Bell & Ross is once again back in flight with the Patrouille de France. Kicking off 2025 with a bang, the watchmaker has dropped a new collaborative piece with the elite unit of the French Air and Space Force’s aerobatic team.
The fourth watch born from the partnership with Patrouille de France this time takes the shape of the BR-05 Chrono. It is the first time the collaboration is featuring a watch from the brand’s Urban Collection.
Soaring Inspiration
Patrouille de France is among the world’s most renowned aerobatic teams.
The BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France takes inspiration from the blue of pilots’ flight suits and aircraft. As such it sports a sky-blue sunburst dial along with refined finishes. Additionally, the silhouette of the Alphajet, the squadron’s iconic aircraft, serves as a counterweight on the chronograph’s seconds hand.
The squadron’s insignia is featured on the dial with the aircraft executing the “Diamond” maneuver. This emblem also appears on the watch’s sapphire crystal case back, revealing the movement. Powered by the BR-CAL.326 caliber, the timepiece offers a 60-hour power reserve.
The colours of the French squadron are integral to the watch’s design.
Strap options for the 42mm timepiece includes an integrated stainless-steel strap. There’s also an alternative chic blue leather strap inspired by the Patrouille de France’s colours as an option.
A True Collaboration
BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France arrives with two strap options.
According to Bruno Belamich, Creative Director and co-founder of Bell & Ross, the brand consulted the Patrouille de France pilots when designing this new chronograph. “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 Belamich.
While the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France isn’t an operational instrument, it’s regarded as a “prestige” piece within the military. And it must be said that the BR-05 represents the perfect vessel for this fourth collaboration.
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. For fans of the brand and the Patrouille de France, they need to move fast to get the BR-05 Chrono. The timepiece celebrating the technical excellence and prestige of the squadron is limited to 500 pieces.
