The Saudi Arabian desert is perhaps the most unforgiving “office” on Earth. For two weeks every January, the Dakar Rally transforms this vast expanse of dunes and shale into a high-stakes arena where seconds are the difference between a podium finish and a mechanical breakdown. This year, as the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) kicks off, a new icon is entering the fray: Bell & Ross has officially strapped in as the Official Timing Partner of Defender Rally.

The partnership marks a significant evolution for the French-Swiss watchmaker. Known globally for its aviation-inspired “circle within a square” design, Bell & Ross is moving from the cockpit to the desert floor, finding a natural ally in the rugged Defender Dakar D7X-R.

A Shared Language of Design

At first glance, a luxury timepiece and a rally-spec SUV might seem worlds apart. However, look closer at the sharp, angular lines of the Defender and the tactical silhouette of the newly released BR-X3 Black Titanium, and the synergy becomes clear.

While the Defender utilises a reinforced D7x body and a twin-turbo V8 engine to survive the dunes, the drivers rely on the BR-X3’s Grade 2 titanium construction to withstand the constant vibrations and 45ºC heat of the Saudi sun.

Precision Under Pressure

In a rally spanning 8,000 kilometres, timing is everything. The Defender Rally team will be equipped with the BR-X3, a watch that serves as a literal onboard instrument. Key features include:

• COSC-Certified Accuracy: In a race where navigation and speed are tracked to the millisecond, the manufacture movement ensures elite-level precision.
• Extreme Legibility: With high-contrast Super-LumiNova® and a three-layer dial, drivers can read the time at a glance while navigating “The Empty Quarter” at high speeds.
• Tactical Resilience: The micro-blasted titanium case is built to be “tool-watch” tough, resisting the grit and impact of the desert.

The Legacy of Adventure

For Bell & Ross CEO Carlos Rosillo, the Dakar Rally is the ultimate testing ground. Since 1994, the brand has been obsessed with “extreme professionals.” By partnering with Defender Rally, they are continuing a legacy that began with fighter pilots and elite divers.

As the engines roar to life in Yanbu this January, Bell & Ross won’t just be watching from the sidelines. They will be on the wrists of the men and women pushing the D7X-R to its limits, proving that whether you are at 30,000 feet or deep in the desert canyon, precision remains the most valuable tool in the kit.