Meet The New Bell & Ross BR-X3 — A Watch Built For Extremes
I have long had a soft spot for Bell & Ross’s X series. The BR-X1 chronographs were some of the most technically ambitious pieces the brand has ever produced, and the BR-X5 models proved that this ultra-modern side of the catalog could also deliver good looks. With that in mind, it was only a matter of time before the BR-03 received the same treatment. Now, on the 20th anniversary of the brand’s iconic square case, Bell & Ross has unveiled the BR-X3.
The X series has always represented the experimental wing of Bell & Ross, borrowing inspiration from aerospace and pushing the limits of design. The BR-X3 continues that story, taking the familiar BR-03 platform and amplifying it with bold case architecture, refined movement engineering, and the kind of visual identity that has defined Bell & Ross since 2005.
Designing for extremes
The case is the headline here. Bell & Ross built the BR-X3 around a sandwich-style, multilayer structure that adds visual depth and technical credibility. “Two gray titanium plates — top and bottom — hold all components together. The black color of the strap continues through the case, forming a black band that runs between the two gray titanium layers,” explains Bruno Belamich, the creative director and co-founder of Bell & Ross. “This multilayer design lets us mix materials, colors, and finishes.”
It looks fantastic in photos, but I’m keen to see it in person. Case construction is something you feel on the wrist as much as you see with the eyes. If Bell & Ross has executed this as well as it appears, the BR-X3 could be one of the most sophisticated tool watches in the brand’s lineup.
Two versions, two personalities
The BR-X3 launches as a duo, and the choice between them says a lot about what kind of collector you are. Both share the same 41mm case architecture and movement, but the personality shifts dramatically depending on whether you go for stealthy titanium or the less expressive steel-and-blue combination.
BR-X3 Black Titanium
The first of the two versions is the BR-X3 Black Titanium. Titanium has long been one of my favorite case materials, and it’s always welcome in a professional-grade watch. The metal is light on the wrist, resistant to corrosion, and surprisingly warm against the skin. That comfort is matched by the vented black rubber strap, which keeps the watch breathable and secure even in hot conditions.
Visually, the Black Titanium leans into a monochrome aesthetic with layers of gray and black. For me, that’s a winning combination. Color has its place, but there are times when gray and black do all the heavy lifting. These shades give the watch a purposeful, technical look that suits the X series perfectly. Priced at €8,400 / US$7,900 / £7,200, it’s the more expensive option of the two, but it’s worth the upgrade in my opinion.
BR-X3 Blue Steel
For those who prefer a splash of color, the BR-X3 Blue Steel takes the same platform and infuses it with tones of…well, blue. The case is polished and satin-finished steel with anodized blue aluminum accents, and the dial has a sunray finish that shimmers in the light. It’s meant to evoke the atmosphere of aerospace travel, and it succeeds in giving the square case a more jewel-like presence.
It’s less tool-like than the titanium version, but that’s not necessarily a drawback. The Blue Steel feels more versatile, like a watch that could transition from professional use to evening wear with ease. OK, that’s perhaps a bit of a stretch, but it maybe looks little more refined than the Black Titanium, which is great if that’s your thing. For collectors who like their instrument watches with a touch of sophistication, it’s an appealing option. The Blue Steel is slightly cheaper than the Black Titanium, coming in at €7,400 / US$6,800 / £6,300.
The engine inside
Both watches house the BR-CAL.323, a movement produced for Bell & Ross by Kenissi. This is the same supplier behind Tudor, Fortis, and other respected brands, so the pedigree is strong. The movement is a COSC-certified chronometer with a 4Hz frequency and a 70-hour power reserve.
On the dial, you’ll find a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock to track those 70 hours and a three-date aperture at 3 o’clock. That symmetry gives the watch a balanced, highly legible layout. The fact that the movement comes with a five-year warranty speaks to the confidence Bell & Ross and Kenissi have in its performance.
Strap and wearability
The BR-X3 arrives on the same vented rubber strap I first encountered on the BR-03 Chrono Rafale Solo Display last month. I was a fan of it there, and I’m glad to see it return here. The cut-out design not only looks sporty but also keeps the strap lightweight and breathable. It’s the kind of small detail that makes a big difference when you wear the watch for long periods.
Between the compact 41mm case size, the lightweight titanium option, and the strap design, the BR-X3 is clearly built with daily wear in mind, even if its design language comes straight from the extremes of aviation and aerospace.
Twenty years of the square icon
The launch of the BR-X3 ties neatly into a bigger milestone for Bell & Ross. This year marks two decades since the BR-01 first appeared in 2005. That watch was a game-changer that brought cockpit-inspired square cases to wrists for the first time. The BR-03 followed in 2006 with a more wearable 42mm case. Since then, the brand has experimented relentlessly, from the Skull series to Flight Instruments and beyond.
What has remained consistent is the “circle in a square” design. Over 20 years, Bell & Ross has proven that the concept isn’t a one-off gimmick but a flexible platform that can suit everything from skeletonized tourbillons to stealthy ceramic divers. The BR-X3 is the latest chapter, one that shows the icon is still capable of surprising us 20 years on. Some people may argue that Bell & Ross’s square case is not iconic, but in my opinion, they’d be wrong. For us watch folks, it’s instantly recognizable in the way that any good icon is.
Why the BR-X3 matters
The BR-X3 is exactly what I want from the X series. It takes the familiar BR-03 form and reimagines it through advanced case construction, a high-grade Kenissi movement, and a choice of two strong personalities. My pick would be the titanium model for its lightness and monochrome appeal, but I can easily see the Blue Steel winning over collectors who prefer something more colorful.
After 20 years of bold square watches, Bell & Ross has shown that the concept still has plenty of room to evolve. The BR-X3 is not just a new release but also a reminder of why the brand’s design language remains instantly recognizable and endlessly adaptable. What’s next for the X series? Feel free to share your predictions in the comments below.
