As collaborations go, it’s an absolute no-brainer. They are both French, have a passion for pushing the boundaries when it comes to technical excellence and look really good in yellow. First announced back in 2016, Bell & Ross’s partnership with the newly established Renault Sport Formula 1 was a new vehicular avenue for the watch brand, which had previously been the preserve of the world of aviation, but one that was bound by both partners wanting to be more creative outside of their usual universes.

After two years of racing-car influenced collections that took inspiration from elements of Renault’s single-seat racing car such as the steering wheel, this year it is the chassis that takes pole position. The result is a collection of three watches that are light, durable and, more importantly, have ultra-accurate timing technology that is essential for anyone, whether you’re part of a Formula 1 team or simply enjoy bombing around your local A roads.

High-Tech Structures

It’s not surprising that the R.S.18 series, this year’s crop of Renault Sport-affiliated Bell & Ross watches, are based on the chassis. It is the driver’s main point of interaction with the car; how you exert your control over the vehicle, where your two personalities meld. It is so personal, in fact, that drivers will change chassis if they feel that the connection is not there. Renault also has reason to be proud of its new chassis, which it introduced in 2017 and significantly improved its standings in the World Constructors’ Championships.

When it comes to a watch, the case is the chassis. It is ergonomic, engineered to be light yet withstand shocks and cossets the beating heart of the machine. In Bell & Ross’s case, that means using microblasted titanium with portions milled out to make the structure even lighter, but without compromising its strength. Rather than the usual vertical pushers, the chronograph function is operated with ones that rock to emulate the paddles on a Formula 1 steering wheel.