Bell & Ross Introduces their Latest Patrouille de France Collaboration

I don’t know what it is exactly, but there’s something thrilling about air shows. In fact, every summer in my hometown, people will pull their deck chairs onto the road to catch a glimpse of the U.S. Air Force demonstrating an F-35A. And even I, as jaded as I am, do get a slight buzz when they zoom across the sky, doing loop-de-loops while I commute home.

And that’s just in rural Pennsylvania – imagine if I was commuting to my maison in France while the Patrouille de France whizzed by with their signature red, white, and blue smoke trailing behind. Quel spectacle!

While I have no plans to move to France anytime soon, I can say that Bell & Ross’ latest addition to their continued collaboration with the aerobatics demonstration unit of the French Air and Space Force, the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France, does add a little je ne sais quoi to one’s wrist, n’est-ce pas? (Okay, last time I speak French here, I promise).

As with previous iterations of this collaboration, Bell & Ross seamlessly incorporates aeronautical motifs within the framework of the brand’s design ethos. Keeping with their “circle within a square” design, the BR-05 Chrono has presence on the wrist, clocking in at 42mm. But it’s the little elements that show the true partnership with the Patrouille de France. Details like the light blue sunburst dial, echoing the pilots’ flight suits, and the dark blue rehaut and subdials, referencing the aircraft’s fuselage, make the design stand out above its predecessors. The second hand, with its silhouette of the Alphajet, adds a subtle touch that I think works well where other brands may appear to overdo it, a testament to Bell & Ross’s overall approach to editing where necessary – but keeping it interesting all the same.

Luckily, the watchmaker does account for the Patrouille de France’s air displays being a bit striking, a bit over-the-top – just maybe not where you can see it. Flip the BR-05 over and you’ll find a caseback outfitted with the unit’s logo against the sapphire back. And just below that? The automatic chronograph caliber BR-CAL.326, offering a 60-hour power reserve and 28,800 vibrations per hour.

The BR-05 Chrono Patroille de France is a limited-edition release of only 500 pieces and is available now for pre-order. Available with two strap options, customers can choose from a blue rubber strap (for $6,900) or a stainless steel bracelet ($7,400). 

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Brett F. Braley-Palko is a writer based out of Pennsylvania. Having a full-time job in the luxury pens industry has given Brett an appreciation and understanding for the EDC market. When not working, Brett has three dogs and an upcoming novel that both keep him pretty busy.
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