Carlos Rosillo is a French entrepreneur and business leader best known as the co-founder and CEO of the luxury watch brand Bell & Ross. Born in Paris, Rosillo established a strong academic foundation before entering the professional world, graduating from the prestigious HEC Paris business school and later earning a Master of Business Administration. His early career included roles as a strategic consultant for Strategic Planning Associates and as an executive at Bank Brussels Lambert in France.
In 1992, at the age of 27, Rosillo partnered with his childhood friend and designer Bruno Belamich to launch Bell & Ross. The venture began as a university project driven by their shared interest in military history and horology. Within the partnership, Rosillo took charge of the business and commercial strategy, while Belamich focused on the creative and design direction. Their objective was to create functional “instrument watches” specifically suited for professional use in extreme environments, such as aviation, diving, and military operations.
Under Rosillo’s leadership, the brand achieved several significant milestones. In its early years, Bell & Ross collaborated with the German watchmaker Sinn for production and technical expertise. By the late 1990s, the company secured financial backing from Chanel, which enabled it to establish independent manufacturing in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. A defining moment for the brand occurred in 2005 with the launch of the BR-01, a square watch inspired by aircraft cockpit clocks that became the company’s iconic visual signature.
Throughout his tenure, Rosillo has expanded the brand’s global presence, securing partnerships with elite organizations such as the French Air Force, the GIGN, and the Alpine F1 Team. His contributions to the industry and French commerce were formally recognized in 2012 when he was appointed a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur. Beyond his horological work, Rosillo is noted for his interests in artisanal craftsmanship, including a documented passion for cigars and philately. He remains at the helm of Bell & Ross, continuing to oversee its evolution as a prominent independent house in the Swiss watchmaking industry.