Few watch brands today are as unique and exciting as Bell & Ross. Always operating within its instantly-recognizable design language — square timepieces inspired by cockpit instruments — the French watchmaker has now come out with a trio of skeletonized BR-03 models to celebrate its 20th anniversary. However, these are more than just three distinct colorways but three different viewing experiences.
X Marks the Spot
First and foremost, the BR-03 Skeleton is powered by a new movement. Developed by Sellita specifically for Bell & Ross, the BR-CAL.328 automatic caliber removes the date from the display and retains the same 54-hour power reserve that we got from the revised BR-03 Divers last summer. Connecting to each of the four bezel screws, the movement forms an X shape with its upper bridges — all of which you can see through a skeletonized dial.
Also, all three watches are presented in the same 41mm case that we got with the watch’s revamp in 2023. This also comes with 100m of water resistance — although, case thickness will vary depending on which version you’re referring to, as you’ll see below. No matter which model you choose, you’ll get both a black rubber strap and black Velcro fabric strap.
Three Sides of the Coin
The most “straightforward” of the three watches is the BR-Skeleton Black Ceramic, which is presented in a matte black ceramic case with 10.6mm of thickness. Not as immediately identifiable as a skeleton watch thanks to the smoked sapphire crystal, this variant still gets the job done with a stealthy appearance. It’s also the only version to have actual numerals — for the 3, 6, 9, and 12 — which are filled with green-glowing Super-LumiNova.
Swapping ceramic for stainless steel, the BR-03 Skeleton Grey Steel is the thinnest option at 9.65mm. Satin-finished and polished, the case has a monochromatic look with the ruthenium-treated surfaces that are faceted, leading down to the movement below. The bathtub-style indices and hands are treated with the same green lume as the black. If the Black Ceramic is a stealthy option, the Skeleton Grey Steel nods to the aviation influences of Bell & Ross.
Lastly, the BR-03 Skeleton Lum Ceramic cashes in on the recent trend of heavy lume use. Eschewing the monochromatic look of the previous two watches, you notice the cutouts in the dial here much easier, thanks to the lumed outlines that break up the otherwise-all-black watch. At night, you can see the cutouts and the indices glowing green, while the handset glows blue. The thickest of the three at 11.25mm, the case is made of black ceramic like the first watch we mentioned.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 41mm
Case Thickness: 10.6 (Black Ceramic), 9.65mm (Grey Steel), 11.25 (Lum Ceramic)
Case Material: Black ceramic or stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Exclusive BR-CAL.328 automatic (Sellita-base)
Band: Black rubber strap and black Velcro strap
Limited Edition?: Yes, only the Grey Steel and Lum Ceramic (250 each)
Pricing & Availability
Ranging from $5,600 (Grey Steel) to $6,600 (Lum Ceramic), the BR-03 Skeleton collection is currently available from Bell & Ross. While the Black Ceramic will be part of the permanent collection, the Grey Steel and Lum Ceramic will each see a limited run of 250 pieces each.
Recap
Bell & Ross BR-03 Skeleton Collection
For its 20th anniversary, Bell & Ross debuts a trio of skeletonized BR-03 watches, each with its own viewing experience.
