Bell & Ross BR-X3 Patrouille de France: a new watch inspired by French military aviation
Bell & Ross continues to strengthen its ties with the aeronautical world with the presentation of the BR-X3 Patrouille de France, a limited edition developed in partnership with the renowned French aerobatic demonstration team. This new timepiece builds upon the ongoing collaboration between the watch brand and the pilots of the Patrouille de France. True to its DNA inspired by cockpit instruments, Bell & Ross offers a watch with a strong visual identity, blending military codes, technical design, and a certified in-house movement. Produced in a limited run of only 250 pieces, the BR-X3 Patrouille de France features the iconic colors of the French aerobatic team while incorporating several elements directly inspired by the world of aviation. It is available for around €7,900.
Bell & Ross Aviation Watches: A Brand Born from the World of Flight Instruments
Since its creation in 1994 by Bruno Belamich and Carlos Rosillo, Bell & Ross has specialized in watches inspired by professional instruments. From the outset, the brand has developed a strong identity linked to the military, aeronautical, and technical worlds. Bell & Ross's founding concept rests on four principles:
- Legibility,
- Functionality,
- Reliability,
- Precision.
These elements are directly inherited from the instruments used in aviation and extreme environments. Over the years, Bell & Ross has particularly distinguished itself with its square models inspired by aeronautical instrument panels. The BR-01, BR-03, and then BR-X collections gradually established this "cockpit" aesthetic, which has become the brand's signature. The military also occupies a central place in Bell & Ross's identity, which regularly develops collaborations with air units, pilots, and armed forces professionals.
A Lasting Relationship with the Patrouille de France
The partnership between Bell & Ross and the Patrouille de France is a long-standing one. For several years, the French watchmaker has been developing watches dedicated to this iconic unit of the French Air and Space Force. Founded in 1953, the Patrouille de France is considered one of the most prestigious aerobatic teams in the world. Its aerial displays rely on extreme precision, perfect synchronization, and exceptionally demanding technical mastery.
These values naturally align with the image that Bell & Ross wishes to associate with its professional watches. Several special editions have already been released as part of this collaboration, each featuring direct visual references to the world of French aviation:
- The colors blue, white, and red,
- Aircraft silhouettes,
- Official logos,
- Elements inspired by cockpit instruments.
The new BR-X3 Patrouille de France continues this logic by offering a more technical and higher-end version than some previous editions.
Discover the product sheet for the aviation watch Bell & Ross BR-X3 Patrouille de France
A BR-X3 Inspired by the Cockpit and Aircraft of the Patrouille de France
The Bell & Ross BR-X3 Patrouille de France retains the brand's iconic square architecture while incorporating a more sophisticated construction specific to the BR-X collection. The 41 mm case combines satin-polished steel and micro-blasted blue anodized aluminum. This choice of materials reinforces the model's technical aspect and directly evokes the world of military aviation. The multi-layered dial is one of the most elaborate elements of this edition. Bell & Ross uses several levels of depth here, with a matte black base, blue and white inserts, and luminescent details treated with Super-LumiNova.
The power reserve indicator at 9 o'clock features the colors of the French flag, while the counterweight of the seconds hand is shaped like a fighter jet. The transparent sapphire crystal case back reveals the automatic movement and incorporates a metallic Patrouille de France logo.
A COSC-certified in-house movement
The BR-X3 Patrouille de France is powered by the BR-CAL.323 caliber, a COSC-certified in-house automatic movement. This movement offers approximately 70 hours of power reserve and features:
- Hours,
- Minutes,
- Seconds,
- Date,
- Power reserve indicator.
The COSC certification guarantees a controlled level of chronometric precision, a feature consistent with the aeronautical world to which the watch pays tribute. The model also benefits from water resistance to 100 meters and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal for enhanced legibility. Bell & Ross offers the watch with two straps:
- A black perforated rubber strap,
- A blue synthetic fabric strap inspired by the Patrouille de France.
A limited edition for aviation enthusiasts
With this BR-X3 Patrouille de France, Bell & Ross is clearly targeting enthusiasts of military watches, aviation, and exclusive timepieces. The limited production run of 250 pieces reinforces the model's collectability, while its distinctive aesthetic positions it in the premium sports watch category with a strong personality. Priced at €7,900, this limited edition falls into the upper segment of the Bell & Ross catalog, thanks in particular to its COSC-certified in-house movement and its more refined level of finishing. This new creation also confirms the French brand's commitment to developing collaborations related to the world of aviation, a field that has been one of the historical pillars of its identity for over thirty years.
More
B.R.M AERO-8 ChronoHorizon: a new horological interpretation of the aeronautical world
Vasco NASA Worldtimer Steel: a French watch focused on space and universal time
BALL Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD 42 mm: the US Navy dive watch
French Navy Watches: the true French military dive watches
Editor: Éric Barse
Journalist, entrepreneur, and founder of the websites www.cafe-racer-only.com and www.scooter-3-roues.com, Eric Barse divides his time between his passions: motorcycles, travel, and watches. A graduate of the Saint-Cyr military academy and the 2nd RPIMA (Parachute Regiment) before pursuing a career in communications and digital media, he has a true passion for authentic watches that have accompanied his two-wheeled adventures for many years, from the Indian Ocean to Africa and Latin America!
