The New Bell & Ross BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor

Bell & Ross alters its flight path to navigate higher altitudes with the release of the new BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor. Celebrating technical prowess and transparency, the signature cockpit-inspired watches that form the backbone of the brand make way for a new squadron of high-flying references where time takes a back seat to allow the movement a starring role. Arranged in a geometric grid composed of horizontal and vertical lines, the movement of the new BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor reveals each and every one of its secrets.

To understand the origins of the new BR-X3, we need only rewind a couple of months to the launch of the BR-X3 collection (X stands for Experimental). Marking a more radical, technical chapter for the brand, the BR-X3 has more complex displays, case constructions, and movements made in collaboration with Kenissi. The tourbillon and micro-rotor are not novelties either, and made their debut on the BR-X2 in 2017.

Although the case adheres to the signature square format of Bell & Ross, the case and movement are structurally integrated to form a seamless whole, similar to the construction of the 2018 BR-X2. Measuring 40mm across with a thickness of just 9mm, the case is composed of a satin-brushed and polished steel middle case, a sapphire crystal top and caseback, and the four iconic screws in the corners.

With no dial and sapphire crystals front and back, transparency is the name of the game. Every single component of the movement, from small to large, is exposed on both sides of the case and suspended beneath a series of horizontal and vertical bridges reminiscent of Piet Mondrian’s grid-pattern compositions. The clean geometry of the bridges creates pockets of negative space to showcase the calibre BR-CAL.389, a proprietary automatic movement developed for Bell & Ross.

Using a contemporary palette of steely greys, the 26 pink rubies add a welcome touch of colour to the network of brushed bridges with their polished bevels. Limited to just hours and minutes displayed on an off-centred smoky grey sapphire disc at 2 o’clock, the focus here is on the mechanics. Also, off-centred, the one-minute flying tourbillon is suspended in negative space at 5:30 with the “&” of the brand featured on the cage. Other conspicuous components, such as the micro-rotor, which allows for the ultra-thin 9mm case profile, can be seen at 7:30, as it captures energy for the skeletonised barrel at noon, keeping the movement ticking for 58 hours.

The BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor is paired with a grey alligator strap and a steel folding buckle. It is a limited edition of 25 pieces and retails for EUR 89,000. More information at bellross.com.