Bell & Ross has announced a new partnership with Defender Rally, joining the team as official timekeeper for its debut in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) at the Dakar Rally 2026. The first round of the championship begins on 3 January 2026, with stages set across the demanding terrain of the Saudi desert.

The Dakar Rally is widely regarded as one of the toughest motorsport events in the world, testing endurance, navigation, and precision under extreme conditions. These qualities align closely with Bell & Ross’ identity as a watchmaker known for creating professional instruments designed for reliability and clarity in high-pressure environments.

As part of the collaboration, drivers of the Defender Dakar D7X-R will be equipped with the BR-X3 Black Titanium, a watch developed for performance-driven use. Crafted from grade-2 titanium, the timepiece combines lightweight durability with high resistance — essential traits for a rally that pushes both humans and machines to their limits.

The BR-X3 Black Titanium is powered by a COSC-certified manufacture movement and designed with optimal legibility in mind, ensuring time can be read instantly in fast-moving and unpredictable conditions. Its functional design reflects Bell & Ross’ long-standing focus on precision instruments for aviation, military, and now off-road endurance environments.

Beyond the technical aspects, the partnership reflects shared values between the two brands: precision, resilience, and performance under pressure. With Defender Rally taking on one of motorsport’s most iconic challenges, Bell & Ross extends its presence further into the world of extreme competition — where accuracy is not just measured in seconds, but in survival.’