Review: Bell & Ross BR V3-94 R.S.19

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The collaboration between Bell & Ross and the Renault F1 team – since 3 years ago – had brought us some rather fantastic watches with the motorsports theme.

Last year, we reviewed and waxed lyrical about the R.S.18 – for its great looks and comfortable ergonomics That has set a high benchmark for the future collections, which includes this year’s novelty.

This year, Renault had launched 3 different editions of the R.S.19 We have taken a look at both the signature square case models (BR03-94 and BR-X1) last year, and hence we decide to pick up from the previous article and take a look at the round case variant (V3-94) this time.

How does the new watch stacks up?

Bell & Ross BR V3-94 R.S.19: The Case, Dial, and Hands

The 43mm watch – whilst its not in the iconic square case that Bell & Ross is known for – still provide hints of the brand’s signature touches Colours are used extensively here, and there are at least the use of 4 different colours that are present on the dial itself (yellow, green, red, and black) This is certainly not meant to be discreet – it is supposed to be bold and vibrant.

Just like the Formula One race cars and its drivers

The dial uses a similar carbon fibre case to emulate the materials used in the Formula 1 race cars, but that’s where the similarity ends when the R.S.19 is compared vis-à-vis with its predecessor The previous edition features a twin-counter layout, while the RS19 is fitted with three sub-dials instead.

The numerals (or indices) is also updated with an italicised font (filled with Super-Luminova) that is similar to the drivers’ line-up/starting numbers that are pasted on multiple locations of the race car itself

The other notable change to the R.S.19 lies in its bezel This year, Bell & Ross had decided to put the tachymeter scale on the chapter ring.

This leaves them to place a bi-directional rotatable bezel with a 60 seconds (or minutes) scale insert, which acts as a countdown timer for the user The operation of the rotatable bezel feels decent, and it is said to be optimised for users who are wearing gloves (presumably during racing) as well

There are quite a lot of on-goings on the dial, but the colour contrast helps in terms of the watch’s legibility.

This includes the date window that is placed at the 4:30 position The whole set-up might be slightly cluttered, but it certainly does its time-telling job well enough

The Movement: Calibre BR-CAL301

The watch is powered by the BR-CAL301, which is a movement based on the utilitarian ETA2892-4.

The self-winding movement has a power reserve of around 42 hours, and it comes with both the chronograph and date function The movement can be viewed via the exhibition caseback, in which it features some form of industrial standard finishing Nothing too fanciful, but fit for a watch with a price point of this level

Competitive Landscape

The Bell & Ross BR []

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