BR03-92 DIVER The World's First Square Diver's Watch
The first square diver, incorporating Bell & Ross' experience
The BR03-92 Diver, released in 2017, was a truly ambitious new model, typical of Bell & Ross. Despite its square case and recessed case back, it was water resistant to 300m. And yet, the case was thin enough for everyday use. How did the company manage to combine these seemingly contradictory elements into a single package?
Photographs by Masanori Yoshie
Interview and text by Masayuki Hirota (Chronos-Japan)
Interview and text by Masayuki Hirota (Chronos-Japan)
[Three key elements for high performance]
1. High visibility
This is the first time Bell & Ross has attempted three-sided diamond-cut hands. By shaping the hands into a trapezoid shape, they pick up light well even in low light. The satin-finish on the top of the hands also emphasizes the contrast with the mirror finish. Despite being water resistant to 300m, the bezel is quite thin. The large opening on the dial makes for excellent legibility.
This is the first time Bell & Ross has attempted three-sided diamond-cut hands. By shaping the hands into a trapezoid shape, they pick up light well even in low light. The satin-finish on the top of the hands also emphasizes the contrast with the mirror finish. Despite being water resistant to 300m, the bezel is quite thin. The large opening on the dial makes for excellent legibility.
2. Sleek case
Despite being water resistant to 300m, the BR03-92 Diver is suitable for everyday use. The thickness of the middle case remains the same, but the crystal and case back have been strengthened to improve water resistance. As a result, despite being an ISO-standard diver's watch, the case is relatively thin. It also features a soft-iron anti-magnetic case, but the case weight is kept low.
Despite being water resistant to 300m, the BR03-92 Diver is suitable for everyday use. The thickness of the middle case remains the same, but the crystal and case back have been strengthened to improve water resistance. As a result, despite being an ISO-standard diver's watch, the case is relatively thin. It also features a soft-iron anti-magnetic case, but the case weight is kept low.
3. Robust case back
Like the existing BR03, the BR03-92 Diver has a snap-in case back. Despite not being screw-down, it is water resistant to 300m. The center of the case back is raised to prevent deformation even under strong water pressure. While it is standard practice for Bell & Ross to make the case back thicker to increase strength, the thickness has been kept to a level that does not impair the wearing comfort.
Like the existing BR03, the BR03-92 Diver has a snap-in case back. Despite not being screw-down, it is water resistant to 300m. The center of the case back is raised to prevent deformation even under strong water pressure. While it is standard practice for Bell & Ross to make the case back thicker to increase strength, the thickness has been kept to a level that does not impair the wearing comfort.
