BR03 Desert Type

With the upcoming release of their new BR03 Desert Type, we take a look at some of the special watches crafted by the French watchmakers and the security forces who use them.

While watches have evolved to become a statement of style, watchmakers have never lost sight of their true purpose – keeping time. While most professions appreciate the value of time, in very few of them do time keeping become a matter of life and death.

Bell & Ross have a long history of involvement with military and security agencies, crafting the best utilitarian watches for the men and women who put their lives on the line in the name of safety and security.

With the upcoming release of their new BR03 Desert Type, we take a look at some of the special watches crafted by the French watchmakers and the agencies who use them.


BR03 Desert Type

Taking inspiration from the sand-coloured outfits worn by pilots on desert missions, the BR03 Desert Type was designed to meet the specifications of air forces operating in warm countries.

Coming in three models, BR S, BR03-92 and BR03-94, the desert type will be available from March 2016. A reflection of Bell & Ross principles of legibility, functionality and precision the Desert type comes equipped with a chronograph function that is specially designed for air pilots needing a tool to measure short time intervals. (swipe left for next page)


 BR03 Type Aviation Armee De L’air

Sporting the iconic Bell & Ross look based of the gauges in a cockpit, the BR03 Type Aviation Armee De L’air was created for the French Air Force, to meet all of the practical requirements of their fighter pilots. (swipe left for next page)


 BR01-92 RAID

The BR01-92 RAID was designed as a commemorative watch on the 20th Anniversary of RAID –short for Research, Assistance, Intervention, Deterrence- an elite tactical unit of the French National Police Force. (swipe left for next page)


 BR03-92 GIGN

Made at the request of the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN), the BR03-92 GIGN was designed to meet the specific requirement of France’s elite counter-terrorism unit. (swipe left for next page)


 Pilot Type Aéronavale

 Produced as a limited series for the pilots from the French Naval Air Force, The Pilot Type Aéronavale breaks from the standard square shaped Bell & Ross watch.

Specially designed for air navigation, it even carries the colours of the French Naval fighters.


 

(Photos: Bell & Ross)

Check out some other watches with more to them than meets the eye: 5 diving watches we'd trust our lives with