September 18, 2025
The new Bell & Ross BR-X3 has landed, bringing a premium movement into the brand’s most iconic case. With a price tag of $7,200 in steel and $8,300 in titanium, the central question for savvy buyers is straightforward: does this new combination deliver on value, or is it just a clever reshuffling of existing parts? Let’s break it down.
The Verdict: Pros and Cons
For any watch in this price bracket, a clear-eyed assessment is crucial. The BR-X3 has distinct strengths and a few notable drawbacks.
- Pros: The star of the show is the Kenissi-made Calibre BR-Cal. 323. This COSC-certified, exclusive movement provides a robust 70-hour power reserve, a significant technical upgrade for the BR-03 platform. The dial design is another win; it’s thoughtfully layered, with a more symmetrical layout and a more legible power reserve indicator than the BR-X5 from which it borrows its mechanics. The build quality, with 100m water resistance and material choices like grade 2 titanium, is solid.
- Cons: The price is a major consideration. You are paying a premium for a new configuration rather than a ground-up design. At 13.3mm thick, the case is chunkier than both the standard BR-03 and the original BR-X5, which may be a dealbreaker for some. The polarizing three-day date window remains, and the display caseback reveals a movement that is mechanically excellent but aesthetically plain.
Putting It in Perspective
The BR-X3 isn’t trying to compete with every other tool watch on the market. Its real competition is internal. It effectively bridges the gap between Bell & Ross’s classic, utilitarian BR-03 line and its more modern, integrated-bracelet BR-05/X5 collection. It takes the superior engine from the latter and puts it into the iconic flight-instrument chassis that made the brand famous. This creates a unique proposition: the classic look with the upgraded performance.
Final Recommendation: Who Should Buy It?
The Bell & Ross BR-X3 is not for the first-time luxury watch buyer seeking the best spec-for-dollar ratio. Instead, this watch is built for the established Bell & Ross enthusiast. If you love the signature square case of the BR-03 but have been waiting for a model with the higher-end, 70-hour power reserve Kenissi movement, this is precisely the watch you’ve been asking for. It’s a successful, if predictable, fusion that delivers a ‘best-of-both-worlds’ experience for the brand’s dedicated followers.
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