Bell & Ross released a followup to the BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor of 2025, with a time only version, taking the square skeleton watch design to a new, more accessible version. Presenting the BR-X3 Micro Rotor with our hands-on review and a video of Bell & Ross Managing Director Fabien de Nonancourt explaining the watch.
New and Reviewed: Bell & Ross BR-X3 Micro Rotor
New and Reviewed: Bell & Ross BR-X3 Micro Rotor Ref. BRX3M-MR-ST/SCA retails at SGD 30,600. Price is inclusive of GST. Limited Edition 99 pieces.
YouTube Video presenting the novelty
The case, dial and hands
This is an extension of the line for the BR-X3 released last year with a tourbillon. We covered the launch with a commentary and the release details. The design process deserves a bit of elaboration. The designer, Bruno Bellamich, had started first with the skeleton idea to house the tourbillon movement. The rounded square shape of the case, supports the design of linear bridges interlacing in two direction, creating a lattice like pattern. Bruno’s inspiration came from the geometric abstracts of Piet Mondrian and the modernist architecture and furniture design of Charlotte Perriand. The Tourbillon was completely skeletonised. As a derivative of the former, the new BR-X3 Micro-Rotor time only watch is only partially skeletonised. This is an approach which is the opposite direction from most others, where the skeleton movement is worked on to reduce material. While in this case, material is applied to the movement while removing the tourbillon escapement. Thus reducing the complexity and improving pricing accessibility. From the photograph below, the middle is open, such that the strap behind the watch is visible.
The case construction is also interesting. It comprise of a metal (stainless steel) case middle with two sapphire glass blocks bolted on. The top glass is particularly thick is secured with four distinctive screws. While the back is also a piece of sapphire glass bolted on to the rounded square case middle. With the micro-rotor movement, the watch achieves an impressive thickness of only 9mm.
A minimalist design follows over the lattice grid structure under the face of the watch. The watch is reduced to the essentials of two hands. Of course, this being a Bell & Ross carries inserts with strong lume. We note that the Tourbillon uses the cage to mount a seconds display, and carries the hour and minutes on a sub-dial which is made of frosted glass. The aesthetics of both are excellent, as is usual with the designs of Bruno. The exposed balance in its jewel is balanced by the micro rotor on the bottom half of the dial, and the two hands for the hours and minutes are centrally mounted.
The movement
The movement is the BR-CAL.390, which like the one BR-CAL.389 in the tourbillon is made for Bell & Ross by Concepto. The BR-CAL.390 is rhodium plated with polished and satin finished bridges over micro-blasted plates. The effect is rather beautiful, showing the finishing contrast very nicely.
The movement runs for a 48 hours of power reserve, and is form fitted to the square case, with allowances for the securing screws of the case.
Competitive landscape
If we stay with square watches, the BR-X3 stands alone. The silhouette is almost unique, and one instantly recognises a Bell & Ross watch even from across the room.
Perhaps the BR-05 Skeleton (SGD 9.6k) is a close inhabitant in the landscape. It is from the same stable, carries similar DNA, but yet, it is a totally different animal. The BR-05 is a fully skeletonised watch, and carries a totally different aesthetic. The design does not have the very distinctive lattice pattern.The movement, the BR-CAL.322 is based on much more basic Selitta SW300.
We could say the Patek Philippe Cubitus, but this would be an unfair comparison. The least expensive Ref. 5821/1A-001 retails at SGD 62.1k with a standard dial. Though the movement is a much finer Cal. 26-330 S C, with haute horlogerie finishing, the shape is round, and not fitted to the case shape. Neither is it skeletonised. But let’s say this is not a real competitor.
Concluding thoughts
This is yet another aesthetic wonder created by Bruno for Bell & Ross. The watch is very slim, and sits on the wrist very nicely, despite measuring a nominal 40mm square. The short and inward pointing lugs make the watch comfortable on most wrists , as it does on my flat 178mm wrist.
The pricing for a Bell & Ross seem a bit higher than their other offerings. But as noted in the the BR-X5 release, we see the maison climbing the ladder in terms of value, and thus the prices are higher than for the BR-03 or BR-05 watches. But with the higher prices, come much nice movements. Like the Kinessi used in the BR-X5, and this Concepto used in the BR-X3. Finishing has also improved over the BR-0 models over the BR-X collection.
