Bell&Ross: BR-03 GMT Compass

Bell & Ross continues to draw from the world of navigation and onboard instruments with the new BR-03 GMT Compass — a modern tribute to one of humanity’s most important inventions: the compass. For more than two millennia, this essential tool has guided explorers and adventurers across land, sea, and sky. Today, it returns in the form of a wristwatch that combines functional design, technical precision, and a spirit of exploration. With its two-tone bezel and compass-style graduated dial, the BR-03 GMT Compass allows its wearer to navigate not only through time, thanks to the GMT function, but also through space.

THE GMT FUNCTION

Designed as a true travel companion, the new BR-03 GMT Compass continues Bell & Ross’s tradition of functional watchmaking. It adopts the dual time zone concept first introduced by the Maison in 2007 with the BR-03 51 GMT Titanium, a complication highly appreciated by travelers for its ability to display two time zones simultaneously. 

An evolution of the recent BR 03-93 GMT, this model offers excellent legibility and ease of use, housed in a robust and reliable case that is water-resistant to 100 meters. The anodized aluminum bezel features a 24-hour scale, with the blue section indicating daytime hours and the black section marking the night. The round bezel framed by the signature 42 mm square case embodies the Bell & Ross design language, directly inspired by aircraft cockpit instruments. At its heart beats the automatic BR-CAL.303 movement, offering a 54-hour power reserve — a guarantee of precision, reliability, and performance perfectly aligned with the brand’s technical and adventurous spirit.

FINDING YOUR BEARING WITH THE BR-03 GMT COMPASS

Evocative yet practical, the compass motif on the new BR-03 GMT Compass dial is not merely decorative. With its degree scale, it serves a true navigational function. On a sunny day, you can easily use your watch to find direction, thanks to the combination of the compass rose graduation and the 24-hour GMT hand indicating the second time zone. This GMT hand is diamond-shaped — just like a traditional magnetic compass needle. 

The four cardinal points (North, South, East, West) are marked on the flange at 6h, 12h, 18h, and 24h. To determine direction using the sun’s position (as in an orienteering course), simply lay the watch flat and parallel to the ground. Start by setting the GMT hand to solar time. For example, in summer in Geneva, solar time is two hours behind official time — when it’s 2 p.m. officially, it’s only noon by the sun. Then, point the red hand toward the sun, and you’ll be able to read your direction on the dial’s graduated scale. Just like the explorers of the past, you can follow your course with precision.

LIMITED TO 500 PIECES

With the BR-03 GMT Compass, Bell & Ross returns to its origins, reinterpreting the spirit of traditional navigation instruments through a modern lens. Technical and high-performing, the timepiece features a stainless steel case and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, ensuring perfect legibility in any condition.

The rubber or Velcro strap enhances its versatility, making it a true travel companion. Produced in a limited edition of 500 pieces, the BR-03 GMT Compass is more than just a watch — it’s an invitation to explore, to find one’s true direction, and to embrace adventure with the unmistakable Bell & Ross signature. (Price €. 4,900)