It’s been 14 years since Bell & Ross introduced their very first GMT instrument with the BR 03-51 GMT Titanium, featuring two complications purposed towards the long-haul traveler and their specific needs. Now the brand has furthered its dedication to both aviation and travel with the updated Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT, a sophisticated “tool watch” with a bi-directional ‘Coke’ bezel redesigned to be more modern, more functional, and more readable.
Most importantly, the addition of the rotating ‘Coke’ bezel allows the wearer to read a third-time zone, opposed to just two on a fixed bezel GMT/UTC watch.
How do they achieve this third-time zone?
Well, the GMT hand – now with better legibility thanks to its large red triangle – is able to display a second-time zone by spinning around the dial in 24 hours – nothing new for the series. Except now the emblematic square case has been completed with a highly functional, two-tone bi-directional bezel, which is equipped with a 24-hour scale graduation that can be rotated clockwise to subtract hours, and anti-clockwise to add hours.
So while it allows for the reading of a second time zone, the anodized aluminium bezel can also be worked to show a third time zone, elevating the Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT as a watch that goes above and beyond for both the aviation industry and long-haul travellers, as well as those who need to stay in perfect synchrony with overseas offices.
Essentially this borrows from the rotating, bi-directional bezel widely celebrated the BR V2-93 GMT from Bell & Ross’ Vintage collection, which can also command three time zones simultaneously.
Everything about the new Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT is highly considered and function-forward in its design. Those classic ‘coke bezel’ black and red-hot hues were specifically chosen, not just because they look incredible on the wrist, but it represents a visual split between day and night – the red section indicates daytime, the black backgrounds night time.
The 10-bar (100m), 42mm x 42mm stainless steel watch features a black sunray dial to contrast with the large white Super-LumiNova numerals and indexes, reflecting and inspired by the design of on-board flight instruments. This is, of course, nothing new for Bell & Ross, but an important connection between the brand’s high-functioning pieces and the aviation industry to which they are inextricably tied to.
Underneath the satin-finished and polished steel case of the Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT lies the renowned BR-CAL.303 automatic movement with up to 42 hours of power reserve.
The Bell & Ross BR-03-93 is delivered on a sleek black calfskin leather strap made from ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric, with a satin-finished and polished steel pin buckle.
Bell & Ross have clearly placed great emphasise on improving both functionality and legibility for the BR 03-93 GMT, pushing the watch further in meaningful ways that acknowledge the need for a man to maintain command over multiple time zones in an increasingly connected world.
The Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT will be available for a retail price of $5,500.
