The Excalibur Bi-Retrograde Calendar by Roger Dubuis

This year, Roger Dubuis celebrates its 30th anniversary, and for the occasion, the company pays tribute to its co-founder’s favourite complication: the bi-retrograde display.

This function, previously featured in the Excalibur Grande Complication alongside a dozen other highly complex mechanisms, takes centre stage once again. The Maison has also introduced a less complicated, more classic edition to further honour the bi-retrograde display.

Also referred to as “the ecliptic counters” by the Maison a nod to their elliptical shape and distinctive role in indicating the months and date the design showcases a symmetrical dial layout. Enhanced by refined detailing, it pays homage to the Maison’s early creations from 1996.

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Introducing Bell & Ross Launches The BR-03 Astro

A limited edition that uses the cosmos to display time

ByWaqt

16.02.2025

3 minutes read

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Bell & Ross grew its fame on crafting timepieces that merge functionality with precision, often drawing inspiration from aviation and military instrumentation. The brand's commitment to durable tool watches led to the creation of the BR-03 collection in 2006, which became one of its iconic releases. The collection is designed to echo the look of cockpit instruments with a distinctive rounded square case.

With the BR-03 Astro, Bell & Ross extends its vision beyond aviation and into the cosmos. Unlike the brand’s previous releases, this latest addition to the collection reimagines the way time is displayed, replacing conventional hands with celestial bodies in orbit, and we will get to that later.

The watch retains the classic BR-03 case dimensions, measuring 41mm in width and 11.5mm in thickness. Crafted from micro-blasted (sandblasted on a micro level) black ceramic, the case is both lightweight and durable, with a modern matte finish that enhances its sleek aesthetic. The sapphire crystal is uniquely hollowed out to give relief to the Earth. Despite its artistic execution, the BR-03 Astro remains functional, with a water resistance of 100 meters.

The dial is made out of blue aventurine glass, speckled with shimmering flecks, replicating the infinite depths of space. Three indicators drive the timekeeping, a satellite orbits the Earth every 60 seconds to mark the seconds, the Moon, rendered in laser engraved metal with crater details, tracks the minutes, and Mars is drawn on a transparent plate, representing the hours.

This watch is powered by the automatic BR-CAL.327 movement, based on the Sellita SW300-1. The calibre operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and provides a 54-hour power reserve. It comes with a black rubber and synthetic fabric strap, secured with a steel pin buckle finished in matte black PVD. The watch is limited to just 999 pieces, and priced at EUR 4,990, which is approximately AED 19,300.

For more information, you can visit the official website of Bell & Ross.

Technical specifications: Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro

Reference: BR03A-EMM-CE/SRB
Case: black ceramic, micro-blasted, hollowed sapphire crystal, closed caseback
Diameter: 41mm
Thickness: 11.5mm
Water resistance: 100 m
Dial: blue aventurine glass, satellite for the seconds, the Moon for the minutes, Mars for the hours
Movement: BR-CAL.327, automatic, Sellita SW300-1
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
Power reserve: 54 hours
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds
Bracelet / Strap: black rubber and synthetic fabric strap, matte black PVD steel pin buckle
Availability: Limited to 999 pieces
Price: EUR 4,990 / AED 19,300