There's something primal about navigation by the sun. In an age where we reflexively reach for our phones to find the nearest coffee shop, Bell & Ross has created a timepiece that reconnects us with an ancient method of navigation—while simultaneously tracking time across continents. The BR-03 GMT Compass isn't just referencing navigational heritage; it delivers actual compass functionality on your wrist.
This is instrument watch design at its most literal. The 42 mm stainless steel square case—Bell & Ross's signature "circle within a square" silhouette—houses not merely compass-inspired aesthetics, but a genuinely functional directional tool. The black dial features a precise degree scale graduated from 0 to 360, with the four cardinal points—North, South, East, and West—clearly marked on the flange at the 6, 12, 18, and 24-hour positions. This isn't decorative; it's operational.
Things to Know About the Watch
Here's how it works: On a sunny day, lay the watch flat and parallel to the ground. Set the red GMT hand to solar time, accounting for daylight saving time. In summer, for instance, Geneva's solar time runs two hours behind official time. Point the diamond-shaped GMT hand toward the sun, and the graduated dial reveals your directional bearing.
Legibility receives serious attention. The hour and minute hands are filled with SuperLumiNova X1, emitting a green luminescence in darkness, while the seconds hand features a combination of black and blue. But it's the GMT hand that steals the show—shaped like a traditional magnetic compass needle with red and white coloring and twin arrows, it's simultaneously functional and evocative.
The bi-directional rotating bezel displays a 24-hour scale on blue and black anodized aluminum—blue indicating daytime hours, black for nighttime. This day/night distinction proves invaluable when tracking a second time zone, instantly revealing whether your contact across the ocean is awake or asleep.
The 12.3 mm case thickness keeps the profile reasonable despite the movement complication, while 100 meters of water resistance ensures this navigator can handle rain, spray, or an impromptu swim. The sapphire crystal, featuring an anti-reflective coating, provides clear viewing from multiple angles—essential when using the compass function outdoors. The watch comes with both black rubber and ultra-resilient synthetic fabric straps, featuring a pin buckle, offering versatility for various adventures.
The Movement
The BR-CAL.303 automatic movement beats inside, offering a respectable 54-hour power reserve and driving the dual time zone complication with independent quick-set functionality for the GMT hand.
On the Wrist & Price
Limited to 500 pieces worldwide, the new Bell & Ross BR-03 GMT Compass exemplifies Bell & Ross' ‘From the cockpit to the wrist’ philosophy—translating genuine instrument panel functionality into a wearable form. It's a watch that respects both horological tradition and practical utility, reminding us that sometimes the most sophisticated technology is also the most ancient.
Sticker Price USD 5,000. For more info on Bell & Ross click here.
