Bell & Ross BR-03 Chrono Elle Rouge, a project to restore an aircraft that crashed during a 100-hour flight from Paris to Tokyo in 1936.

A red "BR-03" chronograph model will be released in Japan, limited to 99 pieces. This model is named "BR-03 Chrono El Rouge," derived from the French word "Ailes Rouges," meaning "red wings." These red Bell & Ross wings represent Bell & Ross's passion for the world of aviation and its homage to the history of aviation. Bell & Ross, a watchmaker founded in France and manufactured in Switzerland, emphasizes its commitment to the world of aviation through this unique timepiece. This marks the beginning of an adventure to rediscover the story of aviation between France and Japan, dating back approximately 90 years.

The story of Japanese and French aviation

　The BR-03 Chrono Elle Rouge is a story of aviation between Japan and France. This story began in 1936 with French aviator André Japie. The 1930s was the age of aviation, when advanced nations around the world engaged in aircraft development and competed for distance and speed. In 1936, Japie attempted a 100-hour flight from Paris to Tokyo, organized by the French Ministry of Aviation. Due to the large amount of fuel required for the 16,000-kilometer flight, he undertook a solo flight. His flight from Paris to Hong Kong went largely smoothly, but he encountered bad weather over Kyushu and crashed into Mount Sefuri, located on the border between Saga and Fukuoka prefectures.

Mr. Japee and his beloved plane, the Caudron Simoun, crashed

　Thanks to the tireless rescue efforts of villagers, Jappie's life was saved, and he later gave valuable advice to the pilots of the Asia-Europe flight (Kamikaze) between Tokyo and London, thereby writing a valuable page in aviation history. The "Red Wings" project is currently underway, a joint Japanese-French project that seeks to complete this historic challenge, which began with a passion for aviation, across generations. The plan is to restore a "Caudron Simoun," the same type of plane used at the time, and fly it from Saga to Tokyo, completing the challenge that Jappie dreamed of.

BR-03 Chrono El Rouge

BR-03 dyed red with passion

　The base model is the BR-03 chronograph, which embodies Bell & Ross's iconic "circle within a square" design. This aviation tool watch with timekeeping functions features the coloring of the Caudron-Simoun aircraft, which is scheduled for restoration. The bright red dial features the French words "Ailes Rouges," meaning "red wings," as well as the year 1936, when the challenge began, and the year 2024, celebrating the 120th anniversary of Mr. Japie's birth, when this model was created. The small seconds hand features an illustration of the Caudron-Simoun.

Illustration of the small second "Caudron Simon"

　The red calfskin strap, featuring a motif of the seats inside the restored aircraft, further emphasizes the passionate red color. The 42mm stainless steel case instruments, imbued with the spirit of red wings, create a retro-modern impression. Limited to 99 pieces in Japan, the watch is serially numbered on the case back and comes with a black interchangeable fabric strap. This new red BR-03 is a passionate limited edition timepiece created by Bell & Ross, a brand with a passion for the world of aviation, and backed by the friendly history between Japan and France.

　The case back is also engraved with the Caudron Simoun aircraft image and the limited edition number.