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.

Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision upright

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.

Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision profile, crown side

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.

Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision without strap, lume shot

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!

Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision flat

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.

Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision night-and-day shot

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.

Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision flat

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.

Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision lume shot

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!

Watch specifications

Brand
Model
BR-X3 Night Vision
Reference
BRX3R-GN-CA/SRB
Dial
Tinted sapphire base, luminescent applique, and black microblasted insert with matching applied indexes filled with green-glowing Super-LumiNova X2
Case Material
Carbon fiber inlaid with luminescent resin, Grade 2 titanium mid-case, lugs, case screws, screw-down crown, and crown guard with black DLC microblasted finish, luminescent green rubber side pillars, and black rubber bezel frame
Case Dimensions
41mm (diameter) × 13.3mm (thickness)
Crystal
Green-tinted sapphire with antireflective treatment
Case Back
Carbon fiber inlaid with luminescent resin and black-tinted sapphire crystal
Movement
BR-CAL.323: produced by Kenissi, automatic winding with hacking seconds, 28,800vph (4Hz) frequency, 70-hour power reserve, COSC-certified chronometer
Water Resistance
100 meters
Strap
Open-worked black rubber with black DLC-coated microblasted titanium pin buckle
Functions
Time (hours, minutes, small seconds) and power reserve indicator
Price
€13,900
Special Note(s)
Limited to 250 pieces