Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France

Delving into the world of aviation-inspired timepieces, we encounter the impressive Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France, a watch that embodies the spirit of precision and performance synonymous with the French Air Force's elite aerobatic team. This limited edition chronograph, a proud collaboration between Bell & Ross and the Patrouille de France, is not just a timepiece; it's a tribute to the skill, dedication, and daring of the pilots who grace the skies with their aerial artistry. This is the fourth watch to come out of this official partnership that started in 2021. This watch is limited to only 500 pieces, making it a very rare and exclusive timepiece for collectors and aviation enthusiasts alike.

The Patrouille de France, an esteemed unit of the French Air and Space Force, recently marked its 70th anniversary and stands as one of the world's most celebrated aerobatic teams. Renowned for its exceptional members, handpicked from the crème de la crème of fighter pilots, the Patrouille de France epitomizes performance and precision, proudly representing French aviation expertise on the global stage. The BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France serves as a horological homage to this elite unit, a celebration of the harmonious blend of skill and unwavering dedication.



Bell & Ross, a brand deeply rooted in the world of aviation, has been crafting watches inspired by cockpit instruments since its inception. This profound expertise formed the bedrock of the brand's partnership with the Patrouille de France, initiated in 2021. As Carlos Rosillo, CEO and co-founder of Bell & Ross, aptly states, "The Patrouille de France and Bell & Ross share core values such as rigor, self-discipline, and team spirit." This partnership is a testament to the union between one of the world's most precise and artistic aerobatic teams and a leading watchmaker in the aviation realm. The BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France marks the fourth timepiece created for this prestigious team, and it is an honor for Bell & Ross to equip the Patrouille de France.

As a creator of timepieces for professionals, Bell & Ross meticulously centers its design process around the needs of its users. Naturally, the brand consulted the Patrouille de France pilots when designing this new chronograph, fostering a strong bond through frequent meetings. Bruno Belamich, Creative Director and co-founder of Bell & Ross, explains, "The pilots are always consulted during the creation process, as the primary aim is to meet their needs and provide them with a mission-ready tool." While the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France isn't an operational instrument, it holds a "prestige" status within the military.



The visual allure of the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France is undeniable. The 42mm case, a harmonious blend of a circle within a square, is a nod to the functionalist design of aviation instruments, a signature Bell & Ross aesthetic. The watch's case is crafted from satin-finished and polished steel, exuding a robust yet refined character. The integrated bracelet design, reminiscent of iconic 1970s styles, is a perfect marriage of modernity and graphic appeal. The case is 14.25mm thick and is water resistant to 100 meters. The steel case is fitted with a screw-down crown that has crown guards to protect it from any unwanted hits or bumps.

The dial is a captivating sunray blue, mirroring the hues of the pilots' flight suits. The flange and the center of the counters are rendered in a darker blue, reminiscent of the Alphajet's fuselage. Speaking of the Alphajet, its silhouette graces the end of the chronograph seconds hand, a subtle yet significant detail that pays homage to the squadron's iconic aircraft. The dial features the Patrouille de France logo prominently at 6 o'clock, a symbol of pride and distinction. The numerals and hour markers are coated in white Super-LumiNova, ensuring optimal legibility even in low-light conditions. The rhodium-plated skeleton hour and minute hands are also filled with Super-LumiNova, further enhancing the watch's readability.



At the heart of the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France lies the BR-CAL.326 automatic mechanical movement. This powerhouse of a movement is not just about keeping time; it's about precision and reliability. With a power reserve of over 60 hours, it's designed to keep ticking even when you're not wearing it. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), ensuring accurate timekeeping. It also features a date window at 4:30 and an integrated cam-operated chronograph system, a testament to the watch's technical prowess. The sapphire case back reveals the intricate workings of the movement, complete with a 360° oscillating weight, a visual treat for watch enthusiasts.

The dial features two subdials: a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock and a small seconds counter at 9 o'clock. These subdials, along with the central chronograph seconds hand, allow for precise timing of events, a crucial feature for pilots and those who appreciate the art of timekeeping. The movement is protected by a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring durability and optimal visibility. The watch's integrated bracelet design seamlessly blends with the case, creating a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic. The bracelet is crafted from satin-finished and polished steel, offering a comfortable and secure fit. It's fastened with a folding buckle, also made of satin-finished and polished steel, adding to the watch's overall robustness.



The alternating satin, polished, matte, glossy, and sunburst finishes accentuate the watch's architectural volumes, while the metallic numerals, indices, and hands are photoluminescent, ensuring readability both day and night. The most striking feature, however, is the squadron's insignia. The BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France proudly displays this emblem, depicting the aircraft executing the "Diamond" maneuver. This emblem is also present on the watch's sapphire crystal case back, offering a glimpse into the intricate movement within.

The BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France showcases a luminous blue dial with a 3 o'clock sub-dial for chronograph minutes and a 9 o'clock sub-dial for small seconds. This technical, contemporary case safeguards the automatic chronograph caliber BR-CAL.326, with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and a power reserve of over 60 hours. The movement includes a quick-set date display at 4:30, and its cam-driven chronograph mechanism is seamlessly integrated into the movement itself. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear and even some water-based activities.

The story of Bell & Ross began in 1994, a venture fueled by the shared passion for watchmaking and aviation of two friends, Carlos-A. Rosillo and Bruno Belamich. With its Franco-Swiss heritage, Bell & Ross rapidly ascended to become a benchmark in the realm of professional aviation watches. In 2005, the company revolutionized watch design codes with the creation of the BR-01, a timepiece inspired by aeronautical instruments. This marked the birth of the iconic "circle within a square" design, which has since become the brand's visual signature. Bell & Ross further solidified its distinctive design philosophy at the heart of every collection, including the professional BR-03 collection, the urban BR-05 collection, and the avant-garde BR-X5 manufacture line.



Embodying the motto "From the cockpit to the wrist," Bell & Ross seamlessly synthesizes innovation and watchmaking excellence. The brand caters to the needs of extreme professionals as well as individuals seeking functional and distinctive timepieces. The watchmaking company boasts a presence in over 80 countries through a meticulously curated international network of 600 retailers and 25 exclusive boutiques. Its universe unfolds around prestigious partnerships with esteemed organizations such as La Patrouille de France and the Tara Océans Foundation.

The BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France is a limited edition piece, with only 500 units available worldwide. This exclusivity adds to its allure, making it a coveted item for collectors and enthusiasts. The watch is currently available for pre-order only, with deliveries expected to commence in early February. Priced at $7,400, it represents a significant investment in a timepiece that embodies the spirit of aviation, precision, and performance. It's a watch that tells a story, a story of partnership, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.

Case: 42mm width, 14.25mm thickness. Satin-finish polished steel. Screw-down crown with crown guard. Sapphire case back with 360° oscillating weight. 100 meters water resistance.

Movement: Calibre BR-CAL.326. Automatic mechanical movement. 60-hour power reserve. 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). Date window at 4:30. Integrated cam-operated chronograph system.

Dial: Sunray blue. Patrouille de France logo at 6 o'clock. Numerals and hour-markers in white decal coated with Super-LumiNova. Rhodium-plated skeleton hour and minute hands filled with Super-LumiNova. White second hand with airplane-shaped balance. Chronograph: 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, chronograph seconds at centre.

Strap: Satin-finished and polished steel bracelet. Folding buckle in satin-finished and polished steel.

Price: $7,400

Notes: Created in collaboration with the Patrouille de France, the French Air Force aerobatic team. Limited edition of 500 pieces. Available for pre-order, delivery in early February.