November 21 2025

The BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor: Bell & Ross’ Latest Experiment In Mechanical Art

Ricardo Amaral BELL & ROSS, NEW RELEASES 2025, Dubai Watch Week, Flying Tourbillon, Limited Edition, Skeletonized 0

Bell & Ross continues to expand its Experimental series with the introduction of the BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor, a model designed around the idea of complete mechanical transparency. Rather than emphasising traditional dial design, the brand allows the movement to take centre stage, integrating it visually and structurally with the case.

A Case Built Around the Movement

The watch preserves the brand’s iconic square shape, but the construction is far from conventional. The BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor features a 40 mm case with a remarkably slim 9 mm profile, a technical achievement considering the complexity of the calibre inside. The middle case is made from satin-brushed and polished steel, while both the top and the caseback are crafted entirely from sapphire crystal. This layered architecture creates a transparent frame through which the movement can be admired from every angle, and the four corner screws secure the structure in place, remaining faithful to Bell & Ross design codes.

A Fully Exposed Movement With Geometric Precision

With no dial covering the mechanics, the BR-CAL.389 automatic movement becomes the focal point of the watch. The calibre is held under a composition of horizontal and vertical bridges that creates a precise geometric grid. This architectural layout opens up pockets of negative space, revealing the wheels, gears, and jewels in a strikingly modern presentation. The movement is finished in contemporary steely tones, and the presence of 26 pink rubies adds a discreet touch of colour to the industrial aesthetic.

Tourbillon and Micro-Rotor Mechanics

At the heart of the watch’s technical appeal is its combination of a flying tourbillon and a compact winding system. The one-minute flying tourbillon, positioned between 5 and 6 o’clock, seems to float within the open structure. Its cage features the brand’s “&” emblem and is visible from both sides of the case thanks to the full sapphire construction. The micro-rotor, located around 7:30, is responsible for the model’s slim silhouette. Its efficient winding mechanism feeds energy to the skeletonised barrel positioned near 12 o’clock, ensuring a power reserve of approximately 58 hours.

Minimalist Time Display

Since the movement is the main attraction, the watch keeps time display to the essentials. Hours and minutes are shown on an off-centred smoked sapphire disc located at 2 o’clock, blending into the architecture while maintaining clear legibility. This discreet placement ensures that the mechanical features remain unobstructed.

Limited Edition Craftsmanship

The BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor comes fitted with a grey alligator strap and a steel folding clasp, both chosen to complement the technical, muted palette of the watch. As a highly exclusive release, it is limited to 25 pieces worldwide and priced at € 89,000, positioning it as a collector’s piece within the brand’s most experimental series.

Our Take

As I’ve mentioned here many times, I’m not naturally drawn to skeletonized watches. Over the years, though, I’ve learned to appreciate them—mainly because they reveal the mechanical depth that fascinates so many of us in the world of watchmaking. Still, there are only a handful that truly capture my attention or make me think, “Yes, I’d actually want to own that.” The new Bell & Ross BR-X3 Tourbillon Micro-Rotor seems destined to join that very small club. Despite its structural complexity, it maintains a clean, almost monochromatic aesthetic in which even the pink tones of the jewels feel perfectly integrated. The only lingering issue is the age-old one: case size. If Bell & Ross had given it the 36mm proportions of the BR-05 collection, it would be close to perfect.