Since it was founded, Bell & Ross has been passionate about the world of aviation. Over the years, the watch brand has become a leading benchmark in the instrument watch field. Constantly seeking new universes to explore, the brand made its first foray onto the tracks in 2016 becoming an official partner of the Formula 1 Renault Team. The 2020 R.S. collection is inspired by yellow and black Formula 1 cars. Bell & Ross’ fifth collection is the new R.S.20. Partnering with the Renault F1 Team since 2016 and studying the world of Formula 1 ever since, this partnership solidifies the coming together of two French brands, united by their shared values of high performance and high tech. The fifth collection of R.S. watches has just been released and has the “Formula 1 of the future” theme. It is composed of four sports chronographs including an exceptional tourbillon.
This year, the collection drew its inspiration from different sources. These included the F1 car for the Renault 2020 team and the R.S.2027 concept car. The result is an outstandingly futuristic collection anchored in the present. Classic avant-garde watches.The spirit of these watches is much more focussed on design and graphics than before. They maintain the brand’s main themes: Style, legibility, functionality. All are given a futuristic feel. They are thrust into an innovative, efficient and stripped-down world. Whilst the lines of these timepieces are purer, their mechanical elements connect them to watchmaking tradition.
Bell & Ross BR V3-94 R.S.20
This is Bell & Ross’ round ‘tool watch’. This chronograph is designed in a limited edition of 999 pieces. Its 43 mm case is made from stainless steel and the watch is equipped with a bidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale which can be used to measure short periods of time. The dial houses the 12 numerals present on the dials of sports watches. The typography is the same as the one used by the Renault F1 Team. The minute track is split into small black and white chequered squares which symbolize the finish line flag used in motor racing. The yellow hands display the different functions of the chronograph. The back of this model is engraved with “Formula 1 Renault R.S.20”. The new Bell & Ross BR V3-94 R.S.20 is available with matching stainless steel bracelet or on a black and yellow perforated rubber strap.
Sticker Price $4,400 USD on a strap and $4,700 USD on a bracelet. For more info on Bell & Ross click here.
Bell & Ross BR03-94 R.S.20
This is the brand’s most iconic square watch. This chronograph produced in a limited edition of 999 pieces, features a matte black 42 mm ceramic scratchproof case. All information provided by the chronograph function is shown in yellow. The flange houses the tachymeter, divided into two zones, each with its own color. The chronograph minute track sits on a rhodium-plated brass ring, for optimal legibility.
Sticker Price $6,500 USD. For more info on Bell & Ross click here.
Bell & Ross BR-X1 R.S.20
This model features the brand’s iconic ‘circle within a square’ case. This highly worked skeletonized chronograph is available as a limited edition of 250 pieces. It is an extremely sophisticated experimental version of the BR 03-94. Its 45 mm case is made from a multi-material structure: PVD coated titanium, ceramic and rubber. These materials are used in sports watchmaking, as well as in aeronautics and Formula 1. The two-material rocker pushers are reminiscent of the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. A PVD-coated steel ring turns around the bezel. The open-worked dial reveals a highly sophisticated skeletonized mechanism and its gears.
Sticker Price $21,500 USD. For more info on Bell & Ross click here.
Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon R.S.20
Produced in a limited edition of just 20 pieces, it is the Haute Horlogerie offering within the range. A marvel of sophistication and subtlety. Its 45 mm case is cut from titanium, a lightweight and resistant material used in Formula 1. Protected by ceramic elements, a high-density rubber insert improves handling of the chrono functions. The fixed bezel houses the minute track, and the rotating ring features a ‘stop-start’ indication. Its large calibre is regulated by a flying tourbillon with a variable inertia balance. The barrel spring, with manual winding, provides a power reserve of 100 hours. The chronograph function, clearly visible on the dial side, is driven by a mono-pusher that activates a column wheel and the watch also features a 30-minute instantaneous counter. The dial also includes a convenient power-reserve indicator between 8 and 9 o’clock.
Sticker Price $194,000 USD. For more info on Bell & Ross click here.
