Bell & Ross was founded in 1992 as a university project by Bruno Belamich and Carlos A. Rosillo. Early Bell & Ross watches were produced by Sinn, with the partnership ending in 2002 after Chanel became a minority shareholder. The company is currently based in Paris, and manufacturing done in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Bell & Ross mainly focus on aviation, marine, and vintage watches.
Belgian Grand Prix
More than one version of a Bell & Ross Belgian Grand Prix chronograph have been produced around the mid-2000s. The limited editions have been based on the Space 3 platform. There appears to have been at least two dial colors, as well as a nine o’clock subdial with “04” or “05” inside. A Spa-Franchorchamps track layout logo featuring the colors of the Belgium flag with the words “Belgian Grand Prix” can be found next to the three o’clock date window, and has come on either a rubber strap or steel bracelet. Each has been limited to 100 pieces.
The chronograph is known to have been presented to the podium finishers at the 2005 Belgian Grand Prix.
Renault F1 and Rebranding to Alpine
Bell & Ross entered the Grand Prix racing world as a partner of the Renault Sport Formula 1 Team in 2016 when the French brand rejoined Formula 1 as a works team. Since that year, a number of Renault special edition pieces have been produced to celebrate the French partnership.
The partnership continued through 2021 when Renault rebranded to the BWT Alpine F1 Team, and concluded at the end of the 2023 season.
Related Pages
References
https://www.tempoinverso.com/watch-BELL_&_ROSS_Belgian_Grand_Prix_2004_N.O.S_Full_set_S.300-1191.html
https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/bell-ross-belgian-grand-prix-chronograph
https://www.essential-watches.com/watch/Bell-and-Ross-BELGP-05-Professional-BELGIAN-Grand-Prix-Steel-Case-with-Grey-Dial-on-Rubber/13107
https://monochrome-watches.com/watches-formula-1-episode-5-french-connection-renault-f1-bell-ross/
https://www.thepaddockmagazine.com/bell-ross-renault/
https://masterhorologer.com/2016/04/14/bell-ross-br%E2%80%91×1-rs16-skeleton-chronograph-br%E2%80%91×1-rs16-skeleton-chronograph-tourbillon/
https://monochrome-watches.com/bell-and-ross-br-rs17-trilogy-renault-sport-f1-baselworld-2017/
https://www.robbreport.com.sg/bell-ross-x-renault-f1-limited-edition-watches-specifications-and-prices/
https://news.dupontregistry.com/the-lifestyle/gear/bell-and-ross-debut-new-renault-f1-collection/
https://www.thepaddockmagazine.com/bell-ross-alpine-f1-team-collection/