Bell & Ross’ handsome new GMT statement maker.
Introduced in 2019, the BR 05 collection marked Bell & Ross’ most intentional update of its trademark square cased creations. Imbued with a greater sense of dressy sophistication compared to its brethren, the BR 05 watches flaunted refined contrast finishing, rounded edges and integrate bracelets. Rocking a decidedly urbane vibe, the collection appears to celebrate the burgeoning heydays of the luxury sports watches from the 1980s, characterised by the likes of the Nautilus and Royal Oak that defined the watch category, while touting the attractive starting price of approximately RM23,00 for the steel models.
The BR 05 range may be new, but it also boasts a rather impressive line-up comprising steel, bi-metal and full gold options, as well as skeleton dial and chronograph offerings. The BR 05 GMT is a great addition to the family that with a technical complication that is utilitarian and practical, and alludes to Bell & Ross’ brand spirit as an aviation-inspired watch company.
Like the BR 03-93 GMT, the new BR 05 GMT runs on the automatic BR-CAL 303 movement with date and 42-hour power reserve that is modified from the ETA 2893-2. An industry standard, the ETA 2893-2 is the go-to third party movement for brands looking to add GMT functionality by way of a 24-hour hand to a well-established and robust calibre. On the BR 05 GMT, the adjustment of the broad arrow 24-hour GMT hand is fuss-free, the mechanism allowing you to set it independently of the hour hand. This is complemented by an inner rotating dial flange marked by a 24-hour scale and day/night segments.
Bell & Ross has kept it simple for this collection’s debut GMT model, opting for a 40mm steel case and integrated three-link bracelet (or rubber strap, depending on the model) that expresses the range’s refined and elegant machismo.
Meanwhile, the black sunburst dial with contrasting white indices and hands, and prominent GMT hand, exude business-like sobriety and, not to mention, offer excellent legibility that harking to the instrument panel-style displays of the basic BR 01 and BR 03 models. The BR 05 GMT’s handsome sophistication will look comfortable on the wrists of soon-to-be globetrotter who have no qualms about upgrading flight classes.
