Introducing: The Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision — Carbon, Lume, And Tactical Cool
Bell & Ross’s X series has been one of the brand’s most interesting evolutions to follow. The BR-X1 was pure concept-watch territory, a showcase for skeletonized tourbillons and high-end engineering that pushed the brand into experimental horology. Then came the BR-X5, a more accessible, sporty, and urban expression of the same design DNA. The BR-X3, which arrived last month, lands squarely between the two. It’s an ultra-modern reinterpretation of the familiar BR-03 form that’s lighter, sleeker, and even more technical.
Now, Bell & Ross has doubled down with the BR-X3 Night Vision, and this one’s something else entirely. The name isn’t just catchy branding; instead, it fits the watch’s whole identity. It feels stealthy, tactical, and engineered, as if it belongs in the kit of a next-gen soldier. It’s not actually a military-issue piece, of course, but as someone who grew up loving Call of Duty and anything with a covert-ops aesthetic, I think this hits all the right notes. I had the chance to see the watch during WatchTime NY, presented by Bell & Ross CEO Carlos Rosillo himself.
An advanced evolution of the BR-03
The X series as a whole represents Bell & Ross experimenting with what its core “circle-in-a-square” design can become when freed from strict aviation codes. The Night Vision is the most visually aggressive of the X-3 family and probably the most fun. The 41mm case follows the same layered “sandwich” construction that defines the collection, but this time, it uses an exotic composite called LUM-CAMO, a fusion of carbon fiber and luminous resin. The effect is a carbon pattern that subtly glows in low light, especially around the case edges and screws.
It’s a cool trick that walks the line between functional and futuristic. The outer plates are fastened with through-screws housed in protective green rubber cylinders, which are also photoluminescent. The middle case is titanium with a black PVD finish, keeping the weight low and the surfaces ultra-matte. It feels solid in the hand, as you would expect, but far lighter than the visual bulk might suggest.
Bell & Ross calls the BR-X3 “the instrument watch for night missions.” For me, though, it feels more like something from an advanced warfare simulator — perhaps something you’d unlock after completing a stealth campaign on Veteran difficulty. There’s that same energy of controlled aggression and precision tech. It’s not designed for combat, but it absolutely nails the fantasy of it. It’s certainly not going to be to everyone’s tastes, but it’s bold and daring in what I think is a good way.
A luminous display that steals the spotlight
Now, let’s talk about lume because it’s easily the star of the show. The entire concept revolves around green Super-LumiNova X2, with the same vivid hue you’d find on aircraft HUDs. That’s not accidental, though. Bell & Ross based the color and layout directly on aviation HUD technology.
The dial is a multilayered construction with an X-shaped skeletonized frame. The applied indexes, numerals, and hands are all filled with luminous material, as are the outlines around the date window and power reserve indicator. Even the sapphire crystal is tinted green, giving everything a slightly otherworldly glow. No, it’s not just your eyes; it’s all part of the plan!
At night, the effect will be wild. I only saw the watch do its thing in the artificially lit confines of Gotham Hall, but in true darkness, this thing will do the business. The whole face lights up like a sci-fi control screen, and the lume extends to the case sides thanks to the glowing pillars. It’s far more dramatic than typical lume applications. I’d describe it as slightly theatrical, even. Yet, it still feels grounded because it’s executed with the precision you expect from Bell & Ross.
Surprisingly wearable despite the tech
Even with its aggressive design, the BR-X3 Night Vision wears surprisingly well. With a 41mm diameter and 13.3mm thickness, it sits lower on the wrist than you’d expect. The short lugs and open-worked rubber strap help it hug the wrist nicely, and the titanium construction keeps it light. That matters because square cases can often feel bulky; here, everything is balanced and ergonomic.
This watch has a 100m water resistance rating, which is more than enough for daily wear. The matte surfaces and tinted sapphire reduce reflections, while the strap is both flexible and substantial. You could easily wear this all day without fatigue (and I would!). It feels purposeful, like a precision tool that just happens to look like it came out of a classified prototype lab.
Inside beats the BR-CAL.323, an automatic movement produced by Kenissi, the same manufacturer behind movements for Tudor and Norqain. It’s a COSC-certified chronometer, has a 70-hour power reserve, and features both a date and a power reserve indicator. The rotor is visible through the case back’s black-tinted sapphire crystal, continuing the stealth-tech aesthetic right through to the movement.
Why the BR-X3 Night Vision is the standout of the X-series trilogy
Bell & Ross watches often split opinion, but when they strike the right balance between concept and practicality, the result is special. The BR-X3 Night Vision does exactly that. It blends the bold design of the BR-X1 with the everyday usability of the BR-X5, creating a piece that looks equally at home on a collector’s wrist or, yes, a video game’s loadout screen.
The BR-X3 Night Vision is limited to 250 pieces, which feels fitting for something this specific. I like that Bell & Ross isn’t pretending this is a professional tool for real pilots. It’s an enthusiast’s watch through and through. It’s about design, material innovation, and just being a damn cool object too.
Final thoughts on the BR-X3 Night Vision
I liked the original BR-X3 releases, but the Night Vision is the one that really gets me. It’s unapologetically modern, deeply technical, and fun in a way that few luxury watches allow themselves to be. From the carbon to the lume and the shape, it all just works.
This feels like Bell & Ross back in its element — playing with aviation DNA, pushing materials, and giving us watch nerds something to geek out about. As someone who loves both mechanical watches and the aesthetics of modern tech and gaming, the BR-X3 Night Vision (€13,900) feels made for me. Out of the trilogy, this is hands down my favorite. Gimme!