Introducing the Bell & Ross BR-03 Skeleton, a daring adventure in watchmaking that blends bold design with intricately crafted details. This captivating watch series from Bell & Ross showcases their mastery in the art of skeletonisation and luminescence through three distinct variations: Black Ceramic, Lum Ceramic, and Grey Steel. Each model houses a brilliantly engineered movement created specifically for Bell & Ross, turning timekeeping into an art form.
For true watch aficionados, the act of skeletonisation transcends mere design. It’s an intricate complication in its own right. This meticulous technique involves delicately hollowing out components to unveil the mesmerising mechanics within. Achieving this requires unparalleled craftsmanship, ensuring that this "stripped-down" aesthetic does not compromise the movement’s robust technical qualities. This is precisely why a skeletonised timepiece is nothing short of extraordinary.
Bell & Ross BR-03 Skeleton
With the BR-03 Skeleton, Bell & Ross ingeniously elevates one of its cornerstone designs, imbuing it with new watchmaking dimensions. "By reinventing the BR-03 with meticulous skeletonisation, we've infused a level of sophistication that transforms this everyday timepiece into a masterwork," explains Bruno Belamich, the visionary Creative Director and co-founder of Bell & Ross. The newly designed X-shaped structure that supports the movement symbolises chic elegance and avant-garde aesthetics. Each model, while deeply complementary, boasts a unique identity and narrative, demonstrating the brand's exceptional creativity and technical prowess.
The heart of these triumphant timepieces lies in a finely skeletonised movement crafted to maximise the visibility of the intricate workings while ensuring reliability. The newly minted BR-CAL.328 calibre boasts an impressive 54-hour power reserve and operates with precision as an automatic, three-hand movement without a date function. The upper bridges form a striking X, connecting to the bezel screws, enhancing the modernist flair of each BR-03 Skeleton version.
This extraordinary trio pushes boundaries beyond just aesthetics. The first iteration emphasises transparency, the second redefines the professional watch as a bold statement piece, and the third is a celebration of luminescence. By exploring these diverse creative pathways, Bell & Ross showcases its commitment to material mastery and innovative design.
The BR-03 Skeleton Black Ceramic captures the essence of transparency and skeletonisation. Melding the dial and movement into a strikingly cohesive ensemble, this model draws inspiration from the technical purity of aviation. The 41mm black ceramic case serves as a futuristic frame, while the smoked sapphire crystal dial unveils black “baignoire style” indices, artistically filled with luminous green Super-LumiNova (SLN). Functionality is paramount, and the ease of legibility is ensured through instrument-style hands, meticulously skeletonised and lit for optimal visibility. This bold timepiece is paired with a refined black rubber strap and a supplementary aviation-style Velcro strap for an added edge.
Introducing the Grey Steel version, Bell & Ross envisions a metamorphosis of a sports watch into an exquisite jewel. With its open-worked dial that showcases the intricate BR-CAL.328 movement, this model masterfully fuses artistry with technology. "The BR-03 Skeleton Grey Steel epitomises a high-tech jewel, a horological sculpture that captures and reflects light through polished and satin finishes," continues Belamich. With its limited run of 250 pieces, this version comes with two elegant strap options: a luxurious black rubber strap with a polished and satin-finished steel pin buckle, along with a Velcro strap for a sporty twist.
Unapologetically bold, the BR-03 Skeleton Lum Ceramic beckons with its dual identity. By day, it presents itself as a sophisticated futuristic timepiece. By night, it transforms into an extraordinary luminous spectacle. This watch embodies the essence of sci-fi allure, featuring dramatic green luminescence—one of Bell & Ross' signature elements. The open-worked black dial is amplified with glowing SLN C3 outlining, set against a translucent smoked plate that reveals the intricately tinted movement. "The neon-like effect lets us 'X-ray' the skeletonisation, creating a modern, aesthetic dimension," says Belamich, emphasising the sophisticated design not just for utility but as a decorative feature. Limited to just 250 pieces, this exclusive model is available solely at Bell & Ross boutiques and the official website, complete with interchangeable straps for versatility.
In its entirety, the BR-03 Skeleton trilogy is a bold statement about the art of watchmaking—where cutting-edge design meets meticulous engineering, offering a glimpse into the future while honouring the rich legacy of horological craftsmanship.
