February 19th 2025
From Cockpits to Cosmos
Bell & Ross, renowned for aviation-inspired tool watches, has ventured into celestial territory with its 2025 limited-edition BR-03 Astro. This bold departure swaps utilitarian dials for a whimsical, space-themed “mystery display” housed in the brand’s signature 41mm matte black ceramic square case.
A Case Built for Adventure
The BR-03’s rugged design, water-resistant to 100 meters, remains intact. However, the Astro trades aviation instruments for a miniature cosmos. The case, slightly thicker at 11.5mm, accommodates a 3D aventurine glass dial mimicking a starry sky. At its heart? A central Earth motif printed beneath a domed sapphire crystal.
Time-Telling, Planetary Style
Forget traditional hands. The Astro uses orbiting celestial bodies: Mars (hours), a laser-engraved moon (minutes), and a satellite (seconds). Mars spins on a transparent disc, the moon completes an hourly orbit, and the satellite whizzes around Earth every 60 seconds. While astronomically inaccurate, the playful display offers a mesmerizing way to track time.
Under the Hood
Powering the Astro is Bell & Ross’s Caliber BR-CAL.327 automatic movement (based on Sellita SW300), offering 54 hours of power. Unlike standard BR-03 models, this time-only engine eliminates the date window, keeping focus on the cosmic ballet.
Strap Options for Earthlings
The watch ships with two straps: a black rubber band with a PVD-coated buckle and a sporty black fabric Velcro strap, ensuring versatility for both casual and adventurous wear.
Limited Edition Luxury
Priced at $4,800—only marginally above core BR-03 models—the Astro is a steal for its artistry. Limited to 999 pieces, it’s a statement piece blending Bell & Ross’s tool-watch DNA with avant-garde design. For collectors craving something beyond the ordinary, this celestial iteration proves that even utilitarian brands can dream in galaxies.