TRACK AND THE CITY
Looks to Renault’s vision of Formula 1 racing for inspiration to create the futuristic R.S.20 collection and, at the same time, elaborates on the BR 05 expression of urban elegance with two new releases
A leading benchmark in the field of instrument watches, Bell & Ross made its first foray onto the tracks in 2016 as an official partner of the Renault DP World F1 Team. It has since studied the world of Formula 1 closely and launched four collaborations in the form of the R.S. collection of watches, inspired by the racing team’s iconic yellow and black single-seaters.
This year, drawing inspiration from the F1 car of the Renault 2020 team and the R.S.2027 concept car, Bell & Ross brings its partnership with the Formula 1 team to its fifth and latest collaboration, featuring four avant-garde chronograph watches collectively known as the R.S.20 collection. A much more focused collection on design and graphics, with a futuristic appeal, it maintains the brand’s emphasis on style, legibility and functionality, with mechanical elements that connect them to the age-old tradition of watchmaking. We have highlighted here our two favourites from the R.S.20 collection.
Designed in a limited edition of 999 pieces, the chronograph is Bell & Ross’ interpretation of a round “tool watch.” Its large case is made of steel and 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, in the same typography as the one used by the Renault DP World F1 Team. The minute track is split into small black and white chequered squares which symbolise the finish line flag used in motor racing. The yellow hands display the different functions of the chronograph. Marking the brand’s partnership with Renault on the back of the watch is the engraving “Formula 1 Renault DP World R.S.20.”
The haute horlogerie offering within the R.S.20 range, the BRX1 Tourbillon R.S.20 is produced in a limited edition of just five pieces. A marvel of sophistication and subtlety, it features a case cut from titanium, a lightweight and highly resistant material used in Formula 1. Protected by ceramic elements, a high-density rubber insert improves handling. 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 it with a power reserve of 100 hours. The chronograph function, clearly visible on the dial, is driven by a mono-pusher that activates a column wheel and features a 30-minute instantaneous counter. mechanism, wound by a 360-degree oscillating weight coated in blue and open-worked to showcase its inner workings. Limited to 500 pieces, the model can be worn on a remarkably flexible steel bracelet or a ribbed blue rubber strap.
Featuring two tones, the BR 05 Black Steel & Gold evokes the sporty chic of the 1980s. The combination of satin-finished and polished steel and 18k rose gold is perfectly punctuated by a black sunray dial with rose gold applique numerals, indices and skeletonised hour and minute hands. For optimum legibility, the latters are filled with Super-LumiNova. The bi-material timepiece is powered by the BR-CAL.321 mechanism, wound by a 360-degree ruthenium-coated oscillating weight. The sapphire glass caseback reveals the beating heart of this movement.
Both sculptural and captivating, the 40mm gem of elegant masculine style adapts effortlessly to most cosmopolitan occasions with two strap options: a bi-material bracelet in 18k rose gold and satinfinished and polished steel for an elegant look, and a black rubber strap for a touch of sporty chic.