Going into their third year partnering with the Renault Sport Formula One Team, Bell & Ross has announced a set of three chronographs at Baselworld 2018, with designs inspired by the Renault car colors and style. The Bell & Ross BR 03-94 RS18 Chronograph is based on the chassis design of a Formula One car, and utilizes some interesting materials such as titanium and carbon fiber to help create that look and feeling.

Specifications

Brand: Bell & Ross
Model: BR 03-94 RS18 Chronograph
Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
Case Material: Titanium
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire, with anti-reflective coating
Movement: BR-CAL.301 Automatic Chronograph (Based on ETA 2894-2)
Frequency: 28,800bph
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Black perforated rubber
Price & Availability: $6,500 (Limited to 999 pieces)

Analysis

Take one look at the BR 03-94 and you’d be able to immediately guess it was racing-themed. For a company known for its aviation & pilot watches, the Renault collaboration pieces serve as an interesting experiment for the brand to branch out and apply their classic square-case style to a different high-speed sport. The design of the BR 03-94 has a lot going on, but that’s not a bad thing. While there are lots of colors mixing together, a carbon fiber dial, an interestingly styled case, and those large paddle-shifter chronograph pushers… all of it somehow works together. What I find interesting about this watch and the series as a whole, is the way Bell & Ross has approached the design from a materials perspective. The case is made out of titanium, known for being lightweight, but on top of that they’ve chosen to mill out portions of the case, which makes it even look lighter. The dial is carbon fiber, and while I’m sure the weight-saving there is quite minimal, it serves to add to the racing theme, and shows the dedication to the inspiration of the design being from the Formula One car chassis.

This watch as a whole isn’t my style as I’m not a die-hard racing fanatic. However, for those who are, I’m sure this watch will speak to them. It’s a well-designed, colorful, fun watch that I’m sure many enthusiasts would enjoy wearing both on the track, or more likely, off the track. With its titanium case and rubber strap, this watch will certainly be lightweight and comfortable to wear, and while they might be polarizing, I actually really like the paddle-shifter chronograph pushers.

Summary

With a colorful design and use of materials like titanium and carbon fiber, Bell & Ross has created a unique racing-inspired piece. The price for this Bell & Ross BR 03-94 RS18 Chronograph is $6,500, and it’s limited to 999 pieces. bellross.com