Twenty years ago, Bell & Ross debuted the first of their now iconic square tool watches, a shape inspired by the flight instruments that quickly became the brand’s calling card. And while it can be a risk for a brand to tie itself so closely to a single design, Bell & Ross has managed to navigate shifting tastes while still remaining true to its core identity of a circle within a square. The brand’s latest collection, the BR-X3, is a perfect example of this — adding sophisticated contemporary touches to an iconic case design.

The Bell & Ross BR-X3 (Image: Revolution ©)

The Bell & Ross BR-X3, offered at launch in two references, takes inspiration from the BR-X5, the brand’s sportiest integrated offering, and brings this aesthetic into the classic professional case shape, in titanium and steel versions.

The Bell & Ross BR-X3 (Image: Revolution ©)

At first glance, the case may seem familiar; there’s a fair bit that’s new here. First of all, the 41mm case size is well pitched for a bigger watch in 2025, especially as square cases wear large. There’s a microblasted titanium case, paired with a black dial for that tactical feel, and a steel version with a blue dial that has a little more polish and flair. Both cases have an interesting sandwich construction, where the two main case plates, along with four screws, hold the entire complex case together. This allows Bell & Ross plenty of versatility when it comes to mixing up materials, finishes and colours of the case middle and other elements — something I’m sure will be well utilised in future iterations of this model.

The Bell & Ross BR-X3 (Image: Revolution ©)

Over on the dial, we see the ‘X’ motif add depth and complexity. Again, this is a versatile design that will work well with future complications (a chronograph with this design language would be great, for example), but at launch, we’re getting a power reserve and altimeter-style date, which is very in keeping with the BR’s tool-watch identity. The titanium model is matt black and goes wonderfully with the monochromatic matt grey titanium dial details, while the blue gives us polished finishes and a sunburst effect.

The Bell & Ross BR-X3 (Image: Revolution ©)

The movement here is solid. B&R has worked with Kenissi to develop the BR-CAL.323, a COSC-certified movement with a decent 70 hours of power reserve. It’s got an open-worked rotor, some fairly plain industrial finishes and is visible through the open case back.

The Bell & Ross BR-X3 (Image: Revolution ©)

Bell & Ross’ commitment to the square is commendable, and it’s a testament to the talent of Bruno Belamich and his design team that this staple design remains not just relevant, but exciting.

Tech Specs: Bell & Ross BR-X3 Black Titanium

Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.323, Automatic mechanical movement, power reserve of approximately 70 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds, date and power reserve indicator
Case:  Micro-blasted grade 2 titanium, 41 x 13.3mm, Decorative side pillar and bezel in black rubber, water-resistant to 100M
Dial: Black, with three-plate construction
Strap: Openworked black rubber
Pricing: 8300 USD

Tech Specs: Bell & Ross BR-X3 Blue Steel 

Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.323, Automatic mechanical movement, power reserve of approximately 70 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds, date and power reserve indicator
Case: Satin-finished and polished steel, 41 x 13.3mm, Decorative side pillar and bezel in blue anodised aluminium with micro-blasted finish, water-resistant to 100M
Dial: Blue, with three-plate construction
Strap: Openworked blue  rubber
Pricing: 7200 USD