We all know the instruments found in aircraft cockpits inspired Bell & Ross’s iconic square case timepieces. It has drawn inspiration from aviation gauges like the airspeed indicator (ASI) and altimeter. Still, nothing has been quite as emblematic of an aircraft’s six-pack of flight instruments as the new Bell & Ross BR-03 Horizon Wristwatch.
The Bell & Ross BR-3 Horizon Wristwatch is, as the name suggests, inspired by the emblematic flight instrument, the attitude indicator that shows the aircraft’s relation to the horizon. This artificial horizon enables pilots to find their bearings in space. Here are some official words about this super cool dial:
“The artificial horizon indicator is one of the most emblematic instruments on an aircraft’s dashboard. Combining the illustration of the earth and the silhouette of the aircraft, it symbolizes the philosophy of instrument flight. This figurative representation takes the form of a sphere divided by a line. The upper part, blue, represents the sky, while the lower part, dark, symbolizes the earth. In the center, the aircraft appears schematically with its wings represented by two red lines. The outer dial graduation indicates the aircraft’s lateral tilt angle, while the center one shows the pitch. Combining the round and the square, the identity shape of the House, the BR-03 Horizon replicates the design of this highly symbolic aeronautical tool present in all cockpits.”
Unfortunately, the horizon is not floaty like the actual attitude indicators. It is not static, however. But before we get to this super cool bit of this timepiece, let’s touch on the other parts of the dial. The artificial horizon design proves intuitive, offering easy time telling—thanks to the two hands adjusted to the finely graduated inner bezel.
The large white hand indicates the minutes. Meanwhile, the large bicolored hand, black and white striped, marks the seconds. Wait. Where’s the hour? Well, that my friends, is the super cool feature. The hour indication is directly represented by the central disk forming the dial.
It features a large central indicator arrow that serves as the hour marker. This is so cool because at certain hours the attitude indicator will indicate it is pulling an inverted maneuver. Now, that is crazy cool! That’s not it. The blue part of the dial is luminescent which allows the time to be read clearly in the dark.
Based on the updated BR-03—specifically the black ceramic case models, the Bell & Ross BR-03 Horizon, the Bell & Ross BR-03 Horizon shared the same new 41 mm micro-blasted black ceramic case, along features like water-resistant to 100 meters (328 feet), an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and it is powered by an automatic mechanical movement BR.CAL-327 with a 54-hour power reserve. The timepiece is supplied with a black rubber strap that is interchangeable with the included orange velcro strap.
Limited to 999 pieces, the new Bell & Ross BR-03 Horizon completes the collection of concept watches directly inspired by onboard instrumentation. It is available now for US$4,500. Keep going for more awesome product images.
Images: Bell & Ross.
