If you've been following the aviation watch scene, you already know Bell & Ross doesn't mess around when it comes to their instruments and aviation inspired timepieces. Just announced today, their latest watch, the BR-03 Chrono Rafale Solo Display becomes the official partner of the Rafale Solo Display, strengthening its historic ties with military aviation—a partnership unveiled at the 2025 Paris Air Show.
The Big News: Rafale Solo Display Partnership
At this year's Paris Air Show, Bell & Ross dropped some serious news—they're now the official timepiece partner of the Rafale Solo Display, France's jaw-dropping fighter jet demonstration team. For those who know their military aviation, the Dassault Rafale is basically the Bugatti of fighter jets. This isn't just another sponsorship deal; it's Bell & Ross cementing their position as the aviation watch brand that actual pilots trust.
What makes this partnership so compelling? The Rafale Solo Display pilot puts this aircraft through 9-minute aerial routines at under 5,000 feet that would make your head spin. We're talking precision maneuvers that require split-second timing—exactly the kind of environment where a Bell & Ross watch isn't just an accessory, it's mission-critical equipment.
Here's the thing about Bell & Ross that separates them from other aviation inspired watches: they're not playing dress-up with aviation themes. Since 1994, even when Sinn was doing watches for them, they've been building watches that actual pilots use in actual cockpits. When you strap on a Bell & Ross, you're wearing the same DNA that's trusted in Rafale cockpits and by the Patrouille de France aerobatic team—another long-standing partnership.
Bell & Ross also renewed their partnership with the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace for another five years. While this might seem like a footnote, it actually reveals something important about the brand's character. They're not just chasing the next flashy collaboration—they're genuinely committed to preserving aviation heritage.
Things to Know About the Watch
The new Bell & Ross BR-03 Chrono Rafale Solo Display is available in a 500-piece limited edition in a 42 mm micro-blasted black ceramic case with black ceramic pushers engraved "START" and "RESET" filled with orange and yellow lacquer. The matte black dial features Arabic numerals in a highly legible font, indices, and hour and minute hands filled with SuperLumiNova X1 with green glow.
The yellow and orange accents on the pushers and the matte black dial, give the watch a very eye-catching look and bring the design code back into the cockpit of fighter jets. The user-friendly layout includes running seconds at 3 o'clock, a date aperture at 6, and a 30-minute chronograph register with orange accents at 9 o’clock.
The BR-03 Chrono Rafale Solo Display is powered by the non-in-house automatic calibre BR-CAL.301 with a power reserve of 42 hours. The watch is delivered on a black rubber strap and an ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric strap with Rafale Solo Display logo marking and a black PVD pin buckle. With a water resistance of 100 meters, this new watch is ready to take on the air, sea and land.
On the Wrist & Price
The Bell & Ross BR-03 Chrono Rafale Solo Display wears with serious presence but surprising comfort for such a substantial piece at 42 mm, thanks to its black ceramic construction. The signature square case sits confidently without overwhelming the wrist.
Despite the angular, cockpit-instrument aesthetic, there's no uncomfortable overhang or awkward positioning. The matte micro-blasted black ceramic gives it a stealth presence that feels appropriately tactical without being overly aggressive. Lastly, the yellow and orange accents pop nicely against the matte black dial without being too flashy or loud.
Overall, it wears like a watch that means business. Substantial and purposeful, but engineered well enough for actual daily wear rather than just admiration.
Sticker Price USD 6,000. For more info on Bell & Ross click here.
