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New Product Review: Bell & Ross BR-X3 Night Vision



Just one month after the release of the Bell & Ross BR-X3, the brand has unveiled its first limited-edition watch, the BR-X3 Night Vision, inspired by the head-up night vision displays found in aircraft.

Just one month after the launch of the new BR-X3, the Parisian watchmaker has surprised us once again with another limited-edition watch: the BR-X3 Night Vision, limited to 250 individually numbered pieces worldwide. At first glance, it looks identical to the standard BR-X3, but this watch elevates the concept further, incorporating cutting-edge materials and advanced luminous technology inspired by the head-up night vision displays found in precision aircraft cockpits. The Night Vision perfectly embodies the brand's philosophy: combining professional-grade functionality with almost cinematic visuals.

Like its regular-production sibling, the BR-X3 Night Vision features a 41mm multi-component "sandwich" case, blending various materials to balance performance and aesthetics. The outer plate is crafted from LUM-CAMO, a pioneering composite material combining carbon fiber and photoluminescent resin. This composite material not only emits a captivating glow in the dark but also displays a captivating depth of texture in daylight.

The watch is secured by four screws within protective cylinders, creating a sturdy yet functional structure. These cylinders embody Bell & Ross's dedication to design. Made from luminescent green rubber, they ensure the light extends beyond the dial. The middle case is crafted from titanium with a black PVD coating, giving the watch the feel of a stealth fighter. On the wrist, the watch feels both rugged and surprisingly light, a balance Bell & Ross has meticulously refined over the years.

The multi-layered, skeletonized dial reveals the movement through a green sapphire crystal, which is covered with an X-shaped luminescent frame accented with electric green. This X-shaped motif continues the design DNA of the BR-X3, but it takes on new life in the Night Vision watch.

From the large date display to the 70-hour power reserve indicator, every element is coated in green Super-LumiNova, enhancing legibility and adding a vibrant glow that transforms the watch into a new look even after dark. It's not over the top, but it's certainly a bold and thoughtful design choice for collectors who appreciate watches in low-light conditions.

Movement
At its heart lies the chronometer-certified automatic caliber BR-CAL.323, developed in collaboration with Bell & Ross. Powered by Kenissi, which also supplies several renowned brands, it boasts a 70-hour power reserve and beats at a remarkable 28,800 vibrations per hour. In practical terms, it offers the reliability, efficiency, and precision you'd expect from a Bell & Ross product.

The black skeletonized rubber strap perfectly complements the case structure. The Night Vision watch uses the standard BR-X3 strap with a subtle yet pleasing upgrade: a black DLC titanium buckle, further complementing the monochromatic stealth aesthetic. These subtle yet significant improvements are precisely what long-time collectors crave and demonstrate the brand's unwavering attention to detail.

Bell & Ross has established itself as a leader in the field of fully luminous watches. The most direct comparison is the BR-X5 Green LUM, which we had the pleasure of personally reviewing two years ago. While the BR-X3 and BR-X5 share the same movement, their styles are distinct: the BR-X5 exudes urban sophistication, while the BR-X3 Night Vision is more tactical and practical.

Another close relative is the BR-03 Diver Lum Outline. The Diver is more restrained, with a familiar silhouette suitable for everyday wear; the BR-X3 Night Vision, on the other hand, embraces avant-garde style. The two create a striking contrast: one understated and practical, the other bold and avant-garde.

We have followed Bell & Ross since its inception, and we believe the BR-X3 Night Vision is a clear reflection of the brand's intentions. It demonstrates Bell & Ross's ability to push the boundaries of traditional design while staying true to its aviation DNA.

If there's one thing we, as reviewers and collectors, share, it's the desire to see matching luminous straps in future iterations. Bell & Ross has accomplished this before, most notably with the BR 03-92 Full Lum, which is simply breathtaking. Imagine a luminous strap paired with such a cutting-edge case! The BR-X3 Night Vision is an impressive innovation, capturing not only the science but also the poetry of light. And if history is any indication, this is just the beginning.