Bell & Ross is renowned for its diverse range of timepieces, but none are as emblematic of the brand’s unique design language as the classic square-shaped BR 03 collection. Last year, this iconic silhouette received a significant update with the introduction of a slimmer 41mm case. Building on this success, Bell & Ross has unveiled its latest release for 2024: the Bell & Ross BR 03 White Steel & Gold.
A Luxurious Two-Tone Design
The new Bell & Ross BR 03 White Steel & Gold (ref. BR03A-WH-STPG/SCA) features an opaline white dial paired with stainless steel and rose gold components, presenting a more dressy take on the brand’s most recognizable model. The opaline white finish is achieved by applying a matte silver layer onto the polished dial surface, creating a subtle texture and a milky white/silver hue that plays with the light. Large Arabic numeral markers, sword-shaped hands, and a circular date window at 4:30 adorn the dial. The hands and applied hour markers are in rose gold, with the hour and minute hands filled with Super-LumiNova inserts for readability in low-light settings.
Robust and Refined Specifications
The new BR 03 White Steel & Gold maintains the collection’s signature square-shaped stainless steel case, measuring 41mm in diameter and 9.4mm thick—slightly thinner than its stainless steel counterparts. The bezel and winding crown are crafted from solid 18k rose gold, adding a touch of luxury. As with all BR 03 models, it features a solid caseback with the collection’s signature screws at the corners, a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, and water resistance up to 100 meters.
Enhanced Automatic Movement
Powering the BR 03 White Steel & Gold is the BR-CAL.302-1 automatic movement, a slightly revised version of the BR-CAL.302 found in other BR 03 models. Based on the Sellita SW300, it runs at 28,800vph (4 Hz) and offers a 54-hour power reserve. The “-1” designation likely indicates a slight modification in hand placement to accommodate the reduced case thickness and applied hour markers.
Complementary Strap Design
The timepiece comes with a two-piece brown calfskin leather strap that flares out to meet the 24mm lugs and tapers to 22mm at the buckle. The strap features white contrast stitching and a hue best described as tan or golden brown, complementing the opaline white dial and rose gold accents. A chunky tang-style buckle, made from brushed and polished stainless steel, secures the strap and is signed with the brand’s “BR” logo.
Pricing and Availability
The Bell & Ross BR 03 White Steel & Gold is priced at $6,900 USD, nearly double the cost of the entry-level stainless steel models. This price reflects the luxurious rose gold components and the refined updates to the BR 03 series. As a dressy expression of an inherently utilitarian design, the new BR 03 White Steel & Gold stands out as a sophisticated addition to the popular lineup.