Rolex also deserves some credit here, actually. That is where Bell & Ross got the design of the orange-colored GMT hand along with its physical style. Just look to some Rolex Explorer II watches of old. The hint of color lends itself well to what is otherwise a more formal-looking sport watch. What I mean by that is that, in addition to being a durable “activity watch,” the level of fit and finishing here makes it a status and lifestyle indicator as well as a wearable tool.
The hour and minute hand set is a nice combo of styles that takes into consideration a range of aviation cockpit styles as well as various designs from Bell & Ross over the years. The hands are polished and faceted, as well as applied with Super-LumiNova luminant. Note that the different shape of the hour and minute hand should lend itself to optimal legibility. In fact, none of the four hands on the dial look anything remotely like one another, which should make for a timepiece that is really readable.
Bell & Ross correctly chose flat, brushed applied hour markers which contrast well against the black face. The dial also feels like the right mixture between busy and sparse. There is nothing extra on the dial, but it isn’t left feeling boring or spartan. Bell & Ross designers cleverly integrated the date via a small round window (with a matching black date disc) between 4 and 5 o’clock. Around the dial is a fixed steel bezel which has the 24 hour markers on it (and is another subtle nod to Rolex design).
Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA 2893-2 automatic GMT movement. I like that Bell & Ross is among the few companies that doesn’t rename the base movements it uses. Thus, the “93” part of the Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT name is a clear indicator to watch-knowledgeable people of what the movement inside of the watch is. I’ve always respected Bell & Ross for that practice. It isn’t even that they are doing anything particularly great, but rather that in comparison to many other watch brands that attempt to disguise base movements with names, Bell & Ross isn’t doing anything wrong.
On the wrist, the Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT wears handsomely, not feeling small, but not overpowering one’s frame. Though, if you do have very thick wrists, you might want to compare how the BR03 and BR01 cases look on your body. Bell & Ross matches the contrast-polished steel case with a glossy black leather calfskin strap. Bell & Ross also apparently includes a black canvas strap with the watch as well. A good-looking and versatile watch, this reference BR0393-GMT-ST/SCA Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT watch has a retail price of $3,700. bellross.com