For Baselworld 2018, Bell & Ross has announced a new line of RS18 Chronographs inspired by their partnership with Renault's Sport Formula One Team. All of these watches are inspired by Renault's single-seater race cars and were meant to display a shared appreciation of mechanical engineering, speed, and performance. All of the RS18 models will feature the perforated and microblasted titanium cases, chronograph pushers modeled after the Formula One shifter rocker paddles, sapphire crystals, and a proprietary perforated rubber strap developed for all three watches. The Bell & Ross BR-X1 RS18 specifically features a skeletonized dial to showcase the chronograph movement beneath. The pushers are highlighted with yellow rubber accents as well as a matching "thumb grip?cut out on the right side of the case. The dial is also accented with red details around the date window and 30-minute counter. Additionally, this watch will feature a "tinted?sapphire caseback centered on the balance wheel to showcase Bell & Ross?in-house movement. The BR-X1 will be a limited release of 250 pieces.
SpecificationsBrand: Bell & Ross Model: BR-X1 RS18 Dimensions: 45mm Case Material: Microblasted titanium with rubber inserts Crystal/Lens: Sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating as well as a tinted sapphire display back centered on the balance wheel Movement: In-House BR-CAL.313, 56 Jewel, Skeletonized Chronograph Movement Frequency: 28,800vph Strap/Bracelet: Perforated black rubber strap Price & Availability: $21,500 (Limited to 250 pieces)
Advertising Message AnalysisBell & Ross has for a long time been a fixture in aeronautical-inspired timepieces, with their square cases acting as direct references to aviation instruments. This partnership with Renault has offered Bell & Ross an interesting outlet for their design aesthetic with speedy color schemes, as well as space-age material choices that begin to show that Bell & Ross can equally direct their attention to the race track as they have to the skies. One technical detail that caught my eye and is unique, from what I have seen, is the skeletonized date wheel. The numbers on the date wheel are cutouts and the date window at six is backed by a white patch. So, where you can see the date wheel through the skeletonized dial it does not stand out until you look at today's date backed by white at 6 o'clock. That said, I do think that these watches read as very-tool-ish despite their implied haute intentions. I also find the rubber accents on the pushers and exterior of the case to be a little off-putting, but these are relatively minor gripes.
SummaryIf what Bell & Ross intended with not only the BR-X1 but the entire RS18 lineup was to showcase their prowess in making tech-forward racing-inspired pieces, I think they are largely successful. That said, I think Bell & Ross has operated for a long time in a polarizing marketplace. You're either going to love or hate a Bell & Ross watch and while I am not generally a huge fan of their offerings, the Skeletonized BR-X1 has piqued my interest and would definitely be something I'd want to check out in person. Price for the Bell & Ross BR X1 RS18 is $21,500. bellross.com
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