Bell & Ross BR 03-92 A522
Bell & Ross BR 03-92 A522 completes the series of Alpine timepieces, subtly adopting its colour and graphics while meeting the specifications of the team’s drivers. It is called A522, in reference to the current Alpine A522 racing car.
Since its inception in 1994, Bell & Ross has been telling the time to fighter pilots, drawing inspiration from the precise dashboard instruments of aircraft cockpits.
With the aim of pushing the boundaries of the creative process, the brand regularly set itself new challenges. Hence, in 2016, the decision to join the exciting world of motor racing by collaborating with Renault F1 Team: since then, the avant-garde watchmaker is part of the Formula 1 world, the pinnacle of high-tech and cutting-edge materials. 2021 saw the name of the team change to Alpine F1 Team but the passion and commitment of Bell & Ross remained unaltered as the brand continued to be a proud partner of the Team, sharing the passion for mechanics, precision and speed. Through this prestigious partnership, Bell & Ross continues its quest for performance, excellence and innovation.
Partners on the circuits, Bell & Ross and BWT Alpine F1 Team are similar in many ways. The engineers of the two Houses are engaged in the same quest for ultimate mechanical performance. Using state-of-the-art technologies and cutting-edge materials, they both manage to achieve maximum lightness while maintaining extremely high resistance. Whether in a F1 car or in the painstaking creation of a timepiece, craftsmanship is at the core of the process, which is another element that ties the brands together.
With each new Formula 1 season, BWT Alpine F1 Team develops a new racing car in response to the latest regulation and innovation demands. A new livery seals the design of this latest technology achievement.
Similarly, each year, Bell & Ross, offers a new collection by reinterpreting different sources of inspiration such as the steering wheel, the chassis and BWT Alpine F1 Team graphics.
This year, the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 A522 completes the series of Alpine timepieces, subtly adopting its colour and graphics while meeting the specifications of the team’s drivers. It is called A522, in reference to the current Alpine A522 racing car.
“Beyond the style and the colours, we conceive above all a tool at the service of the driver, an ally at all times” explains Bruno Belamich – Creative Director and co-founder.
This new timepiece with its iconic 42 mm ceramic case, combines resistance, lightness and legibility. Reminiscent of the anti-reflective tints of the dashboards, the matt black also respects the codes of a utilitarian design. The matt finish in addition to reduces reflections for better legibility also provides a soft texture to the touch.
The white and blue dial of this sporty timepiece takes its designs cue from the speedometer of an Alpine car referencing the brand’s signature colour code.
It features large white numerals, coated with Super-LumiNova, which contrast with the surrounding black, allowing for easy readability, both in daylight and at night. Italic typography conveys an idea of speed and dynamism. The counterweight of the central blue chrono seconds hand takes up the stylised A of Alpine. A mini blue/white/red flag recalling Alpine’s tricolour origins is placed above the date window at 6 o’clock and the Alpine’s signature blue is used to highlight the minute track on the flange.
On the mechanical side, the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 A522 is powered by the automatic BR-CAL.302 movement, 3 date hands.
Finally, an ultra-breathable micro-perforated rubber strap ensures unrivalled comfort when worn.