Bell & Ross becomes the Official Timing Partner of Defender Rally, which will compete in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). On the occasion of the Dakar 2026, the first round of the championship starting on January 3^rd, Bell & Ross will support the team as its official timekeeper.

Renowned for its watches designed for extreme conditions, Bell & Ross finds in the world of rally-raid a natural field of expression. The Dakar Rally represents the ultimate testing ground for precision, robustness and legibility — the three pillars of the brand. The partnership with Defender Rally reflects a commitment to supporting teams that push both mechanical and human limits. Drivers competing in the Defender Dakar D7X-R will be able to rely on Bell & Ross watchmaking expertise to take on the most demanding stages of the Saudi desert. The Dakar Rally is a symbol of boldness, exploration and pushing beyond one’s limits — values that lie at the very heart of Bell & Ross’ DNA. The BR-X3 Black Titanium, with its iconic ‘circle within a square’ design, perfectly embodies this philosophy: precision, legibility and robustness in the most extreme conditions. We are proud to partner with Defender Rally, a team that shares our passion for adventure and our commitment to performance, and to see our watches accompany the drivers throughout this iconic race.” Carlos Rosillo, Co-founder & CEO of Bell & Ross.

As part of this partnership, Bell & Ross will equip the Defender Rally team with the BR-X3 Black Titanium — the ultimate embodiment of watchmaking excellence and precision engineering. Born of Bell & Ross’ technical expertise, the BR-X3 Black Titanium represents the perfect fusion of innovation, robustness and precision. Its grade 2 titanium construction, COSC-certified manufacture movement and optimal legibility make it an instrument perfectly suited to the challenges of the Dakar Rally, where every second counts and conditions push both human and machine to their limits.

The partnership between Bell & Ross and Defender Rally is not based solely on precision and performance, but on a shared aesthetic and functional affinity. Bell & Ross’ professional line, with its round dial framed by a square case, sharp and angular lines, and resolutely instrumental appearance, shares a clear visual language with the Defender Dakar D7X-R: robustness, purity of form and maximum functionality.

“The functional design of our iconic square watch naturally echoes that of Defender Dakar D7X-R. Both express a bold, uncompromising character defined by strong lines and purposeful forms”. Bruno Belamich, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Bell & Ross. Our professional watches thus become true onboard instruments for adventure, mirroring the vehicle they accompany. This collaboration continues Bell & Ross’ long-standing expertise in high-performance environments, following its acclaimed commitments in aviation, diving and motorsport.

The history of Bell & Ross began in 1994, driven by two friends, Carlos-A. Rosillo and Bruno Belamich, both passionate about watchmaking and aviation. With a Franco-Swiss heritage, Bell & Ross quickly became a reference in the field of professional aviation watches.

In 2005, the company revolutionized watch design codes with the creation of the BR 01, inspired by aeronautical instruments. The iconic “circle within a square” was born, becoming its visual signature. Bell & Ross then established its distinctive design at the heart of every collection: the professional BR 03 collection, the urban BR 05 collection, and the avant-garde BR-X5 manufacture line.

Synthesizing innovation and watchmaking excellence, Bell & Ross embodies the motto “From the cockpit to the wrist,” catering to extreme professionals as well as individuals seeking functional and distinctive watches.

The watchmaking company is present in over 80 countries through a carefully selected international network of 600 retailers and 25 exclusive boutiques. Its universe unfolds around prestigious partnerships with La Patrouille de France and the Rafale Solo Display.