It’s been 20 years since Parisian brand Bell & Ross released its emblematic BR-01 collection, a striking design – known as the “circle within a square” – inspired by dashboard instruments found in fighter jets. This strong connection with military planes and pilots of all sorts has long been the brand’s defining style, pushing the idea beyond just the case shape, up to having displays inspired by radars, navigation compasses or head-up displays. And HUDs are coming back once more with the new BR-X3 Night Vision, a flight instrument inspired by nighttime aerial missions and the second chapter in the recently presented BR-X3 series.
A classic example of a watch with a dual personality… Already bold during the day, the BR-X3 Night Vision reveals its true nature at night, thanks to the use of luminescent material on nearly all surfaces. This is not a first for the brand, which has extensively endorsed the use of Super-LumiNova, first with the LUM collection and later with full-lumed dials or fully luminescent cases. About a month back, Bell & Ross presented the BR-X3 collection, a technical, more radical take on the classic squared watch, with more power under the hood, a more complex openworked display and a case construction that allows for material evolutions.
Speaking of which… Based on the visual efficiency of head-up night displays, the classic steel or titanium BR-X3 evolves into something much more technical and visually bolder as well. Now cloaked in a luminous, techno-futuristic camouflage, the case of the BR-X3 Night Vision relies on a sandwich construction, with the top and bottom plates made from LUM-CAMO, a high-tech composite that combines carbon fibre with a blend of Super-LumiNova resin. Black with discreet green inclusions during the day, the material shines bright at night. The plates are then fastened with four through-screws housed in protective cylinders, which are made of photoluminescent green rubber. The middle case is made of PVD-coated titanium.
Under the green-tinted protective sapphire crystal is a complex dial with the classic X-shaped design of the BRX collection. This construction is complemented by green highlights, which shine even brighter at night through the radical use of SLN. The multi-layered dial of the Night Vision remains otherwise identical to the steel and titanium editions, with the addition of a lower plate now made of sapphire crystal, which reveals parts of the movement. Also identical, the date window at 3 o’clock with three visible numerals, and the power gauge at 9 o’clock, with its 3-day indicator and E (empty) and F (full) markings.
Under the sapphire back is the calibre BR-Cal.323. This manufacture movement is made in collaboration with Kenissi and shares its architecture with watches from Tudor and Norqain. This automatic movement runs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations/hour, boasts a sturdy 70-hour power reserve, and is chronometer-certified by COSC.
Worn on a black rubber strap, the Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision is a limited edition of 250 pieces. It is now available from the brand and is priced at EUR 13,900, CHF 13,000 or USD 14,100. For more details, please visit bellross.com.
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