Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The new Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France
The pilots of France’s precision aerobatics demonstration unit are getting a new watch.
French brand Bell & Ross has a long history of partnering with special forces, diving commandos, air forces and anything military-issued. These connections with the world of aviation and military forces have been at the centre of the brand’s development since its debut in 1992. More recently, in 2021, Bell & Ross announced a rather natural partnership, becoming the watch supplier of the Patrouille de France, France’s precision aerobatics demonstration unit. Following the BR 03-94 Patrouille de France and the BR 03-92 Patrouille de France 70th Anniversary, it’s time for these pilots to get a new watch, but this time from the more urban BR-05 collection.
The Patrouille de France is one of the world’s most famous precision aerobatics demonstration units. Born in 1953 but active since 1931 under different names, this elite unit under the control of the French Air and Space Force (the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace) is the oldest of its kind and is considered one of the best in the world. The patrol’s mission is to perform aerial displays consisting of precision aerobatics – for instance, the unit traditionally opens the Bastille Day military parade in Paris. The squadron is composed of 9 pilots and 35 mechanics, who have for mission to maintain and repair the 12 Alphajet planes assigned to the unit.
In 2021, Bell & Ross announced partnering with the Patrouille de France – somehow a very natural connection, knowing the French origin of both parties and the military/aviation past of the Parisian watch brand. After giving us two watches based on the emblematic BR-03 collection – the famous circle within a square with 4 functional screws – the latest Patrouille de France watch landing is part of the BR-05 range, a more urban take on the brand’s design codes, which was first presented in 2019. But pilots being pilots, B&R elected the BR-05 Chrono as their latest watch.
A larger, sportier version of the sporty-chic BR-05, the Chrono connects this collection to the brand’s origins. This Patrouille de France shares its specifications with the updated version of this watch – the inaugural model was powered by a modular ETA 2894-2, while the revised version features an automatic Sellita movement. As such, we have a fairly large 42mm case with a height of 14.25mm – nothing surprising for an automatic chronograph. The case is in line with other watches from the BR-05 range, with alternating brushed surfaces and polished bevels, a flat sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown – water-resistance is 100m.
The main point of differentiation with this BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France is the dial, which comes in a rather cool light blue colour over a sunray-brushed base. The inner part of the sub-counters and the angled inner flange with tachymeter scale are done in contrasting dark blue, and this edition features specific decal numerals and hour markers with SLN – no applied markers like the standard BR-05 Chrono. Several elements show the partnership, such as the logo at 6 o’clock and the seconds hand with an airplane counterweight. The date sits in a circular window at 4:30 (always debatable), but with a tone-on-tone disc.
Inside the case, under a sapphire crystal with Patrouille de France, is the calibre BR-CAL.326. Based on the Sellita SW510, itself an evolution of the Valjoux 7753 architecture, it’s a classic integrated automatic chronograph with a cam mechanism, yet an upgraded power reserve of 60 hours. The watch is available either on a steel bracelet or a dark blue leather strap.
A limited edition of 500 pieces, the Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France is now available for pre-order from the brand (deliveries Feb 25) and priced at EUR 6,990 – USD 6,900 on leather strap, or EUR 7,500 – USD 7,400 on steel bracelet. For more details, please visit BellRoss.com.
