Bell & Ross BR-03 Blacktrack Chronograph Limited Edition

It’s not easy designing a modern-day wristwatch icon — but in the 1990s, French outfit Bell & Ross pulled it off. The brand’s instrument panel-inspired BR-01, with its square case, stark dial, and rubber strap quickly made waves in the watch world, leading to an explosion in popularity for the fledgling Parisian brand. Since then, Bell & Ross has expanded into different case shapes and design profiles — but the square BR-01’s evolution, the BR-03, remains a mainstay in the catalog. This particular BR-03 is a Reference BR0394-BTRCE/SCA from the 2020s. Housed in a 42mm black ceramic case with a sapphire crystal and a signed crown, it features a luminous dial with a multi-scale chronograph display, and a matching handset. Absurdly legible and boasting military-inspired cool, it’s powered by a Swiss-made BR-CAL.301 movement. This particular example is one of a 500 piece limited edition with ties to the BT-06 Motorcycle with Sacha Lakic. This piece boasts a unique design language, and lovely finishes like a leather strap with red trim made to play off the broader design motifs. In mint condition, and including its factory goodies, this masterpiece of utilitarian design is an excellent entry point into the world of Bell & Ross, and into the realm of military-inspired design in general. Try it on for yourself!