Author Topic: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation  (Read 13685 times)

Offline hanz079

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Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« on: June 08, 2014, 07:51:50 PM »
Here is a review of a piece that has been on loan to me by my kind brother in law since January.
It's the Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation.



To start things off, I must admit that I wasn't a fan of the square Bell & Ross "inspired by cockpit instrument" style watches.
They look like a fad, gaudy... more fashion than function.
Well, things have changed a fair bit after having it for 6 months.



Watch is powered by a swiss quartz caliber.
I believe it's similar to the one found on Breitling's Aerospace and also Victorinox's Swiss Army Classic XLS MT.
Dial is highly legible.
Monochromatic black and white theme is cool.
Case is 42mm DLC stainless steel.



Solid case back with the model number and relevant information engraved.
I apologize for the dirt and dust stuck in the engravings.
My brother in law told me he wore the watch almost daily for work.
He works in mining. So, I am impressed how the watch is holding up so far.



A very nicely made crown.
A multitude of functions is accessed using this crown alone.
GMT, Stop watch, Timer, Alarm and so on.
Truly multifunction.



Case is well made.
So far, I have not seen the DLC getting worn out.
Still as black as the day I got it on loan.
Design of the lugs make the watch easy and comfortable to wear.
Bezel is 60 clicks bi directional.



Dial Printing is crisp and clear.
The slightly modern numeral font makes the watch feel a little more modern compared to the other BR03.
I like it.
The same reason why I like the older Breitling Aerospace... because of the modern italic font that they used.







Watch is currently on a recently purchased Wotancraft strap.
Expensive, but well worth it.
Leather is supple and feels comfy.



Overall, I feel the watch is comfortable to wear.
I must say after this watch is worn on rotation with my other watches, it has become the "grab and go" watch.
It used to be my Panerai PAM000, but now it has been dethroned.
Reason being a quartz, I need not worry about the time being off.
The wrist presence is comparable to that of PAM.
(I am sure hardcore PAM fans might beg to differ but it's not the focus of the review)
The only con I can think of is the pricing.
This particular watch retails at RM13,300.00 which is kinda hefty for a quartz.
Good thing is one can usually be found on the secondary market for way less...
There is another version in non DLC stainless steel case.
Those go for RM11,600.00
I know... still abit too much...
But since I have this on loan from my brother in law... I will just enjoy it till the day I return it.
By that time, let's see if I am still itching for one.
Terrenceterrence "seriously, i think buying a watch for it's secondhand value is like getting married and thinking about divorce at the back of your mind."


watchionable.blogspot.com

Offline TheHobbit

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2014, 10:26:27 PM »
Thanks for the review. Interesting to note that the lugs on the BR03 cannot be removed like on the BR01. Does the lugs looks integral to the case?

Offline ck77

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #2 on: June 09, 2014, 07:49:41 AM »
Nice review hanz  :thumbsup:
Does the LCD comes with backlight?

Offline hanz079

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #3 on: June 09, 2014, 08:54:15 AM »
Thanks for the review. Interesting to note that the lugs on the BR03 cannot be removed like on the BR01. Does the lugs looks integral to the case?

I am not too sure about that... looks integral. Cannot be 100% sure.

Nice review hanz  :thumbsup:
Does the LCD comes with backlight?

No backlight.
It's dark background with clear fonts.
Terrenceterrence "seriously, i think buying a watch for it's secondhand value is like getting married and thinking about divorce at the back of your mind."


watchionable.blogspot.com

Offline chrisyen

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #4 on: June 09, 2014, 10:11:23 AM »
Great review again Hanz.

the strap seems well fit your BR.

despite i quite like the overall design, but wasnt sure why the diver bezel is needed.
 

Offline tagger

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #5 on: June 23, 2014, 09:40:55 AM »
wow.. thanks for sharing.. really jealous now  :thumbsup:

Offline dennis.T

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2014, 07:23:18 AM »
Nice review.. BR 03 not suit u.. U need BR 01  ;D

Offline Gigi

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #7 on: July 13, 2014, 05:35:58 PM »
Is the alarm mega loud like some of the ana digi watch?

Offline Meor72

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #8 on: October 19, 2014, 03:04:33 PM »
Funny, my bro in law has one as well, but hasn't loan it to me yet lol. However, that being the case, i am currently on the hunt for a phantom at a good price but to no avail yet
Meor

Offline Kronofred

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #9 on: October 19, 2014, 06:07:51 PM »
Very nice pictures, thanks for this interesting review!
If I may, there's a little mistake, it's PVD coating, not a DLC.  :thumbsup:

Offline craftvn

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #10 on: October 23, 2014, 01:05:41 AM »
Vintage style
Thanks for your review

Offline tantan

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #11 on: November 24, 2014, 07:28:30 AM »
Its cool, but a little bit heavy for me... Cool anyway

Offline btgo1128

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #12 on: August 26, 2015, 03:53:02 PM »
 :thumbsup:
great design by BR watch..
wotan craft leather strap is pretty awesome
thanks for sharing.. nice review

Offline chrisyen

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #13 on: September 08, 2015, 10:02:45 AM »
:thumbsup:
great design by BR watch..
wotan craft leather strap is pretty awesome
thanks for sharing.. nice review

wotancraft used royal saddle leather for this series... super comfy!

hanz - how you compare this to omega flightmaster?

Offline hanz079

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #14 on: September 08, 2015, 07:50:25 PM »
:thumbsup:
great design by BR watch..
wotan craft leather strap is pretty awesome
thanks for sharing.. nice review

wotancraft used royal saddle leather for this series... super comfy!

hanz - how you compare this to omega flightmaster?

Both are awesome watches... Price difference is around 6k between them. Both would have a place in a collection.
BR is more recognizable.
Omega x-33 more technically superior.
BR is more versatile with strap changes.
Omega x-33 is more subdued.
To each his own... I like em both...
Terrenceterrence "seriously, i think buying a watch for it's secondhand value is like getting married and thinking about divorce at the back of your mind."


watchionable.blogspot.com

Offline chrisyen

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #15 on: October 08, 2015, 08:00:08 PM »
:thumbsup:
great design by BR watch..
wotan craft leather strap is pretty awesome
thanks for sharing.. nice review

wotancraft used royal saddle leather for this series... super comfy!

hanz - how you compare this to omega flightmaster?

Both are awesome watches... Price difference is around 6k between them. Both would have a place in a collection.
BR is more recognizable.
Omega x-33 more technically superior.
BR is more versatile with strap changes.
Omega x-33 is more subdued.
To each his own... I like em both...

shd compare to your sky walker

Offline carlcox

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #16 on: January 18, 2017, 04:30:40 PM »
Awesome watch !!!


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Offline Dantbk

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #17 on: April 07, 2017, 04:31:16 PM »
What a rare piece. BR still nails it for squarish watch

Offline yinho

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Re: Bell & Ross BR03-88 Type Aviation
« Reply #18 on: April 10, 2017, 06:18:50 PM »
The photo links seems to be expired?