The Low-Down

Parisian watch brand Bell&Ross launched its first GMT timepiece, the BR 03‐51 GMT Titanium, in 2007. Clubbed with the brand’s iconic square case, the BR 03-51 GMT Titanium gave mainstream horology a run for its money with not one but two complications designed for the wrist: a second time zone and a large date offered on a bold, sturdy case. This watch was later joined by a carbon version in 2013.

That set the stage. GMT – a function that was first developed for aviators – is commonly used by travellers today. In 2018, Bell&Ross revealed the BR V2-93 GMT 24H from the Vintage series, followed by the BR V2-93 GMT Blue for Air France pilots in 2020, and the more recent 2021 edition, the BR 03-93 GMT with a coke dial.

As the world begins to reopen its doors to globetrotters, the French watchmaker has reaffirmed its bond with aviation with the new BR 05 GMT: the first dual time zone model in the 05 series.

Originally introduced in 2019, the BR05 collection welcomes its new GMT version on a 41mm stainless steel case. The dial is black – echoing the dark tones of a cockpit – with large numerals, indices, and hands coated in white Super-LumiNova® for clear and easy legibility. Even the hour and minute hands take reference from airport signalling techniques with their skeletonized structure made of metal appliques.

The BR 05 GMT comes equipped with the automatic calibre BR-CAL.325 that can be viewed through the sapphire glass caseback. The third GMT hand, in black and white with a red-outlined arrow, shows the wearer the time in his/her country of origin on the 24-hour graduated inner bezel. The white hands on the main dial indicate the time at the current location.

The 41mm stainless steel piece is robust and is offered on a sleek integrated bracelet. The watch is also available on a ribbed black rubber strap.

IMHO

The BR05 series has always been a much-appreciated collection by urban travellers. Adding a GMT to the range just cinches the deal.

It is easy to read the time at a glance with the black and grey semi-circles on the flange – black for night-time hours and grey for daytime hours. Even the graphics on the sunray-finished dial are elaborately displayed. The BR 05 GMT is an invitation to travel.

Tech Specs

Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.325. Automatic mechanical.
Case: 41 mm; satin-finished and polished steel; white and black two-colour flange, with 24-hour scale; screw-down crown; crown guard; sapphire caseback with 360° oscillating weight.
Strap: Black rubber or satin-finished and polished steel.
Price: USD 4900 on strap/ USD 5400 on bracelet