The Excellence of French Pilots

Returning to flight with the Patrouille de France in a new, urban outfit, Bell & Ross introduces the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France, the fourth watch created in collaboration with the French Air and Space Force’s acrobatic demonstration team. This new chronograph honours elegance and excellence.


The Patrouille de France is a spectacle to behold in the sky. This elite unit of the French Air and Space Force, recently celebrating its 70th anniversary, is among the world’s most renowned aerobatic teams. Known for the excellence of its members, chosen from the top fighter pilots, the Patrouille de France represents performance and precision and serves as an ambassador of French aviation expertise. The new BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France 
pays tribute to this elite unit and celebrates the union of skill and dedication.

A Partnership of Shared Values for Bell & Ross

With deep roots in aviation, Bell & Ross has designed watches inspired by cockpit instruments since its inception. This expertise laid the foundation for the brand’s partnership with the Patrouille de France in 2021. "The Patrouille de France and Bell & Ross share core values such as rigor, self-discipline, and team spirit," said Carlos Rosillo, CEO and co-founder of Bell & Ross. "This partnership symbolizes the union between one of the most precise and artistic aerobatic teams in the world, and Bell & Ross, the leading watchmaker in aviation." The new BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France is the fourth timepiece created for this prestigious team, and equipping the Patrouille de France is an honor for Bell & Ross.

A Timepiece Designed with and for Pilots

As a creator of timepieces for professionals, Bell & Ross centres its design process around user needs. Naturally, the brand consulted the Patrouille de France pilots when designing this new chronograph, strengthening their ties with frequent meetings. “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,” explains Bruno Belamich, Creative Director and cofounder of Bell & Ross. While the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France isn’t an operational instrument, it’s regarded as a "prestige" piece within the military. Limited to 500 pieces, this watch honors the elegance and unison of the pilots’ aerobatic performance.

BR-05 Chrono: The Urban Watch with a Contemporary Design

Adhering to the brand’s principles of readability, functionality, reliability, and precision, the BR-05 has embodied an urban look since 2019. Its case design combines a circle within a square, a reference to the functionalist design of aviation instruments, establishing the distinct identity of Bell & Ross. Both refined and relaxed, this versatile 42mm steel-cased watch integrates seamlessly into daily life. Its integrated strap design recalls iconic 1970s styles; when adapted to Bell & Ross, it results in an effect that is both modern and graphically compelling. An alternative chic blue leather strap inspired by the Patrouille de France’s colours is also available.

BR-05 CHRONO PATROUILLE DE FRANCE

A Symbolic Dial
The colours of the Patrouille de France are integral to its prestige, from its light blue flight suits to the tricolour smoke trails during aerial displays. Bell & Ross incorporates these colours into the BR-05 Chrono to celebrate the squadron’s elegance. The dial’s sunburst finish takes on the light blue of the pilots’ suits, while the rehaut and subdial centres feature a darker blue, echoing the aircraft’s fuselage. The silhouette of the Alphajet, the squadron’s iconic aircraft, serves as a counterweight on the chronograph’s seconds hand. Alternating satin, polished, matte, glossy, and sunburst finishes accentuates the watch’s architectural volumes, while the metallic numerals, indices, and hands are photoluminescent for day and night readability. The most notable feature is the squadron’s insignia: the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France proudly displays this emblem, with the aircraft executing the “Diamond” maneuver. This emblem also appears on the watch’s sapphire crystal case back, revealing the movement.

An Efficient Movement
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 protects 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 integrated into the movement itself.

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 Tara Océans Foundation.