Bell & Ross expands its family of diving pieces with a bronze model that looks as handsome on land as it does at sea
Bell & Ross’s timepieces are synonymous with aviation, but their robust nature holds up just as well to the challenges of the water. Its first diving watch, the Hydromax, released in 1997, survived a plunge to an incredible 11,100m, laying the foundation for its collections to come. The Diver was a natural progression in 2017, offering the distinctive square silhouette of the watchmaker’s pilots’ models while incorporating all the necessary provisions for tough underwater pursuits.
With the new BR 03-92 Diver Brown Bronze, it has added to this family with a sophisticated new design in a material familiar to the maritime world. Bronze has long been used on ships, on everything from the portholes and propellers to the on-board compasses. Here it has been chosen not only for this rich heritage, but also because the material develops a patina with time and wear, making each of the limited-edition run of 999 watches unique to its wearer. The particular alloy used is CuSn8, composed of 92% copper and 8% tin, giving it a glowing rose hue that pairs handsomely with the brown dial and bezel for a vintage-inspired look.
Just as much attention has been given to the technicalities behind the watch. Complying with ISO 6425, the international standard for diving watches, it’s hardy enough to withstand blows and thermal shocks, and, of course, offers a considerable water resistance of 300m. The BR-CAL 302 self-winding calibre brings precision and reliability, protected by the screw-down crown complete with rubber insert for a better seal. In a whimsical finishing touch, the back of the watch is stamped with a depiction of a diver’s helmet. Meanwhile, the watch comes with two straps: a black braided rubber strap built for underwater use, as well as a retro-styled brown leather option.
