Limited to 250 pieces, this Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision takes the French brand’s long-standing relationship with aeronautical design and pushes it toward genuinely functional territory. It’s not just a watch that looks like a cockpit instrument; it actually borrows technology from modern fighter jet displays.
What makes this watch different?
Bell & Ross built the BR-X3 Night Vision around a concept borrowed from the head-up displays found in sophisticated aircraft. Fighter pilots know these systems as HUDs (heads-up displays) or by the French term “collimateur tête haute.” These displays present critical information through green phosphorescent light that can be processed quickly by the human eye, even when flying at night. Bell & Ross has translated this military aviation technology into a wearable timepiece.
The 41mm-wide, 13.3mm-thick watch feels substantial without being awkward. Bell & Ross constructs the case using a sandwich design, layering different materials together. The main plates use LUM-CAMO, a material that combines carbon fiber with photoluminescent resin. Four through-screws, housed in green rubber cylinders that also glow, hold everything together. Between these plates sits a titanium middle case with a black PVD coating.
This construction method serves a purpose beyond aesthetics. The multiple materials provide durability while keeping the weight reasonable. Grade 2 titanium is used throughout the case, including the crown and crown guard, both of which are treated with a DLC coating and micro-blasting. The bezel uses black rubber for contrast.
Follow all the latest news from Fashionotography on Flipboard, or receive it directly in your inbox with Feeder.
You might also read
The dial construction
Opening the dial reveals why Bell & Ross invested time in developing this piece. Three distinct layers work together. The base is made of tinted sapphire glass. On top of that sits a luminescent pattern cut into an X-shape with green highlights. Finally, a green-tinted sapphire crystal covers it all.
This skeletonized design allows you to view the automatic movement through the smoked glass. The cutout edges around the 70-hour power reserve indicator and the large date window are treated with green Super-LumiNova. Bell & Ross uses the same photoluminescent material for the numerals, indexes, and hands. Specifically, the watch uses Super-LumiNova X2, which emits green light when charged.
This recreates the visual effect that pilots experience when looking at their instruments during night operations. Green phosphorescence dominates because the human eye perceives this wavelength most effectively in darkness. Beyond its functionality, the dial’s graphic interpretation of luminescence distinguishes this watch from standard aviator designs.
Movement details
Inside the 41mm case is the BR-CAL.323 caliber movement. Kenissi manufactured this automatic movement specifically for Bell & Ross. The Swiss company is owned in part by Chanel, which also holds a majority stake in Bell & Ross. Similar technical foundations can be found in watches from Tudor and Norqain, though Bell & Ross decorates and finishes theirs differently.
The movement runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides 70 hours of power reserve. COSC certification confirms chronometer-grade accuracy. Through the black-tinted sapphire caseback, you can see the oscillating weight and its unique design. The visible portions of the movement align with the overall technical aesthetic.
Bell & Ross backs this caliber with a five-year warranty. This warranty period exceeds industry standards and demonstrates confidence in the movement’s reliability.
Design philosophy
The BR-X3 line takes Bell & Ross’s iconic BR-03 concept in a more experimental direction. Bell & Ross uses the X designation for boundary-pushing projects. Scientists and engineers often use this code for experimental or extreme work. The BR-X3 trilogy includes the Black Titanium version, which is inspired by stealth aircraft, and the Blue Steel model, which evokes spacesuits.
The Night Vision model completes this trio by focusing on nocturnal operations. Its green color scheme references aviation technology rather than serving as mere decoration. When worn, the luminescent elements activate in darkness, extending the watch’s functionality well beyond simply displaying the time.
Bell & Ross ensures water resistance up to 100 meters. The screw-down crown helps achieve this rating. The openworked black rubber strap is attached to the case via a pin buckle made from DLC-coated titanium. The strap design continues the technical theme while providing comfort.
Context within the history of Bell & Ross
Bell & Ross was founded in 1994 by Carlos-A. Rosillo and Bruno Belamich joined forces around their shared interests in watchmaking and aviation. The brand quickly established itself within the professional aviation watch industry. The company’s breakthrough came in 2005 with the BR 01, which drew inspiration directly from cockpit instruments. This model introduced the signature circle-within-a-square design.
Today, Bell & Ross operates in more than 80 countries through 600 retailers and 25 boutiques. Partnerships with La Patrouille de France and the Rafale Solo Display further solidify their connection to the aviation world. Bell & Ross maintains collections for different purposes: the professional BR 03, the urban BR 05, and the BR-X5 manufacture line.
The BR-X3 represents another step in Bell & Ross’s evolution, moving beyond pure aviation aesthetics to incorporate actual cockpit technology in their watches. While many brands reference aviation through styling alone, Bell & Ross attempts to translate functional elements into wearable form.
Availability and pricing
Bell & Ross is limiting the production of the BR-X3 Night Vision to 250 pieces worldwide. The reference number is BRX3R-GN-CA/SRB. It will be distributed through their established retail network. This production number positions the watch between mass-produced models and extremely limited editions.
Its multi-material construction and manufactured movement suggest a price point within Bell & Ross’s higher range. COSC certification, titanium components, and photoluminescent materials also add to production costs. Previous BR-X3 models set the price point for this collection.
