From its earliest days, Bell & Ross has always nurtured a deep passion for the world of aviation. Over the years, the watchmaker has become an indispensable reference point in the field of instrument watches. Constantly looking for new universes to explore, the brand in 2016 plunged headlong into racing circuits, becoming an official partner of the Formula 1 Renault F1 Team. The Bell & Ross R.S. outfit, inspired by the yellow and black single-seaters, makes its debut with the fifth collection. This partnership seals the bond between the two French brands that both share the values of performance and technicality. The fifth collection of R.S. watches, which has just been presented, has as its theme that of the Formula 1 of the future. The line comprises four chronographs, one of which is also equipped with a tourbillon device. Five years ago, the managers of the Renault F1 Team contacted Bell & Ross and the watchmaker jumped at the opportunity, from which a collaboration was born. The union resulted in the annual creation of a collection of watches united by the theme of the quest for the extreme. From 2016 to date, four R.S. series inspired by this universe have been created. These families are characterised by their coherence and complementarity. Bell & Ross is not content with placing the collaboration logo on the dial, but goes much further. The watches marry the latest technologies and the most innovative materials used in the racing world. "These R.S. models enhance our savoir-faire, our DNA and follow the design lines of our partner Renault F1 Team," explains Bruno Belamich, Creative Director of the Maison Bell & Ross. Within these collections, it is the chronograph that takes centre stage. The chronograph complication makes it possible to measure short times and thus the performance of racing cars. This sporty functionality refers directly to the world of Formula 1 and complements the drivers' instruments, responding to their needs. "I felt it was essential to create a watch that would be useful to the Renault F1® Team drivers," says Bruno Belamich. "The chronograph has always been linked to motor sports. For watch lovers, Bell & Ross is a reference brand when it comes to design. To create the R.S.20 collection, the design studio started with a search for 'matter' to give shape to its inspiration. This year's collection is inspired by several sources: on the one hand the F1 car of the Renault 2020 racing team and on the other hand the R.S.2027 super car. The result is a collection that is distinctly futuristic yet anchored in the present. Classics in the avant-garde. The watches boast a spirit even more focused on design and graphics than in the past, while remaining faithful to the great themes dear to the brand: style, legibility, functionality. All revisited in a futurist key. The models project themselves towards an innovative, effective and essential world. Their stylistic signature points to minimalism, while the mechanics of these timepieces are rooted in the watchmaking tradition.
BR V3-94 R.S.20
This is the round B&R 'tool watch'. This chronograph is being produced in a limited edition of 999 pieces. Its large case is made of steel and features a bidirectional rotating bezel graduated to 60 minutes. The dial houses the 12 numerals found on the dials of sports watches. The typography recalls that of the Renault F1 Team. The chapter ring is divided into black and white squares like a chessboard, symbolising the flag that flies at the finish of motor racing. The yellow hands indicate the different functions of the chronograph. The engraving "Formule 1® Renault R.S.20" is featured on the caseback of this model.
BR 03-94 R.S.20
This is the brand's iconic square watch. Produced in a limited edition of 999 pieces, this chronograph features a scratch-resistant matt black ceramic case. All chronograph function information is indicated in yellow. The flange features a tachymeter function and is divided into two zones adorned in different colours. The chronograph chapter ring is positioned on a rhodium-plated brass ring for maximum readability.
BR-x1 R.S.20
This model takes up the brand's iconic case, a circle set in a square. The ultra-processed skeleton chronograph is produced in 250 pieces. It is an extremely sophisticated experimental version of the BR 03-94 model. The case features a structure made of different materials: PVD-treated titanium, ceramic and rubber, which are found in the worlds of sports watchmaking and aeronautics, as well as Formula 1. The bi-material rocker pushers are reminiscent of the speed controls on a steering wheel. A PVD-treated steel ring rotates around the bezel. The openworked dial reveals an ultra-sophisticated skeleton mechanism with its gears.
BR-x1 tourbillon R.S.20
Produced in only 20 pieces, this model represents the Haute Horlogerie offering within the range. A marvel of refinement and sophistication. The case is crafted from titanium, a light and resistant material used in Formula 1, and is protected by ceramic elements while a high-density rubber insert reinforces the grip. The fixed bezel houses the chapter ring while the rotating ring features a stop-start indication. The large-diameter calibre is regulated by a flying tourbillon with a variable-inertia balance. The hand-wound barrel spring gives the model a 100-hour power reserve (hand indicator). The chronograph function clearly visible in the dial is powered by a mono-pusher driving a column wheel, while the 30-minute counter is instantaneous.
