The Manual Wind: Bell & Ross BR03-96 Big Date

By Ian Schwam June 17, 2015

Bell ross

Like building blocks, there can only be so many shapes of a watch case. Round, square, tonneau, rarely rectangular, and thankfully nothing triangular. The square timepiece, if proportioned correctly, can be very attractive on the wrist. Bringing the square to the forefront many years ago, Bell & Ross exploded on the scene with their BR01 model. The oversized 46mm case was perfect for the then ‘bigger is better’ watch mentality. Since then, that mentality has deflated some making way for the more practical and wearable BR03. Always hiding behind its larger counterpart, this 42mm square gets its turn. Bell & Ross has released a new complication in this case with some great looking dials; the Bell & Ross BR03-96 Big Date.

20150601_032838

The 42mm case with automatic movement always had a date function in the other complications, but as the name says, its now larger. With a slightly exposed date wheel displaying this larger date at the 3’oclock, this piece takes on new dial proportions. The new dials offered are different from previous dials. Two variations include a steel and black dial in the base piece and the same dial but with gold accents in the Golden Heritage edition. The Golden Heritage is fit with a camel colored calf strap to bring out the gold accents, while a black strap fits the contrast well of the other.

Related Videos

I like this move by Bell & Ross to reintroduce some simple pieces into their line. The BR03 42mm case was always the better fit in my opinion, no matter ones wrist size. With the brand producing many limited editions and more out there designs lately, this piece offers simplicity, attention to detail, and a more useful complication. These pieces are hardly meant to be worn formally and Bell & Ross has done a good job creating a new casual watch thats squarely classic. If you are still unsure about the square, these pieces should have you considering one at a well priced $3,700 msrp.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Fashion & Style

The best casual watches for men (to upgrade your everyday style)

Whatever hobby you love, these timepieces can go with you to the top of the mountain or the bottom of the ocean

Nixon Spectra gold watches for men in style.

A casual watch is the kind of timepiece that pairs excellently with all your outfits -- it’s the kind of accessory that becomes so trusted that, without even thinking, you reach to put it on every morning. Most casual watches serve function over fashion. They are rugged but still stylish. Generally, an excellent casual watch’s characteristics will separate it from higher-end watches.

The first is that a casual watch typically works better as an automatic versus a mechanical -- they’re meant to take some beatings, after all. Second, they shouldn’t be considered luxury items. A snakeskin watch strap and a gaudy twenty-thousand dollar wrist weight won’t work. At the end of the day, a casual watch will serve some good looks, but it’ll mainly function as a tool for your hobbies and your off time. Here are some of the best casual watches that won’t break the bank.

Fashion & Style

Review: These men’s pajamas cost $600 — are they worth it?

Sleep in the lap of luxury with this pajama set by Paul Jays

paul jays pajamas review pxl 20230220 072532307

When you were a child, your parents likely bought you a pajama set featuring your favorite superhero or cartoon characters. As you grew older, you ditched those pajamas for boxers or sleeping in the buff. Once you've made it and established yourself as a successful man in the world, the pajama set makes its return to signal that you have arrived.

Of course, you could just buy any old kind of men's sleepwear to go under your robe while you putter around your apartment — or you could don this luxurious pajama set from Paul Jays to wear while wandering your estate, drinking coffee, and pondering your next great move to grow your empire. I tried out the Geo Print Long Set, and from the moment I put it on, my reasons for taking it off numbered zero. Here is an honest review of this luxurious set, the Porsche of men's pajamas.

Fashion & Style

How to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day — style tips you need to look your best

Your St. Patrick's Day style guide

style tips for holiday party outfits green and tan

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, kidnapped and brought to the island as an enslaved person at 16. He eventually escaped but returned later and is believed to have brought Christianity with him. One thousand years later, he is still celebrated on St. Patrick's Day, the accepted date of his death, March 17. And how do we celebrate it? By wearing the color green on St. Patrick's Day, of course. Wearing the color symbolizes the patriotism of the entire island.

Now, whether you are Irish or not, you can show your support for the island by donning green on St. Patty's Day. However, that doesn't mean you have to go all out and look like you jumped right off the box of Lucky Charms. Here are a few tips to help you celebrate the patron saint of Ireland without sacrificing looking fantastic.