Bell & Ross Unveils the BR-X3 with Bold X-Shaped Watches
Bell & Ross reveals the BR-X3, a brand new collection, and it shares some key characteristics with the BR-03 and BR-X5 collections. The X designation is indicative of a complex case – multi-layer to be sure – and highly technical materials, while also pointing to a manufacture movement behind the dial. The 03 bit, on the other hand, is all about the aviation tool watch design nods that made Bell & Ross iconic. If your first thought on seeing the X5 some three years ago was that it should have started with the 03, then the debuts of the BR-X3 Black Titanium and BR-X3 Blue Steel (referred by their different materials from her on out) will be immensely gratifying.
As you can see, Bell & Ross have preserved the good old and much-loved “circle-in-a-square” look it is famous for, but now that circle has a big X in it. The brand says that the “X” designation signifies experimental and high-performance projects, and the BR-X3 fits the bill. Now, since the calibre here is the (somewhat) familiar BR-CAL.323 and the case structure is about the same as what you find in the X5 (both the BR-X3 Black Titanium and BR-X3 Blue Steel are 41mm, for example), we will open with design of the new watches. While Bell & Ross have offered amped-up versions of the BR-03 in the past, the new X3 models most closely resemble the 03 Auto models this year. Given that these all have a little X in them, that is perhaps unsurprising.
Designed for performance, the BR-X3 Black Titanium is constructed entirely from micro-blasted grade 2 titanium, but not in just one piece. Dramatically, here two grey titanium plates ‘sandwich’ a central black band, a design element that has the effect of transmitting and continuing the colour of the perforated black rubber strap through the case itself. In the Blue Steel version, the band is blue to match the strap, while the case plates are in brushed and polished steel. This construction is secured by four prominent screws, ensuring robustness and excellent water-resistance (100 meters); this is also a feature shared with the Blue Steel model. Interestingly, Bell & Ross does not say exactly what the material of the (multi-part) case middle is, only that the side pillars are in decorative black rubber and anodized blue aluminium (for the respective models).
Intriguing mysteries aside, the shared references continue with the graphical X-shaped dial, which in the Black Titanium version is a matte grey metallic structure that frames the large date window at 3 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock. In the Blue Steel version, the dial features a winning blue sunray finish, with a polished and micro-blasted rhodium-plated X-shaped applique. Returning to the movement, the COSC-certified automatic chronometer BR-CAL.323 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts an impressive 70-hour power reserve. Underscoring its reliability and robust engineering, the new calibre comes with a five-year warranty. With the launch of the BR-X3 collection, Bell & Ross successfully propels its most recognizable design forward, offering a compelling new chapter for enthusiasts who appreciate bold, contemporary watchmaking rooted in professional-grade performance.
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