Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT
Bell & Ross released their first GMT model in 2007 with the BR 03-51 GMT Titanium. The BR 03-51 offered two complications for the long-distance traveling wearer: a second time zone and a large date window for readability. Bell & Ross later released a carbon version in 2013. In 14 years of GMT watch making, this is the first Bell & Ross GMT with a 24-hour bi-directional bezel, allowing for a third time zone. Executed in one of the most popular colourways for a GMT bezel, “Coke”.
GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time which is the international standard 0 degrees and reference time. It is simply the time recorded at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England. This is marked on world maps as the GMT line. Moving East of the line means you ad time, and moving West means you subtract time.
As commercial flying over greater distances became more accessible and subsequently popular in the 1940s and 50s, GMT wristwatches were developed for pilots. A GMT watch allows the wearer to keep track of several time zones at once.
Strengthening the brands bond with its core business and passion, Aviation, the new GMT is targeted toward modern and frequent travellers. The design hits Bell & Ross aesthetic principles of functionality and legibility in the famed square shape that the brand has dominated for 30 years.
Beyond the “Coke” bezel, Bell & Ross have opted for a 42mm case, making use of satin and polished finishes with 4 corner screws for a layered look. Bell & Ross have considered texture with beveling on the bezel and a unique knurled crown on the right side. Particularly chic is the subtle date window at the 4pm position.
The GMT is just as sturdy and reliable on the inside as it looks on the outside. Inside is the BR-CAL.303, an automatic movement that is no-nonsense and easily serviceable. It’s water resistant to 100M and there are strap options in black calfskin leather or black synthetic fabric.
