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.

The multi-layer construction of the BR-X5 is discreet when viewed from the front, but comes into its own when seen from the side. The hollowed-out architecture of the case middle is captivating, revealing a technical construction that optimizes lightness without compromising on utility or water resistance. The different polished, satin-brushed and micro-blasted finishes throughout the case highlight the lines and surfaces of the design, and ensure the successful completion of this watchmaking puzzle.