The Bell & Ross BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor marks an important chapter in the Maison’s pursuit of Haute Horlogerie, plunging into technical and visual territory that defies convention while remaining deeply rooted in the brand’s storied DNA. It stands as one of the most ambitious endeavours from Bell & Ross, bringing together the traditions of fine watchmaking with contemporary minimalism shaped by the language of industrial design.
The BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor adopts a skeletonised dial that immediately commands attention for its architectural transparency and geometric rigour. The dial’s grid-based layout echoes the squared form of the case, offering direct visual continuity between its container and contents. Only the bare essentials remain, with indications pared back to hours and minutes, displayed on a small sapphire fumé dial offset at 2 o’clock, a design principle that makes timekeeping subordinate to mechanical artistry. The hands themselves are rhodium-plated, set against the skeletonised structure with impeccable legibility. Finishing techniques employed across the dial include polished edges and brushed surfaces, engineered with linear reflections that draw the eye along the sharp contours and precise lines, heightening an overall sense of mechanical purity.
The technical heart of the BR-X3 is the manufacture BR-CAL.389 calibre, a feat of micro-engineering and horological artistry. Notable for its potent blend of complications, the movement is defined by a flying tourbillon positioned at 5:30, which makes its hypnotic rotation visible as it compensates for gravitational effects upon the regulating organ. The calibre also incorporates a micro-rotor for automatic winding, achieving a remarkable slimness with a total case thickness of just 9 mm. The oscillating weight is situated in the plane of the movement, enabling a svelte architecture while delivering a substantial 58-hour power reserve. The movement is further distinguished by its skeletonised design, echoing the grid concept of the dial, and features 26 rubies that punctuate the visual field with rich red brilliance. Bridges are meticulously finished, alternating between linear brushing and polished bevels, all contributing to a highly refined aesthetic that is nothing short of contemporary watchmaking minimalism.
The case of the BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor stands out with its radical interpretation of the iconic Bell & Ross square. Constructed from a mix of satin-finished and polished steel, the case is united with both a sapphire top and caseback, creating a full transparency that invites admiration of the movement from every angle. The square form, held together by four screws, achieves not only visual balance but also technical refinement, blending the steel middle with sapphire’s uncompromising hardness. With a width of 40 mm and a thickness of 9 mm, the case is sized for presence but remains unexpected in its slenderness, true to the technical promise of its movement. Water resistance is rated to 50 metres, and the strap is fashioned from grey alligator leather, secured by a folding clasp crafted from polished and brushed steel.
The BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor, Ref. BRX3M-TRB-ST/SCR – 89,000 €, is produced in a limited edition of just 25 pieces, underscoring its role as a collector’s item and a manifesto of Bell & Ross’s ambitions at the highest echelons of haute horlogerie. By distilling timekeeping to its essence and elevating mechanical spectacle to the fore, the watch not only redefines the notion of functional luxury but also advances the visual dialogue between case, dial, and movement. In the BR-X3, technical legitimacy finds new expression, and the balance between legibility and contemplation is recreated as an experience best understood upon the wrist. For aficionados and collectors, it stands as a clear assertion of intent, Bell & Ross has entered a new league, where innovation and tradition coexist in every finely brushed, polished, and skeletonised detail.
