We Go Hands On with Bell & Ross at Watches and Wonders 2025

I always look forward to checking out the latest releases from Bell & Ross at Watches and Wonders. With one of the most recognisable design languages in the horological landscape, the brand always has something special in store. This year, the Swiss watchmaker has launched a smaller, more focused collection of timepieces, and I think the watches are all the better for it. 

With seven references across its BR-03 and BR-05 lines, Bell & Ross has taken some big swings in 2025, but this is a brand that has more than earned the right to do so. It has also released a collection of more modest (but very welcome) updates to a well-established icon from its catalogue. I was fortunate enough to try them out, so let’s take a closer look.

BR-03 Skeleton Black Ceramic

• Reference: BR03A-BL-SKCE/SRB
• Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.328
• Power Reserve: 54 hours
• Case: Microblasted black ceramic
• Dial: Skeletonised with tinted transparent panel
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Thickness: 10.60 mm
• Water Resistance: 100 metres
• Strap: Black rubber and ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric
• Price: AUD$9,900

This release is the first of a trio of skeletonised BR-03 references being added to the Bell & Ross catalogue. As much as it pains me, my wrists are probably a little too small for the BR03 line and are much better suited to the BR05 releases. Nevertheless, for those who can wear it, this reference is an impressive piece of kit. 

At first glance, it just looks like the staple black matte BR-03, but turn it in your hand and let light play across the dial to reveal there’s far more going on here. As the name would suggest, this is a skeletonised take on the BR-03. Through the use of a dark yet translucent dial that provides a shadowy window to the workings underneath, it manages the feat of being a skeletonised timepiece that is simultaneously minimalist in aesthetic. That’s not something you see every day as most skeletonised watches live and die by the idea that more is more.  

The BR-03 Skeleton Black Ceramic also offers excellent legibility — something skeletonised watches often sacrifice through the watchmaker’s desire to demonstrate technical ability. This is further enhanced by the use of Super-LumiNova X1 (green emission) across the applique numerals and indexes, as well as the skeletonised hour and minute hands. 

While crafting a case from ceramic is hardly new for Bell & Ross, this watch still feels far lighter in the hand than its size would suggest; a real-world benefit of the skeletonisation beyond its impressive aesthetic, made possible thanks to Bell & Ross’ new skeletonised X-shaped movement, the calibre BR-CAL.328.

If you’ve had your eye on a Bell & Ross for a while but have been unsure of what to pick up, the BR-03 Skeleton Black Ceramic may just be the ticket. It takes classic Bell & Ross styling but elevates it in a way that evades detection until you take the time to look closer. It’s an impressive piece of work. 

BR-03 Skeleton Grey Steel

• Reference: BR03A-GR-SKST/SRB
• Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.328
• Power Reserve: 54 hours
• Case: Satin-polished steel
• Dial: Skeletonised with a faceted and open-worked plate
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Thickness: 9.65 mm
• Water Resistance: 100 metres
• Strap: Black rubber and ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric
• Price: AUD$9,300

Taking the blueprint of the BR-03 Skeleton Black Ceramic and giving it a metallic twist, this release feels weighty in the hand after holding its ceramic sibling, but in a way that’s entirely satisfying.

Apparently, the Cybertruck was a source of inspiration for this piece, but we won’t hold that against it. This is far cooler than that eyesore and far less likely to be recalled, too. To me, it recalls some kind of high-tech lab equipment. Clinical and clean.

At first glance, it appears less immediately recognisable as the work of Bell & Ross. However, after you’ve spent some time with it, it becomes clear it couldn’t have been made by anybody else.

Currently available for pre-order, you’ll have to wait until late April to get your hands on one of your own.

BR-03 Skeleton Lum Ceramic

• Reference: BR03A-LM-SKCE/SRB
• Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.328
• Power Reserve: 54 hours
• Case: Microblasted black ceramic
• Dial: Skeletonised with an open-worked black plate and Super-LumiNova® X1 C3 outlines
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Thickness: 11.25 mm
• Water Resistance: 100 metres
• Strap: Black rubber and ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric
• Price: AUD$10,800

A limited edition of 250 pieces that’s available exclusively from Bell & Ross boutiques and e-boutiques, this piece gives off a science-fiction feel that means it wouldn’t look out of place on the wrist of some intergalactic warrior in the next Hollywood blockbuster. If that description reminds you of you, well, this quirky timepiece may be a perfect fit. 

Sharing the lightness of the Skeleton Black Ceramic, this piece feels less serious than that reference but no less ambitious. And less serious is not necessarily a bad thing. For a brand to approach the level of extreme craftsmanship found here with its tongue planted in its cheek is comething I appreciate. 

Holding the Skeleton Lum Ceramic, the more liberal use of the Super-Luminova to highlight the contour of the cut-outs brings to mind the look of a TIE Fighter from Star Wars or even the title antagonist from Predator. Despite the wealth of Super-Luminova, this watch appears less immediately ledgible than the two we’ve already touched on, but it’s an experimental and piece that takes the Bell & Ross aviation connection and elevates it to astronautical heights. It’s feels like a fun hyperjump into deep space and I’m on board. 

BR-05 36 mm

• Reference: BR05A-S-BL-ST/SST, BR05A-S-GR-ST/SST, BR05A-S-BU-ST/SST, BR05A-S-MP-ST/SST
• Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.329
• Power Reserve: 54 hours
• Case: Satin-polished steel
• Dial: Black Steel, Grey Steel, Blue Steel, and Mother of Pearl
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
• Diameter: 36 mm
• Thickness: 8.5 mm
• Water Resistance: 100 metres
• Strap: Satin-polished steel
• Price: AUD$6,900

Bringing things back down to Earth, Bell & Ross has also unveiled four references of its fantastic BR-05 range, only this time at a smaller scale. Jettisoning the date window in order to accommodate the new scale, these 36-mm incarnations of the Bell & Ross classic are a welcome surprise. 

While many watches around this size feel a little small to me, these just work on the wrist. They still carry the masculine DNA of the originals, but its less overt in a way that opens the BR-05 experience up to a wider audience. And with a thickness of just 8.5 mm, they feel super light without feeling overly slight. 

The new range consists of four colourways of Black Steel, Grey Steel, Blue Steel, and Mother of Pearl, and every watch boasts that unmistakable Bell & Ross styling. Packing a Calibre BR-CAL.329 movement and 54 hours of power reserve, going small doesn’t mean compromising. If given a choice, I’d probably still go with a larger BR-05, but that’s no shade at these new arrivals. Bottom line: these could be worn by absolutely anybody. And they should be.