Bell & Ross returns to its nautical roots with the BR-03 Diver Black Bronze, a 999-piece limited edition that strips away the colourful experiments and refocuses on what makes a professional dive watch work. The brand pairs its signature square case with CuSn8 bronze and a black ceramic bezel insert, creating a tool watch that looks equally at home on a yacht deck or strapped to your wrist during a night dive.
Black dial
The dial execution stays clean and functional. Bell & Ross applies glossy black lacquer across the surface, creating a deep contrast against the bronze case. Baignoire-style applied indices sit proud of the dial, each filled with white Super-LumiNova that glows green underwater. The skeletonised hour and minute hands follow the same treatment, ensuring you can read the time at depth without squinting.
A date window opens at 4:30, keeping the dial symmetry intact. The brand prints the 300-metre water resistance rating in gold to match the bronze warmth. No unnecessary text, no cluttered subdials, just the information a diver needs.
The Movement: BR-CAL.302-1
Inside sits the BR-CAL.302-1, an automatic calibre beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The 4Hz frequency delivers smooth seconds hand movement and maintains accuracy across the 54-hour power reserve. Bell & Ross sources this workhorse movement to keep service straightforward and reliability high, a sensible choice for a professional tool rated to 300 metres.
The automatic winding means you won’t fumble with a crown before diving, and the power reserve gives you enough runway for a weekend off the wrist without stopping.
The bronze case
The 42mm square case measures 12.3mm thick, staying compact despite the 300-metre water resistance. Bell & Ross machines the case from CuSn8 bronze, 92% copper, 8% tin, an alloy selected for its resistance to seawater corrosion. This bronze develops a natural patina over time, meaning your watch evolves into something unique.
The unidirectional rotating bezel combines solid bronze with a polished black ceramic insert graduated for 60 minutes. White X1 Super-LumiNova marks the bezel, glowing green to match the dial. A screw-down crown with rubber insert and crown guard protects the case, whilst the steel caseback locks everything down. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal completes the package.
Bell & Ross certifies this watch to ISO 6425 standards, meaning it meets every requirement for professional dive watch designation. The brand earned its diving credentials back in 1997 with the Hydromax, which reached 11,100 metres, so they understand underwater pressure.
Verdict
The BR-03 Diver Black Bronze arrives with both black rubber and ultra-resistant black synthetic canvas straps, giving you flexibility between dive use and daily wear. At €5,300, this 999-piece limited edition sits in competitive territory. You’re paying for bronze that will age, a proper dive certification, and Bell & Ross’s square case DNA that refuses to follow convention. This watch works because it doesn’t try to be everything. It’s a professional diver with Mediterranean style, built for people who actually use their tools.
