Introducing: Bell & Ross BR-X3 Patrouille de France—The Brand's Most Coveted Watch for France's Most Elite Pilots
Bell & Ross has been building its partnership with France’s elite aerobatic display team since 2021, releasing a new collaboration piece each year. This year marks a significant upgrade as the most ambitious watch in Bell & Ross's lineup gets the Patrouille de France treatment. The BR-X3 is the most technically sophisticated watch in the brand’s lineup, and, at 250 pieces, it is the most ambitious chapter in this aerial watchmaking saga yet.
Things to Know About the Watch
The BR-X3 inherits the "circle within a square" architecture of the BR-03 but advances it through a multi-layer case construction in polished-satin steel—41 mm wide and 13.30 mm thick—, accented by a bezel ring and structural columns in blue anodized aluminum with a micro-blasted finish—light, resistant, precise, and unmistakably aeronautical. The three-plate dial construction layers a matte black base, a blue-and-white skeletonized applique, and a matte black insert—evoking the specific blues of the Alpha Jet, the squadron helmet, and the flight suit.
The black dial features a blue hourglass silhouette, and the central seconds hand's counterweight is shaped as an Alpha Jet silhouette; the power reserve indicator at 9 o'clock runs tricolor in blue, white, and red for the colors of the French flag; and the squadron's "Diamond" formation insignia anchors the dial at 6 o'clock. Rhodium-plated Baignoire-style indices and skeletonized hands are filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9 Grade X1. A date indicator at 3 o’clock completes the design.
Two strap options ship with the piece: an open-worked black rubber strap and an ultra-resilient sky-blue nylon synthetic fabric strap that mirrors the Patrouille de France flight suit. The nylon fabric strap is equipped with velcro closures, turning the watch into a very official flight squadron tool watch.
The Movement
Powering the BR-X3 Patrouille de France is calibre BR-CAL.323, a movement developed for Bell & Ross by Kenissi. It is COSC chronometer-certified, automatic self-winding, and delivers a 70-hour power reserve. Bell & Ross backs it with a five-year warranty—a meaningful commitment in this segment. The sapphire case back displays a custom metalized Patrouille de France logo.
On the Wrist & Price
The BR-X3 wears as a substantial but purposeful pilot's watch. Water resistance is rated to 100 meters. At its price point, the BR-X3 Patrouille de France is the most complete expression of this almost six-year partnership.
Sticker PriceUSD 8,100.For more info on Bell & Ross,click here.
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