look of this limited edition. (Price €. 4,990)