Spending its first 22 years in the realm of aircraft, the transition to race cars was more seamless than you’d expect for Bell & Ross. While the dashboards of fighter jet cockpits inspire its signature dials, the French watchmaker’s now-iconic aesthetic just made sense when applied to motorsports, echoing the likes of Heuer chronographs from the ‘60s.
In 2016, Bell & Ross partnered with Renault’s F1 team BWT Alpine. Since then, the company has put out annual releases with designs inspired by the cars themselves. For its latest timepiece, coinciding with the A522 vehicle, the watchmaker unveiled the A522 version of its flagship BR 03-92 automatic. At first glance, those familiar with Bell & Ross watches will notice a difference in the style of the digits, which have been given a race-inspired italic tilt and a slight raise.
Likewise, the timepiece as a whole has been given subtle design cues from the race car, such as the black dial, which has been accented by a blue second hand with the Alpine “A” monogram as the counterweight and a blue-colored minute flange. Like all of Bell & Ross’ watches, the A522 sports the square 42mm dial that’s built from ceramic material. The perforated black rubber strap is also reminiscent of the race car’s tires.
With the 2022 Formula One season still in progress, Renault’s BWT Alpine A522 is currently in the 4th position. Due out this November, the BR 03-92 A522 is now open for pre-orders and limited to just 999 pieces.
