Bronze has been around a long time. We’ve been alloying copper with other metals for centuries (millennia, even). It’s not even that new when it comes to watch cases. We’ve seen bronze cases come from brands big and small. The most notable is, from my perspective, the venerable Panerai PAM 671 or the newly released 968. Bell & Ross has opted for this material in its newly announced Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Bronze Green Watch.
This isn’t the first time B&R has used this material. We’ve seen it in the previous release of the Bell & Ross BR03-92 Diver, as well as the dressier Bell & Ross BR 01-CM Instrument De Marine Limited Edition Watch. This time, however, the brand has paired bronze with a really nice olive green, imbuing it with a utilitarian, almost military, look.
Specifications
Brand: Bell & Ross
Model: BR 03-92 Diver Green Bronze Watch
Dimensions: 42mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Case Material: Satin Polished CuSn8 Bronze with a steel case back
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire with anti-reflective coatings.
Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.302 Automatic Movement (Selitta SW300 Base)
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Khaki Calfskin Leather and Black Rubber Strap with accompanying bronze pin buckle.
Price & Availability: $3,990 in a limited edition of 999 pieces
Analysis
The BR 03-92 Diver Bronze Green Watch is powered by the BL-CAL. 301 Automatic movement based off the Selitta SW300. The dial is green with gold-plated applied indices that have been filled with Super-LumiNova. The hands also are gold-plated but they have been skeletonized and lumed down the middle. The watch will ship with both a khaki calfskin strap and a rubber strap for use when diving; both straps will pair with the included bronze pin buckle.
Personally, I don’t generally like square watches from Bell & Ross. This one, on the other hand, attracts me. I think that’s largely due to the color scheme (which just screams utility/tool watch), as well as the size. 42mm in this watch should wear really nicely, and that bronze case is set to patina wonderfully over time. Lastly, the use of an SW300 based movement in a piece like this is a little bit of a bummer. I’d prefer a longer power reserve than the 38 hours offered by this caliber.
Conclusion
The Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Bronze Green Watch will offer a great alternative to someone who’s been looking at the original black-dialed version but has been waiting for something a little different to come around. Again, personally, I think the green will pair better with the bronze than a plain black dial would. That will come down to taste. The Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Green Bronze Watch will be available in a limited edition of 999 pieces and priced at $3,990. For details, head on over to bellross.com
