Bell & Ross is very well known for aeronautical instruments and pilot’s watches. They need to have GMT models in their collections as those are beneficial complications for aircraft pilots and frequent travelers. Now, the Paris-based brand is updating its square traveler’s watch with a new version of the BR 03-93 GMT. Redesigned, modern, more functional, more readable.

Bell & Ross is very well known for aeronautical instruments and pilot’s watches. They need to have GMT models in their collections as those are beneficial complications for aircraft pilots and frequent travelers. Now, the Paris-based brand is updating its square traveler’s watch with a new version of the BR 03-93 GMT. Redesigned, modern, more functional, more readable.

Let’s check what’s new in this edition.

It’s somewhat hard to believe given the emphasis Bell & Ross has placed on aviation throughout their history. Still, this watch is their first in the square format with a bidirectional rotating “Coke”  bezel. The red and black 24-hour scale is the design highlight of this watch and sets it apart from other watches in the BR 03 line. While their other square watches typically include a circular bezel of some kind, the pop of color and additional functionality here give this watch shape and purpose and imbue with a kind of distinctive charm that watches built on this platform don’t have. The inspiration for those prior watches tends to be aircraft instrumentation, but here it’s very much another watch, so it makes sense that the BR 03-93 leaves a substantially different impression. 

GMT functionality is carried out traditionally, with an arrow-tipped 24-hour hand pointing to the 24-hour scale on the watch’s bezel. The dial is black with a sunray pattern and dominated by large Arabic numerals in the cardinal positions. There’s a date window at 4:30, but as is typical with Bell & Ross, it’s well-executed in that it’s frankly minimal and tough to see. It’s understandable if a 4:30 date window isn’t your cup of tea, but there’s no denying that Bell & Ross can make it practically invisible like no other brand.

The case is 42mm across and has a combination of satin finishing and polished elements. There are plenty of small details that would seem to elevate and refine the watch, including the knurled crown and the polished bevel running around the case’s outermost edge. Bell & Ross’s square watches often have a vibe that is pure “tool,” but the combination of the finishing that they’ve applied to this GMT along with the addition of the red and black bezel gives the watch a slightly more sophisticated feel.