If there's anything to remember about Bell & Ross, it's how dedicated the brand is to flight instruments. The Parisian brand is truly known for its passion for everything related to aviation and military equipment. It has repeatedly demonstrated this not only with its regular series models (such as the signature BR 01 and BR 03 collections, whose designs were inspired by vintage pilot's cockpit clocks), but also with special editions based on real flight instruments. Today, the brand reintroduces one of its most iconic models - a watch inspired by the radars used by flight controllers, with an unusually attractive display and bold color scheme. The Red Radar concept returns in 2021, with numerous improvements and updates, under the name Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic - and we had the opportunity to capture it before its launch!
Since its foundation in 1994, aviation and military themes have always been at the forefront for the Parisian brand Bell & Ross. Over the years, it has become a benchmark for instrument and pilot watches, worn by numerous squadrons and special forces worldwide. A turning point in the brand's history was the release of the BR 01 watch in 2005, the brand's most symbolic model. Its square case with 4 screws and round dial was inspired by the analog instruments of fighter jet dashboards. In this regard, the brand introduced a series of watches, the Flight Instruments collection, with displays paying tribute to altimeters, compasses, or cockpit clocks.
In 2010, the Radar collection joined this line of instruments. The first model, BR 01 Radar, was the first with an innovative display featuring rotating discs. In 2011, it was followed by an even more impressive model - the first Red Radar, whose dial was crowned with mysterious red sapphire glass.
This year, the BR 03-92 Red Radar model, now ceramic and reduced in size, became the third addition to this striking family. In 2011, the first Red Radar model was quite innovative, its display fully aligned with the brand's DNA, so much so that one might even wonder if these watches really tell time - no problem, they do! The watch graphics realistically reproduce the scanning motion of a radar beam on a screen. The bright red crystal framing the dial resembles a flight control instrument. A sequence of three concentric discs indicated the hours, minutes, and seconds. These watches remain one of the brand's most iconic models, and Bell & Ross fans will surely be delighted to see their return this year, albeit with numerous updates.
The new BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic model, as its name suggests, is housed in the smaller 03 case. This means the watch dimensions are now 42 mm by 42 mm… rather than 46 mm as in the previous model. This means that although the watch is large and looks good on the wrist, it remains quite comfortable to wear due to the short lugs. Another improvement is the case material. Previously made of stainless steel with a black coating, the new Red Radar now features a ceramic case. Ceramic is not only scratch-resistant but also lighter than steel and softer to the touch, making this new model more comfortable.
The star of the show in the new Bell & Ross Red Radar Ceramic model is the dial. If at first glance it seems familiar, the brand has updated it to give it a more realistic, playful look, which is somewhat different from the 2011 model. The display consists of two concentric discs that merge with the dial. The outer disc displays the hours, and the inner one - the minutes. They replace the traditional hour and minute hands. To tell the time, you'll need to use two small airplanes stenciled on the dial, as if flying over it. Finally, the central red hand shows the seconds, similar to the scanning bar on a real radar. The challenge in creating this display was to develop ultralight discs to maintain the power reserve.
Another cool detail completing the look of this BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic model is the red-tinted sapphire glass, with hour and minute scales applied on its inner side. Under the closed case back, engraved with cool military-style inscriptions, lies the classic automatic Calibre 302, created based on the Sellita SW300. Like most watches in the BR 03-92 collection, the new Red Radar Ceramic is water-resistant up to 100 meters. The watch is worn on a classic black rubber strap, closed with a trapezoidal clasp with black PVD coating. The set also includes an ultra-durable black fabric strap with a Velcro fastener.
Availability and Price
The Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic model (ref. BR0392-RRDR-CE/SRB) will be released in a limited edition of 999 pieces and will be available for sale in early July 2021. The retail price will be 3,900 Euros. For more information and to order, visit bellross.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – BELL & ROSS BR 03-92 RED RADAR CERAMIC
Case: 42 mm x 42 mm - square case with round dial opening, matte black ceramic - red-tinted sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, hour and minute indications on the inner side - screw-down case back - water-resistant to 100 m
Dial: black dial consists of two concentric discs (one for hours, one for minutes), small airplanes indicating time, red seconds hand floating above the discs
Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.302 (base SW300) - automatic - 25 jewels - 28,800 vibrations/hour - 42-hour power reserve - hours and minutes on discs, seconds
Strap: Black rubber strap with PVD-coated clasp. Also includes an ultra-durable black fabric strap and tool for replacement
Reference: BR0392-RRDR-CE/SRB
Availability: Limited to 999 pieces. Available for sale in early July 2021
Price: 3,900 EURO
