Bell & Ross introduces the BR-X5 Meteorite, a new expression of its Kenissi-powered BR-X5 collection. We had the opportunity to spend time with the watch ahead of its public launch, photographing it extensively and examining its meteorite dial, 41 mm multi-component case and BR-CAL.323 manufacture movement.

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Meteorite Hands-On: Our Detailed Look

The BR-X5 Meteorite Ref. BRX5R-MTR-ST retails at EUR 8,900 / SGD 12,400 in black rubber strap and EUR 9,400 / SGD 13,200 in steel bracelet. Limited Edition of 250 pieces.

Here is our hands-on comprehensive review of the BR-X5 Meteorite, where we give you all the facts and our honest opinion of the watch. This novelty is the latest addition to the BR-X5 which we reviewed in detail at the launch of the collection back in 2022. What is new in this release is the meteorite dial.

The Dial: solid Meteorite

What is new with this novelty is the meteorite dial. And of course the raison d’etre of this watch. The dial is a single massive slice taken from a meteorite which was discovered in 1906 in the Norrbotten region of northern Sweden. The iron meteorite is estimated to be approximately 4.5 billion years old, and fell to Earth around 1 million ago. It has remained under the Scandinavian permafrost which has preserved it.

Once cut, the Widmanstätten pattern is revealed. This pattern is unique to this particular dial itself as it is a natural crystalline structure formed by the exceptionally slow cooling process over millions of years. What makes the BR-X5 Meteorite dial special is that instead of the usual thin slice glued over a brass base, the dial is a monolith. This means that it is a solid slice of meteorite attached to the case by feet soldered directly to it. The surface is treated with a thin PVD coating to protect the surface for long term stability. The aesthetics is stunning. With shades of grey, black and silvery metallic portions reflecting light, animating as the angle of incidence changes as one moves one’s wrist. The usual Bell & Ross angled, large rehaut further adds to this visual as it allows light to be reflected onto the meteorite surface.

The dial layout and lume

The indices are the usual bar shaped, which Bell & Ross calls “bathtub” style. A term which is a very apt and descriptive of the indices. The center portion is partially hollowed out and infilled with white SuperLuminova which emits a blue glow in the dark. Of course, being a Bell & Ross design, the lume is bright and strong.

The BR-X5 Case

As we discussed in our introduction to the BR-X5 in 2022, the construction of the case is of interest. The design is built on a steel core, machined from the same block of metal as the crown guard. This design makes for a very strong protection on the vulnerable crown. Flanking this core are two plates, one in the front where the rounded square bezel is mounted via a rubber ring, and on the back where the rear bezel is attached. This construction is kept watertight to 100m by four screws that pass through the case via four columns. This case construction is more complex to make than a monocoque construction, and a similar architecture was used in the original Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3700, and recently revived in the new Ref. 5811 (full hands on review coming soon). The famous Ref. 5711 featured a monocoque case.

The architecture of the case is also engineered for strength with minimal weight. It retains the main Bell & Ross DNA. And visually, it makes for a very appealing watch. I particularly like the 4 screws on the bezel, which have their slots always aligned to point to the center of the dial.

The Movement: BR-CAL.323 Movement

The movement is visible from the case back. The movement used is the standard movement specified for the BR-X5 collection, and is the BR-CAL.323, which is a Kenissi manufactured movement. This replaces the BR-CAL.321 which is based on the Sellita SW300 used in less expensive Bell & Ross watches. In our view, the Kenissi movement is perhaps superior in construction to the Sellita.

For example, the balance is held in a bridge instead of the typical cock used for the balance. And gone is the full circular rotor used in the C.321, but in its place a skeleton regular half circular rotor is used, allowing a rather nice view into the movement.

Bell & Ross BR-X5 Meteorite – Deployant Take

The BR-X5 is an extension which fits the collection’s lineup very well. The line now has 13 variants, all exactly the same size with the same movement. The only differentiating factor among the models are the dial and case material. The BR-X5 is available in many dial colours, including special dials like the Racing, the Carbon or the Irridescent. The case is also offered in steel, as well as Titanium, in Full Lume, The choice of meteorite is a great addition the otherwise rather technical and industrial design.

The Bell & Ross BR-X5 is already a collection firmly established as one of the maison’s core offering. The case design sets it apart from its brethren as well as the competition. The choice to use the Kenissi movement is also a smart move to up-scale the collection. But it keeps the Bell & Ross DNA. The rounded square case remains. Only subtly modified to be more sleek and modern. The power reserve indicator is certainly a useful complication.

And of course, this watch ran without any issues. It kept good timing during the week or so it was with us. And it behaved like a tool watch, taking the rigours of daily life with aplomb, while looking quite magnificent on the wrist.

What the BR-X5 Meteorite Looks & Feels Like on the Wrist

The BR-X5 Meteorite wears like any other BR-X5. The 41mm square case is a good fit on my 180mm flat wrist. The rubber strap is pliable and flexible to articulate well on the wrist. Overall comfort is very good. Visually, the watch has some presence of a chunk of steel, but in our view, it wears true to size on the wrist. Individual mileage may vary, so we recommend to try it on before purchase.

Dial legibility is slightly degraded compared to the Black dialed version. The crystalline structure does busy up the dial a bit. But the presence and added beauty it brings to the watch, especially as the changes due to different lighting and light angles is quite mesmerising. Overall, the dial remains very clear and legible due to the design of the indices and hands.

BR-X5 Meteorite Pricing

The retail pricing for the BR-X5 Meteorite is set at EUR 8.9k for the review sample which is with the rubber strap. The base BR-X5 Black Steel, which was also the launch model, is currently retailing at EUR 7.7k. This would suggest that the meteorite dial adds about EUR 1.2k to the retail price. We think this is a reasonable price premium. Meteorite is extremely brittle and hard to cut into thin slices. The slices are then prone to cracking during the production which means that the defect rates are high, especially with the acid-etching process to reveal the Widmanstätten crystal patterns. Also, regional laws protection export have been tightened, making sourcing legal high-grade meteorite harder. But ultimately, the buyer is the one to make this determination.

BR-X5 Specifications

Movement	Calibre BR-CAL.323. Manufacture. Automatic Mechanical Movement. Power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
Functions	Hours, minutes and seconds. Date window at 3 o’clock and power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock.
Case	41 mm wide. 12.80 mm thick. Satin-finished and polished steel. Screw-down crown. Crown guard. Sapphire case-back with oscillating weight.
Dial	Meteorite. “Baignoire-style” polished, rhodium-plated applique indices filled with white Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade X1 (blue glow). Skeletonised, rhodium-plated, micro-blasted and polished hour and minute hands filled with white Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade X1 (blue glow). Circular satin-finished flange featuring 60- minute scale with black marking.
Crystal	Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Water Resistance	100 meters
Strap	Satin finished and polished steel or black rubber
Buckle	Folding. Satin finished and polished steel

BR-X5 FAQ – what you need to know