A little secret that we have been keeping since Watches and Wonders 2025. Presenting the gorgeous evolution of BR-03, the Bell & Ross BR-X3 that’s powered by the BR-CAL.323. Available in Stainless Steel & Titanium.
The Bell & Ross BR-X3 Black Titanium retails for USD $7,900 (Singapore’s Retail Price of SGD$ 11,200) while the Blue Steel variant retails for USD $6,800 (Singapore’s Retail Price of SGD$ 9,800). Singaporean prices includes the local Good and Services Tax (GST).
Three years after the launch of the BR-X5, the evolutionary baton has now been passed to the BR-03 family. Enter the new BR-X3 a more avant-garde interpretation that nonetheless retains the core Bell & Ross DNA. Where the BR-03 line has long been positioned as the utilitarian sibling to the more urban-inspired BR-05, the BR-X3 adds a layer of technical and aesthetic sophistication without losing its roots.
While the design language inevitably draws parallels with the BR-X5, the BR-X3 asserts its own identity through subtle but significant details. As ever with Bell & Ross, the devil is in the details.
The Case
The BR-X3 is offered in two distinct executions.
- Titanium variant: fashioned in micro-blasted Grade 2 titanium, it features a crown guard finished in black DLC, a black decorative mid-case, and a rubber-clad bezel for a more rugged, stealthy look.
- Steel variant: a brighter, more eye-catching counterpart that combines satin and polished surfaces. Its crown guard and bezel are crafted in anodised aluminium with micro-blasted finishing, lending the piece a striking visual presence.
Both models share a 41 mm “sandwich-style: case construction, where two metal plates (steel or titanium) enclose the mid-case. Four screws bind the case, bezel, and caseback into a coherent whole, delivering robustness fit for cockpit duty or recreational diving, rated to 100 metres.
What sets the BR-X3 apart from the broader BR-03 collection is twofold: the new sandwich-case architecture and, for the first time, the addition of a crown guard. The intent is clear, to underscore its credentials as a proper sports watch. That said, the crown itself feels undersized; those with larger fingers, or wearing gloves, may find adjustments a touch fiddly.
The Dial
The dial design marks another evolution for the BR-03 family, now constructed in three layers:
- A varnished base (matte black for the titanium, blue sunray for the steel)
- Polished rhodium-plated appliqué elements
- Micro-blasted rhodium-plated inserts, topped with “Baignoire-style” indexes filled with Super-LumiNova® X1 (green emission)
Time is indicated by skeletonised rhodium-plated hands, also filled with Super-LumiNova X1, ensuring superb legibility even in low light. In classic Bell & Ross fashion, the dial communicates with absolute clarity at a glance. The power reserve display and date window are both neatly executed, enhancing functionality without disrupting the design balance.
For the first time in the BR-03 lineage, the “Chronometer” inscription appears on the dial. A proud declaration of the COSC-certified calibre within.
The Movement
At the heart of the BR-X3 beats the BR-CAL.323, a Kenissi-manufactured movement familiar from the BR-X5. It offers a three-hand display with date and power reserve indicator, delivering 70 hours of autonomy at 28,800 vibrations per hour.
As we have observed in prior reviews, this calibre performs admirably, easily meeting the stringent standards of the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). Certification requires the movement to pass a rigorous 15-day series of trials across multiple positions and temperatures (8°, 23°, and 38°C), maintaining an average daily rate of between -4 and +6 seconds. The BR-CAL.323 has proven itself a reliable and precise engine, and its inclusion in the BR-03 line is a long-overdue upgrade.
The Strap
The BR-X3 is fitted with a newly designed “openworked” rubber strap, available in black (titanium) or blue (steel). The perforated pattern not only modernises the aesthetic but also allows ventilation, a practical boon in hot and humid climates like Singapore’s.
Comfort is excellent, as we have come to expect from Bell & Ross rubber straps. This time, however, the fastening is via a tang buckle rather than the deployant clasp supplied with the BR-X5. While functional, it does feel like a step down in refinement.
Competitive Landscape
The BR-X3 enters a competitive arena, and inevitably, its closest rival is in-house: the BR-X5 Racing. Both watches share the same Kenissi calibre, power reserve indicator, and titanium case architecture. Where the BR-X5 Racing distinguishes itself is in its modular case construction, carbon fibre faceplate, and the inclusion of both a titanium bracelet and deployant-equipped rubber strap, offering more versatility and aesthetic flair.
Beyond Bell & Ross, one cannot ignore the Norqain Wild One Freedom, which also utilises a sandwich case construction engineered for extreme durability, and likewise draws on Kenissi for its movement. It presents itself as a robust alternative for collectors seeking something less mainstream but equally performance-driven.
Concluding Thoughts
The BR-X3 represents a refreshing evolution of the evergreen BR-03 line. At Watches & Wonders 2025, it was the very first Bell & Ross novelty that commanded our attention, standing out as both familiar and forward-looking. The integration of the Kenissi calibre brings the BR-03 into modern territory, while the redesigned case and dial signal a willingness to experiment without losing sight of the brand’s DNA.
Between the two variants, our preference leans toward the steel model. Its interplay of polished and satin surfaces accentuates the sculptural curves of the case, while the vibrant blue dial and strap provide a visual punch that is difficult to ignore. It is a watch that turns heads, the sort that will make even seasoned collectors pause mid-conversation to take a closer look (which ironically happened during our 2 weeks loan).
Bold as it may sound, we believe the BR-X3 could well be the most compelling Bell & Ross in the current line-up. It is an evolution worth celebrating, and a sign of greater things to come from the maison.
