If you’ve ever looked at a Bell & Ross, you’ll know that they’re made for the cockpit. I mean, their recognisable circle-in-a-square shape literally looks like it was ripped right out of a fighter jet display panel. But if you needed any more convincing, the new Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Patrouille de France Chronograph celebrates their partnership with the French national aerobatic display team. A proper pilot’s watch.
The 42mm case is made entirely out of black ceramic, complete with a bidirectional rotating bezel, and looks the part with two black straps, rubber, and fabric. Powering the 500 piece limited edition is the calibre BR-CAL.301, a workhorse automatic movement that is used across much of their chronograph range.
The sunburst blue dial forms one-third of the French tricolour flag, with the red chronograph hands and white hour markers completing the trio of colours. Just those factors alone would make it a good looking watch, but at the bottom of the dial is where the real kicker is: the yellow Patrouille de France logo (also engraved on the caseback).
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The official partnership between Bell & Ross and the French national aerobatic display team was announced at the beginning of the year, with the watch to be worn by the pilots of the squadron. Interestingly, the chronographs worn by the actual pilots will feature quartz calibres, likely chosen for their improved accuracy and reliability.
Bell & Ross is no stranger to aviation and automotive partnerships, with the watchmaker inking another deal to work closely with Bollinger Motors. This comes off the back of the longstanding Bell & Ross support of Renault F1, which rebranded to Alpine Formula 1 this year.
As mentioned, the new Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Patrouille de France Chronograph is a 500 piece limited edition and will cost $8,500. You can check out the watch in more detail below.
