The Parisian Gendarmerie’s elite Raid (Swat) unit and the French civilian bomb-disposal squad have Bell & Ross watches as essential kit. But the brand’s most ringing endorsement comes from the French Air Force. At the request of the Chief of Staff, the Instrument BR 03 Type Aviation was chosen out of three tendered brands, both as an emblem and as meeting the tough requirements of their fighter pilots.

Making high-end watches is notoriously difficult. That’s why they cost so much. And it’s even harder to convince customers when you’re not a dyed-in-the-wool traditional brand. Both of which explain Messrs Belamich and Rosillo’s initial hook-up with Frankfurt-based Sinn, a respected tool watch and cockpit instrument manufacturer that uses high-quality Swiss mechanical movements from ETA and Sellita. The early Space 1 chronograph– identical to Sinn’s Sinn142 – was Bell & Ross’ first big hit.