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Built to Navigate: The BR-03 GMT Compass

Written by: Bell & Ross

29 Oct 2025

Built to Navigate: The BR-03 GMT Compass - Cortina Watch

BR-03 GMT – The Instrument Watch Built for Navigation

Bell & Ross stays on track with the new BR-03 GMT Compass. Capable of indicating direction thanks to its two-tone bezel and compass-style graduated dial, this instrument watch with a GMT function helps you find your way not only through time, but also through space.

The Compass – The Essential Tool for Modern Navigators

Some inventions have profoundly changed the course of human history. The creation of the compass is one of them. Since ancient times, humans have felt the need to orient themselves — to explore, travel, and find their way back. Historians generally trace the invention of the compass to China over 2,000 years ago, following the first observations of magnetism. By the 15th century, it had become a common tool among sailors. Essential to all forms of navigation — at sea, on land, and in the air — the compass remains a key feature of modern dashboards. In the 21st century, it reinvents itself for the wrist in the form of a watch: the BR-03 GMT Compass, blending the familiar design of the compass with the practicality of a GMT function.

The GMT Function – An Invitation to Travel

Built to Navigate: The BR-03 GMT Compass - Cortina Watch

Credit: Bell & Ross

Designed as a true travel instrument, the new BR-03 GMT Compass follows the successful principle of the dual time zone, first introduced by the Maison in 2007 with the BR-03 51 GMT Titanium. This function is highly appreciated by globe-trotters, as it allows instant reading of two time zones simultaneously. The new model is based on the recent BR 03-93 GMT. Highly legible and easy to use, this robust, reliable timepiece is water-resistant to 100 meters and features a 24-hour graduated anodized aluminum bezel. The blue section displays daytime hours, while the black segment indicates nighttime hours. This round bezel is mounted on a 42 mm square case—a hallmark combination of round and square shapes typical of Bell & Ross design. The four screws positioned at the corners of the case are also signature details, recalling aircraft cockpit instruments. Inside beats a BR-CAL.303 automatic mechanical movement offering a 54-hour power reserve, ensuring precision and performance.

A Functional Compass Watch

Built to Navigate: The BR-03 GMT Compass - Cortina Watch

Credit: Bell & Ross

Evocative yet practical, the compass motif on the new BR-03 GMT Compass dial is not merely decorative. With its degree scale, it serves a true navigational function. On a sunny day, you can easily use your watch to find direction, thanks to the combination of the compass rose graduation and the 24-hour GMT hand indicating the second time zone. This GMT hand is diamond-shaped — just like a traditional magnetic compass needle. The four cardinal points (North, South, East, West) are marked on the flange at 6h, 12h, 18h, and 24h. To determine direction using the sun’s position (as in an orienteering course), simply lay the watch flat and parallel to the ground. Start by setting the GMT hand to solar time. For example, in summer in Geneva, solar time is two hours behind official time — when it’s 2 p.m. officially, it’s only noon by the sun. Then, point the red hand toward the sun, and you’ll be able to read your direction on the dial’s graduated scale. Just like the explorers of the past, you can follow your course with precision.

BR-03: Instruments Transposed to the Wrist

Launched in 2006, the BR-03 line embodies Bell & Ross’s mission to translate cockpit instruments into watchmaking form — precise, efficient, and perfectly legible timepieces.

Over the years, this collection has been enriched with original and distinctive models directly inspired by the most essential pilot instruments — whether for air, land, or sea. These three elements remain the key territories of Bell & Ross creativity. With this new compass-inspired timepiece, the brand returns to the world of navigation instruments. This technical watch, housed in a stainless-steel case and protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, can be worn with either a rubber strap or a Velcro fastening. A truly unique creation, the BR 03 GMT Compass is produced in a limited edition of 500 pieces.

Discover more collections from Bell & Ross at our boutiques, or online.

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