French watch manufacturer, Bell & Ross, has been supplying the French air force (and recently the space force) with outstanding pilot watches since it was founded in 1992. In 2016, the company launched a partnership with the Renault Sport 1 Formula Racing team, making limited edition watches. The square case BRs have been the most popular designs from Bell & Ross, whether they were designed with racers, pilots, or divers in mind. Speaking of pilots, The Patrouille acrobatique de France (or French Acrobatic Patrol for you yankees) is an aerobatic show similar to the Navy Blue Angels here in the US, and it’s celebrating its 70th birthday. To mark this occasion and the French Air Force’s history with Bell & Ross, the BR 03-92 Patrouille de France 70th Anniversary watch has been announced.
Much like previous BR releases (like the 03-92), this special edition watch has a 42mm wide and 10.4mm thick ceramic case, along with automatic mechanical movement. However, the unique engravings on the back of the matte black case, featuring depictions of historical planes, are certainly new and exciting. On the dial, we have a racing reminiscent blue with the Patrouille de France logo at 9 o’clock and the 70th-anniversary logo at 3 o’clock. Additionally, the white hands, indices, and numerals are coated in Super-LumiNova. It’s water resistant up to 100 meters and features an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Adding to the sleekness are the blue calfskin strap and the black canvas strap, both complementing technical and modern design.
Bell & Ross and Patrouille de France officially partnered in 2021, so a special edition watch was inevitable. And now it’s here to celebrate cherished history and a promising future.
The BR 03-92 Patrouille de France 70th Anniversary watch is now available for pre-order priced at $4,100, with shipping to begin mid-July and limited to only 999 pieces.
