The BR 03 Desert Type was designed to meet the specifications of air forces operating in warm countries, but we know that most owners……well all owners will be using it as their daily timekeeper in cool surroundings. It is sand coloured, just like the outfits worn by pilots on desert missions.
An inherently professional instrument, the BR 03 Desert Type perfectly illustrates the four fundamental principles of Bell & Ross: legibility, functionality, precision and water resistance. Equipped with a chronograph function, this watch was specially designed for air pilots needing a tool to measure short time intervals. Its strap, which is available in beige leather or black ultra-resistant fabric, serves as a reminder of the practical purpose of this camouflage model.
To adhere to the principles of aeronautical design, the case is black and the crystal features an anti-reflective coating. True to its continuous quest for excellence, Bell & Ross opted for ceramic in a black through-coloured shade for the case of its new chronograph. This innovative and high-tech material occupies pride of place in the production of pieces subjected to very high temperatures, acidic conditions, corrosion and erosion.
Hypoallergenic and ultra-light, ceramic offers an exceptional feel and quickly adapts to body temperature for ultimate comfort. The anti-reflective crystal is made of sapphire, a very tough material exhibiting tried-and-tested robustness. The four screws in the corners of the case evoke the aeronautical origins of the BR 01, using the front-mounting system of on board instruments featured in aircraft cockpits. These are functional and secure the bezel to the case, ensuring the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100 metres.
Just like analogue aviation counters, the shape of the hands and the typography of the numerals guarantee total ease of reading. Meanwhile, the dial’s design is inspired by military techniques of marking for maximum legibility. Formed by two overlapping inserts, the beige upper section is cut away around the numerals and indices, revealing the black photo-luminescent coating covering the lower insert. This black and sand-coloured contrast provides optimal reading of the dial during the daytime, as well as equally remarkable legibility at night thanks to its consistent and masterful photoluminescence.
To meet the requirements of the men working in the field, the new Desert Type is available in three versions, each with its own Swiss movement. On the 42 mm version, the three-hand BR 03-92 and the BR 03-94 chronograph present the large opening generally used for instrument watches.
The 39 mm model presents the three-hand BR S for a version suited for smaller wrists, and also for women wishing to stand out from the crowd.
Technical details
BR03-94 DESERT TYPE: BR0394-DESERT-CA
Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.301.Automatic mechanical
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 3 o’clock. Date. Short time interval chronograph: 30-min counter at 9 o’clock, central chronograph seconds. Minute track on the flange
Case: 42 mm diameter. Matt black ceramic
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 100 metres
Straps: beige calfskin and ultra-resistant black synthetic fabric
Dial: beige. Superluminova-filled numerals, indices and HM hands
Buckle: pin. Black PVD coated steel
BR 3-92 DESERT TYPE: BR0392-DESERT-CA
Movement: calibre BR-CAL.302. Automatic mechanical
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds and date
Water resistance: 100 metres
Case: 42 mm in diameter. Matte black ceramic
Straps: beige calfskin and ultra-resistant black synthetic fabric
Dial: beige. Superluminova-filled numerals, indices and HM hands
Buckle: pin. Black PVD coated steel
BR S DESERT TYPE: BRS-DESERT-CA
Movement: calibre BR-CAL.102. Quartz
Crystal: sapphire with antireflective coating
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock. Date
Water resistance: 100 metres
Case: 39 mm in diameter. Matt black ceramic
Straps: beige calfskin
Dial: beige. Superluminova-filled numerals, indices and HM hands
Buckle: pin. Black PVD coated steel
