With the release of the new BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor, Bell & Ross is changing its trajectory to handle greater altitudes. A celebration of technical prowess and transparency, the signature cockpit-inspired watches that form the backbone of the brand give way to a new season of soaring references, where time takes a backseat to give movement a starring role. The movement of the new BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor is arranged in a geometric grid of horizontal and vertical lines, revealing each of its secrets.
To understand the origins of the new BR-X3, we only need to rewind a few months to the launch of the BR-X3 collection (X stands for Experimental). The BR-X3 marks a more radical, technical chapter for the brand and features more complex displays, case construction and movements made in collaboration with Kenissi. The tourbillon and the microrotor are not new either and made their debut on the BR-X2 in 2017.
Although the case follows Bell & Ross' signature square format, the case and movement are structurally integrated, forming a seamless whole, similar to the construction of the 2018 BR-X2. The case measures 40 mm in diameter and is only 9 mm thick. It consists of a satin-finished and polished steel middle case, a sapphire crystal top and caseback, and the four iconic screws in the corners.
With no dial and sapphire crystal on the front and back, transparency is key. Every single component of the movement, from small to large, is exposed on both sides of the case and suspended under a series of horizontal and vertical bridges reminiscent of Piet Mondrian's lattice pattern compositions. The clean geometry of the bridges creates negative spaces to showcase the BR-CAL.389 caliber, a proprietary automatic movement developed for Bell & Ross.
Using a contemporary palette of steel grays, the 26 pink rubies add a welcome pop of color to the network of brushed bridges with their polished bevels. The watch is limited to displaying hours and minutes on an off-center smoke gray sapphire disc at 2 o'clock. The focus here is on mechanics. Additionally, the one-minute flying tourbillon is suspended off-center in negative space at 5:30 with the brand's “&” depicted on the cage. Other eye-catching components such as the micro-rotor, which enables the ultra-thin 9mm case profile, can be seen at 7:30 collecting energy for the skeletonized barrel at midday and keeping the movement running for 58 hours.
The BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor is equipped with a gray alligator leather strap and a steel folding clasp. It is a limited edition of 25 pieces and retails 89,000 euros. More information at bellross.com.
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