WATCH REVIEW Bell & Ross BR02-94 Carbon

A watch with real personality

While many diver’s watches use the same old formulas and end up looking identical to each other, Bell & Ross has successfully gotten off the beaten path with its BR02.

The shape of the case is reminiscent of those for the Space 3 – one of Bell & Ross’ first models, one that was incidentally also reviewed by The Watch Observer.
Thanks to its curves, the case makes the watch look sturdy without appearing too heavy or large on the wrist.

The BR02 is quite a particular watch: the design for its dial and hands uses the same aeronautical style which inspired the BR01, and they in fact look as if they came straight from a fighter plane’s instrument panel…

This impression is further reinforced by the mat PVD version of the watch – a steel version of this model (the BR02 Steel) is also available, with a three-hand configuration also reviewed by The Watch Observer.

Another distinctive feature of this watch is its rotating internal bezel, giving the case a completely smooth appearance.
With most other brand names having progressively moved away from this type of concept, it’s interesting to find it here as part of a diver’s watch with a modern design.

The pros and cons of this system in a diving situation will mostly be according to each individual’s personal preferences and habits.
But we should nevertheless acknowledge that the design is rather well executed.

A watch that oozes sturdiness

Like the chronograph‘s push-buttons, the bezel is a joy to handle. The large diameter screwed-in caps are very easy to grab thanks to their rubber coating.
The threading is precise, and the assembly gives no sign of any play in it.

Altogether, the piece conveys a real sense of sturdiness.

One small criticism, though: the internal bezel is unidirectional.
While this safety mechanism is necessary for external bezels, the idea being to not be able to inadvertently “shorten” the indicated diving time with a wrong movement, it is however totally redundant with an internal bezel whose main purpose is to prevent such accidental manipulations!

The BR02s with a three-hand configuration are normally water-resistant up to a 1,000 meters.

As for it, the BR02-94 Carbon model reviewed for you today has a water-resistance limited to 500 meters because of the presence of the push-buttons on its chronograph.

This level of water-resistance is still more than sufficient, and it remains superior to many of its competitors’ models that are also equipped with a chronograph.

Purists will say that it’s not essential to add a chronograph on a diver’s watch.

In this particular case, the push-buttons cannot be used underwater, and they unnecessarily crowd the dial…

But Bell & Ross offer both versions, and each is free to choose what’s most important to them: the diving features or cooking noodles.

Daily use

The watch feels comfortable on the wrist, with its weight and thickness being quite reasonable for an “extreme” diver’s watch.

The rubber strap has a particular shape designed to fit well with the lugless case.
It is nicely curved and fits the wrist well.

However, it is a little too stiff to be perfectly comfortable.

Good news, though: Bell & Ross will deliver this BR02-94 Carbon with a second strap, this one made of nylon, which turns out to be a more comfortable option.

Its readability is excellent, day or night, even with its dial equipped with a chronograph.

Movement

While the three-hand version of the BR02 is equipped with a Sellita SW200 movement, the BR02-94 Carbon has a tried-and-tested ETA 2894.
It is solid and reliable, and will do its job.

One small inconvenience: the chronograph is hard to activate.