The new GIGN emblem watch by Bell & Ross.

Written by: Vanessa Formato

The French Armed Forces’ National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) is one of the most important organizations in the world when it comes to combating terrorism. The men and women of this elite force work hard to keep people safe, but who do they rely on to protect them? When the GIGN needed reliable watches, they knew just who to call, and now the GIGN has paired with Bell & Ross to produce one of the most reliable, versatile and exclusive timepieces around.

“The 42-mm diameter BR 03-92 is a functional watch par excellence, the ideal, discreet tool for professionals for whom each second may be a matter of life or death,” read a press release from Bell & Ross. The brand had to make the GIGN’s specific needs top priority if they wanted to create a watch that would be, above all else, an indispensable tool.

The watch that resulted is called the BR03-92 GIGN. It features a matte black dial for anytime readability, water resistance up to 100 meters, strong canvas or rubber straps and a power reserve up to 40 hours. This is a watch that members of the GIGN can use as a teammate; the piece’s capabilities will surely help it become much more than a machine in the eyes of owners.

This piece is also sure to be sentimental to GIGN members who purchase it. It includes the symbol of the GIGN on its face, which includes illustrations that reflect the group’s mission.

Bell & Ross is one of the most respected sources of functional, professional watches. The brand specializes in crafting for aviation and marine endeavors. This focus on functionality has helped the company produce even better luxury watches, as the pieces are beautiful as well as sturdy, with the wearer’s needs always kept in mind.

Bell & Ross expressed great pride in this particular partnership, saying that “it was not only a great honor for Bell & Ross to work side by side with these exceptional men and women [of the GIGN], but it was also an occasion to pay tribute to them.”

Creating the BR03-92 GIGN was not necessarily about making a profit. In fact, the watch, despite its impressive specs, will not be available to the average high-end watch consumer. Instead, this timepiece is an “ultra limited edition” only available to elite members of the GIGN. Only 200 watches will be produced.