BR 03-92 Diver Black & Green Bronze
In a new iteration of the iconic BR 03 diver, Bell & Ross has chosen to combine a bronze case with a brilliant green dial in the BR 03-92 Diver Black & Green Bronze.
Exploring the deep sea demands appropriate technical equipment. Fascinating as they are, underwater worlds are not our natural environment. Over the past fifteen years, it’s clear that bronze has been enjoying a veritable golden age in watchmaking. The reason behind its popularity is most likely one of aesthetics over technology. With a patina that develops over time as it oxidises, bronze gives watches extra soul, puts the wearer in touch with nature, and casts an allure that evokes the finest epics known to man.
Bell & Ross: conquering the abyss since 1997
When it comes to nautical matters, Bell & Ross has showcased its depth of expertise since 1997, when the Hydromax, the Maison's first diving watch, set a world record of being waterproof to 11,100 metres. This major technical innovation lies in the case being filled with a patented transparent fluorinated oil.
Ten years later, a second diver watch emerged with the BR 02 collection, waterproof to 1,000 metres and specifically designed for the underwater world. In technical terms, the BR 02 is equipped with a helium decompression valve and an ultra-resistant domed sapphire crystal: essential elements for saturation diving.
From 2017, with the arrival of the BR 03-92 Diver model among its family of instrument watches, Bell & Ross adopted a new aesthetic: not all divers are made round. Faithful to the Maison's DNA, the functionality of fighter plane dashboard instruments was combined with the now signature “rounded square” case.
In 2018, Bell & Ross added a remarkable new variation, cutting the 42 x 42mm square case in bronze: a quality material from the marine world. Long renowned solely for its robustness, the material is now seeing its tint and patina celebrated by watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Quintessence of Nautical Style
Sophisticated, evocative and elegant, the new BR 03-92 DIVER BLACK & GREEN BRONZE takes on a neo-retro look. The expressive watch face marks a shift straight away, with its new green dial that brings a naturalist dimension to the heart of this instrument for divers. Luminous and refined, the dial is highly readable. In conjunction with the bronze case, the reflections are harmonious with the material, whose natural colour tends at times towards red. The choice of black rubber strap or synthetic canvas with Velcro closure makes the watch completely versatile. As for the case, its complex four-part screw assembly attracts the attention of watch enthusiasts. Additionally, the solid bronze unidirectional rotating bezel, graduated to 60 minutes, and equipped with a black anodised aluminium ring and the telescopic screw-down crown.
Bronze: An Evolving Personality
The alloy used for the BR 03-92 DIVER BLACK & GREEN BRONZE is quite close to classic fittings on sailing boats. Owning a bronze watch means accepting that its appearance will change. Depending on the wearer’s wishes, the diver can be given the freedom to evolve with the sea breeze, taking on brown or green reflections, or it can even be polished to shine like gold. It's no coincidence that the iconic diver's helmet, traditionally made of bronze, is now engraved on the back of BR 03-92 Diver watches in hypoallergenic stainless steel. Ever since the beginnings of underwater explorations, equipment for the first modern divers has included bronze elements.