Bell & Ross BR-05 GMT Sky BluevsRolex Explorer II

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Bell & Ross BR-05 GMT Sky Blue at true scale

BR-05 GMT Sky Blue

Rolex Explorer II at true scale

Explorer II

Diameter

41mm

42mm

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

n/a

70h

MSRP

$6,264

lowest

$10,600

Movement

Bell & Ross BR-CAL.325

3285

Case

4 specs
Diameter
41mm
42mm
Material
Stainless Steel
Oystersteel
Finish
n/a
n/a
Caseback
n/a
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal Shape
n/a
Flat
AR Coating
Underside
n/a
Dial Color
Blue
Black
Indices
Applied indices
Index
Lume
Super-LumiNova
Chromalight

Movement

7 specs
Caliber
Bell & Ross BR-CAL.325
3285
Beat Rate
n/a
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
n/a
70h
Jewels
n/a
34
Hacking
No
Yes
Hand-winding
No
Yes
Complications
Hours/Minutes, Seconds, Date, GMT
GMT, Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$6,264
$10,600
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Bell & Ross BR-05 GMT Sky Blue

Owners widely praise the Bell & Ross BR-05 GMT Sky Blue for its excellent finishing, attractive case execution with sharp transitions between brushed and polished surfaces, and a cohesive, well-built package. The blue sunray dial is noted as visually interesting, and the watch wears well on smaller wrists. Some owners question its value proposition due to the Sellita movement, and one owner finds the crown can be fussy to use. Reviewers flag the bracelet links' edges as quite sharp when handling the watch. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Bell & Ross BR-05 GMT Sky Blue highly for its stunning case finishing and attractive dial at its price point.

From video reviewers

The build quality exceeds expectations for its price point. The GMT version has a thicker case profile than the standard model.

Rolex Explorer II

Owners widely praise the Rolex Explorer II for its high-contrast, legible polar dial with matte, textured finishing and its understated, classic, toolish aesthetic. Its clean lume, legibility, and ease of reading are also frequently noted. Some owners find the bracelet incredibly comfortable. Accuracy is reported as excellent, with one owner noting +/- 1 second per day. The 42mm case size is a point of contention, with some finding it too large and others appreciating its "big boy watch" suitability for everyday wear. The bezel is noted as easily scratched, and some criticize the lack of a Glidelock clasp. One owner dislikes the magnified date window for being difficult to read at angles. Overall, owners rate the Rolex Explorer II highly for its legible dial and comfortable bracelet, despite some debate over its 42mm size.

From video reviewers

The fixed 24-hour bezel and independent GMT hand provide practical dual-time functionality. The 42mm Oystersteel case is noted for versatile wearability. Reviewers disagree on the watch's sizing, with some finding it awkward and others stating it wears well.