The Excalibur Bi-Retrograde Calendar by Roger Dubuis

This year, Roger Dubuis celebrates its 30th anniversary, and for the occasion, the company pays tribute to its co-founder’s favourite complication: the bi-retrograde display.

This function, previously featured in the Excalibur Grande Complication alongside a dozen other highly complex mechanisms, takes centre stage once again. The Maison has also introduced a less complicated, more classic edition to further honour the bi-retrograde display.

Also referred to as “the ecliptic counters” by the Maison a nod to their elliptical shape and distinctive role in indicating the months and date the design showcases a symmetrical dial layout. Enhanced by refined detailing, it pays homage to the Maison’s early creations from 1996.

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Introducing Bell & Ross Unveils the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France

A Limited-Edition Marking 70 Years of the French Aerobatic Team

ByWaqt

16.01.2025

3 minutes read

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The New Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France Limited Edition marks the fourth collaboration between Bell & Ross and the French Air and Space Force's aerobatic team. This partnership celebrates the aerial unit’s 70th anniversary and highlights the establishment of the Paris-based urban unit. Given Bell & Ross’s dedication to aviation-inspired instrument watches, this collaboration feels like a natural fit.

The case of the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France is a quintessential interpretation of the BR-05 design language. It features a 42mm diameter and a thickness of 14.25mm, characterized by its rounded-square silhouette, a pronounced layered bezel, and the iconic visible screws. As a chronograph, it is equipped with broad, flat pushers on either side of the crown, which is framed by static crown guards. The sapphire crystal case back is adorned with the Patrouille de France logo, including its distinctive script.

The dial showcases the unmistakable tricolour of the French flag. The central seconds hand is red with airplane shaped balance, the chronograph subdial scales are white, and the subdial centers are navy blue. The main dial itself is rendered in a lighter blue, reminiscent of the popular ice blue tones seen in other Bell & Ross models.

At 6 o’clock, the dynamic logo of the aerobatics squad adds a touch of distinction. Despite the vibrant design elements, the watch maintains excellent legibility thanks to luminescent hour markers and oversized Arabic numerals. A tachymeter scale is printed on the dial flange for added functionality.

The BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France is powered by the BR-CAL.326 caliber. The same movement used in the BR 05 Chrono A523 in Collaboration with Alpine F1. This automatic movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers an impressive 60-hour power reserve. The rotor is a skeletonized star, further emphasizing the aviation theme.

The watch is available with two strap options: an integrated stainless steel bracelet with satin-polished links or a blue calfskin leather strap. Limited to 500 pieces, the Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France is priced at €7,500, which is approximately AED 28,350.

For more information you can visit the official website of Bell & Ross.

Technical specifications: Bell & Ross BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France

Reference: BR05C-PAF-ST
Case: stainless steel, Satin polished, Screw-down crown with two guards, sapphire crdytam Case-back showcasing a printed logo for the acrobatic team
Diameter: 42 mm
Thickness: 14.25 mm
Water resistance: 100 m
Dial: Sunburst blue, Patrouille de France logo at 6 o'clock, White arabic numerals and indices covered with Super-LumiNova, Rhodium-plated skeletonized hour and minute hands filled with Super-LumiNova, red second hand with airplane shaped balance, small seconds at 9 o'clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, date window between 4 and 5 o'clock
Movement: automatic, caliber BR-CAL.326
Power reserve: 60 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
Functions: Chronograph, hours, minutes, seconds, date
Bracelet/Strap: stainless steel bracelet with a Deployant buckle
Availability: Limited Edition to 500 pieces
Price: 7,500 EUR / AED 28,350 AED