BELL & ROSS BR 03-92 Diver Red BRONZE

B&R release their fifth BR 03-92 Diver Bronze variant since it first surfaced three years ago along with the introduction of the family’s third dial color, red which has been used to great effect for this Red Bronze version of their uniquely square-cased diver’s model. When Bell & Ross debuted the BR 03-92 Diver BRONZE in early 2018, the watch came with a black dial and bronze bezel; the following year the BR 03-92 Diver Bronze NAVY was released in the same vein i.e. new color same bronze bezel.

The same year the Singaporean watch market, one of the earliest markets to truly embrace B&R got their very own BR 03-92 Bronze special edition watch with a green face. 

Then some bod at B&R had the brainwave to equip the BR 03-92 Bronze models with color-coded bezel inlays moving forward and imo the collection became all the better for it.

Both the BR 03-92 BLUE Bronze and GREEN Bronze were born last year. 

And now it’s 2021 which means it’s time for the next B&R Bronze Diver color installment – and here it is - introducing the new blushing BR 03-92 Red Bronze.

Its case and bezel have been constructed from satin-polished CuSn8 Bronze, an alloy with a reddish tone that was first popularized by Panerai well over a decade ago now. 

I could be totally wrong but I think the previous models used Al (aluminum) Bronze rather than this which is more sandy colored.

CuSn8 combines 92% Copper and 8% Tin, which is why it looks so red. BRONZE itself is inextricably linked to diving lore as it was historically used for deep-sea diving helmets among other maritime components. 

And because bronze develops a patina, the watch (this watch) might even end up looking a bit like one of those old bronze diving relics itself (not me or you) and obviously in good wabi sabi sort of a way.

This latest variant has a red anodized bezel and matching red lacquered dial as well as reddish-brown leather strap to go with the red bronze so the watch truly is “Red Bronze” through and through. 

I say the same thing every time I talk about the BR 03-92 – I just wish B&R would use ceramic or even a Sapphire inlay rather than aluminum which is inferior in so many ways, but it is what it is.

The BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze is available as a Limited Edition of 999 pieces as indicted by its Stainless steel case-back markings where you will also find an engraved old school diving helmet there to reinforce the watch’s spiritual connection with those pioneering days of deep sea diving. Btw the BR 03-92 Diver Red Bronze just as any other diver in the family, fully meets all the standards for diving watches set by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, ISO 6425 and is water-resistant to 300 meters.

Finally this red beauty is delivered on a matte brown leather strap with beige contrast stitching for added vintage vibes but can also be spec’d on rubber for diving if required. 

Thoughts? We should run a small book on which color the BR 03-92 Diver Bronze will be rocking next year – my money’s on brown but you never could be pink or purple. What do you think?