Ever heard of the puffin? It’s a majestic bird, even though it is commonly mistaken for a penguin (a notion no doubt reinforced by Happy Feet 2). What is perhaps most notable about the puffin is its ability to both fly and swim. This versatility is due to the puffin’s robust body structure, which promotes swift movement in the air and underwater. And while Bell & Ross’ BR03-92 Diver Orange doesn’t exactly recall an avian influence, it sure displays a thing or two about versatility.
While Bell & Ross are perhaps most recognised for their flight instrument-inspired timepieces, their dive watches bear the same hallmarks of legibility and performance-oriented engineering. Using the proven formula that meshes distinctive visuals with rugged materials, Bell & Ross’ BR03-92 Diver Orange is the horological equivalent of a pilot who exchanged his/her flight jacket for a diving suit.
A true diving instrument
True to its name, the BR03-92 Diver Orange meets the international standard ISO 6425 for dive watches. Complementing this rating are additional features that reflect the brand’s commitment to intelligent design and user-friendliness. Aside from a 300-metre depth rating, the watch also comes with a crown guard that guarantees full protection. The crown itself features a rubber insert for improved tactility, which makes tightening much easier and ensuring complete water protection.
Being out at sea puts one at the mercy of the sun. Without much shade available, dial legibility can suffer on account of excessive brightness. While the neon orange dial helps to provide some much-needed contrast, it is not alone in its mission. The 2.85-millimetre-thick anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal prevents the BR03-92 Diver Orange doubling as a miniature mirror. And when it does come time to submerge, a 60-minute uni-directional rotating bezel facilitates keeping track of time spent underwater.
As it is a limited-edition release, the BR03-92 Diver Orange will see only 250 examples distributed worldwide, 10 of which will be available in Singapore via Bell & Ross’ e-boutique. The timepiece comes presented in a water-resistant professional box and will have two choices of straps. The first uses a woven black rubber and features a steel pin buckle. The second comes in an orange synthetic fibre with an integrated Velcro closure system for easy adjustment.