Renault Sport Formula One Team in action (Photo: Bell & Ross)
Sunday’s Formula 1 return to France was extra special to French-Swiss brand Bell & Ross who is also the official watch partner of Renault Sport Formula One team.
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Renault Sport Formula One Team in action (Photo: Bell & Ross)
Above Renault Sport Formula One Team in action (Photo: Bell & Ross)

After 10 years, Formula 1 made an eagerly awaited comeback in France at Circuit Paul Ricard, which hasn’t hosted a Formula 1 race for nearly 30 years.

Also popping the champagne was Bell & Ross that also happens to support the Renault Sport Formula One Team on their circuit tour around the world. Renault Sport Formula One features an engine manufactured in France; making it more memorable was the fact that the first French Grand Prix was won by Renault in 1906.

Read about Jazeman Jaafar, the first Malaysian to win the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in Monaco

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BR V2-94 R.S.18 with perforated calfskin strap (Photo: Bell & Ross)
Above BR V2-94 R.S.18 with perforated calfskin strap (Photo: Bell & Ross)

To mark this momentous occasion, Bell & Ross has produced the Vintage BR V2-94 R.S.18 that aptly takes design cues from Formula 1 as well as Renault Sport.

For one, R.S.18 is also the name of the Renault racing car chassis. The 41mm stainless steel case is satin-finished and paired with a dial made of carbon fibre,  material commonly used in constructing racing cars.

Superluminova-treated numerals and hands make a striking contrast against the sleek black of the carbon fibre, alluding to the need for optimal legibility of dashboard instruments during a race. Meanwhile, the yellow accent recalls the colour code of the Renault Sport Formula One Team.

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BR V2-94 R.S.18 with steel bracelet (Photo: Bell & Ross)
Above BR V2-94 R.S.18 with steel bracelet (Photo: Bell & Ross)

The chronograph watch, which is powered by the automatic BR-CAL.301 calibre, features a 30-minute counter at ‘9’, painted red for distinction, a small seconds counter at ‘3’, and a central chronograph seconds hand on the dial.

The numerals are in the same typography as those used by the Renault Sport Formula One Team. A tachymeter scale appears on the bezel for easy calculation of the car’s speed over a given distance.

Limited to 999 pieces, there are three straps available: micro-perforated calfskin with carbon fibre effect and yellow lining, steel bracelet or rubber stamped with the French flag.

Also see: How the world of supercars inspired these exquisite timepieces

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