In 2017, Bell & Ross did something unusual by launching its first square dive watch — the BR 03-92 Diver. Public opinion was generally mixed but I was, and still am, very fond of that watch. I thought that it managed to cleverly integrate dive-watch design elements in a way that still remained uniquely Bell & Ross. Now, if you are the kind of person who likes black stealthy stuff, you’ll be happy to learn that Bell & Ross is introducing a new matte black version of its dive watch with a full ceramic case. This is the new Bell & Ross BR 03-02 Diver Matte Black dive watch.
Specifications
Brand: Bell & Ross
Model: BR 03-02 Diver Matte Black
Dimensions: 42mm diameter
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Case Material: Ceramic
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: Caliber BR-CAL.302
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Woven black rubber
Price & Availability: $3,990
Analysis
Bell & Ross has always been smart about design and colors, and the new BR 03-02 Diver Matte Black is a perfect example of that expertise. The case and bezel are all-black ceramic, interspersed with white markings — minute markings on the bezel and Super-LumiNova for the hour indices and hands. For a pop of color, the hour hands are painted with orange Super-LumiNova, as is the depth rating at 6 o’clock. This makes the watch highly legible and also striking to look at. I personally think this is a really handsome watch.
The only thing it has going against it is its price. Granted, it has a ceramic case but divers from brands like Tudor not only costs less, they also have heritage, as well as an in-house movement. From a price and value perspective, this makes the Bell & Ross a bit of a tough sell. It is an attractive watch, but it’s more than just a pretty face, as Bell & Ross has gone the extra mile by having the watch ISO 6425-certified.
Conclusion
Bell & Ross has always been the choice for the stylish, and the new BR 03-02 Diver Matte Black is no different. Tell me, how many square dive watches can you think of? Naysayers will probably say that Bell & Ross simply tried to stuff a round watch into one of its square cases, and maybe there is some truth to that. But I do think that the brand has done it in a way that is largely coherent. And more importantly, this design retains the look that the company is famous for. This year’s version simply ups the ante by using ultra tough ceramic — a high-tech material that is loved by many — and creating an all-black look that has wide appeal. The Bell & Ross BR 03-02 Diver Matte Black is priced at $3,990. Learn more at bellross.com.
