BELL & ROSS
The BR 03 Aero GT
Chronograph
Both of the watches come in Bell & Ross’s iconic square
instrument shape. Each also features an intricate openworked
movement that emphasizes the technical depth of the timepiece.
A black-and-red racing strap—a first for Bell & Ross—drives the
automotive association of the BR 03 AeroGT Models home. Its
micro-perforations and black-and-red contrasting hues recall the
interiors of the world’s finest sports cars.
The first of the new watches is a chronograph measuring 42
meters from side to side, but due to its square size it wears larger
than the number would have you believe. The chronograph follows
a typical tri-comapax layout, with distinctive bright red hands
emphasizing the legibility of the chronograph indicators. This red
theme—itself synonymous with performance automobiles—is
echoed in the aforementioned racing strap as well is in the red start/
stop chronograph pusher and in the small red arrow pointing to the
date window. This arrow is necessary because, given the open dial,
three possible dates are visible at any given time. The last subtle bit
of red is tucked away beneath the winding crown.
At the top of the dial, in lieu of the traditional small seconds
display, Belamich has placed a running seconds indicator that is
wholly reminiscent of the steering wheel of his Bell & Ross AeroGT
concept car.
The time-only model receives an equally impressive degree of
inspiration from the car. The large, open barrel has been fashioned
so as to recall the sweeping rims of the car. Its fluid, curved spokes
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WRISTWATCH | 2016
imply velocity. Its central seconds hand is fashioned in cultured red,
as is the red triangle marking 12 o’clock. These cues, in particular
the triangle, recall the dashboard counters found in the GT sports car.
It’s worth noting that there couldn’t be a better time for Bell &
Ross to expand on its traditional military-aviation heritage and start
thinking about performance race cars. Just this year, Bell & Ross
inked a high-profile partnership with Formula One team Renault.
Racing fans will now see Bell & Ross’s logo emblazoned on the
chassis of the teams two cars in races around the world.