The Bell & Ross BR-03 Helipad Is Ready For Take-Off

When I first saw this watch, it immediately started the iconic tune of the 1980s cult TV show Airwolf, centred around a top-secret supersonic helicopter operated by a fellow named Stringfellow Hawke. Aired from 1984 to 1987, it followed in the footsteps of shows like Knight Rider, The A-Team and Robocop. This new Bell & Ross BR-03 Helipad is part of a long line of special watches modelled after dashboard instruments in aeroplanes and helicopters. In the past, we’ve seen watches that mimic the displays of radar, air speed, artificial horizon, gyrocompass, radiocompass and so on. This BR-03 Helipad, though, is the first one directly referencing the world of rotorcraft, better known as the helicopter.

It starts with the well-known square case in micro-blasted black ceramic, measuring 41mm in width and length, with rounded corners holding functional screws. The round bezel on top gives way to a rather unique dial and display of time, which we’ll get to shortly. On the right, there’s a screw-down crown to set the time and wind the watch if needed, and there’s a solid caseback covering the movement. The water resistance is rated at 100 metres, which is helpful in case of an emergency landing on water.

Then there’s the dial, which is not your typical display of time, obviously. From the outside in, you first get a sloped flange for the minute scale, with the brand’s logo at noon. The outer ‘ring’ on the flat part of the dial is for the minute track, which surrounds a big disc with a yellow outline, yellow hour markers and the big H to signal this is where you can park your helicopter. You know, like the ones seen on hospitals, or New York skyscrapers. On top of that, you get the silhouette of a helicopter, although Bell & Ross doesn’t state if it’s a specific make and model. The nose acts as the minute pointer, with the helicopter blades doubling as the running seconds indicator, giving the aircraft a hint of motion. Conveniently, several elements are coated with Super-LumiNova, glowing green at night.

Beating away on the inside is Bell & Ross’ calibre BR-Cal.327, which is an automatic Sellita SW300-1 at heart. Running at a rate of 28,800vph, it gives the BR-03 Helipad a ‘flight time’ of 54 hours. This movement was part of the extensive update of the BR-03 collection three years ago, and benefits from the upgrades Sellita incorporated in the base calibre, stretching the power reserve from 38 to 54 hours, as mentioned.

The Bell & Ross BR-03 Helipad is a limited edition of 500 pieces, presented on a bright yellow rubber strap with a black pin buckle, and an additional synthetic fabric strap with a Velcro-type closing. The price is set at EUR 4,700.

For more information, please visit BellRoss.com.