| Quick specs Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon RS17 Price: € 159.000 | approx. $ 173,000 | approx. £ 136,000 Size: 45 mm Reference: BRX1-CHTB-RS17  |
In 2016 Bell & Ross joins the world of Formula 1 and becomes the official watch partner of the Renault Sport Formula One Team. To strengthen that partnership B&R releases three RS17 models, named after the 2017 Renault Formula 1 car. This Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon RS17 is the most high-tech one of these new models. The other two models are the Bell & Ross BR-X1 RS17 and the Bell & Ross BR 03-94 RS17.
It has a very colorful 45-millimeter case, an open-worked dial and the whole design is inspired by the steering wheel of Renault Formula 1 car. Which is, unlike the one in normal cars, rather complicated. Loaded with buttons and switches, a big display, led lights and paddles it looks more like a special PlayStation controller than a steering wheel. The Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon RS17 has the same colorful and rectangular design. Combined with the bright yellow Renault F1 colors.
The Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon RS17 is limited to 20 pieces
Every case is unique. Bell & Ross uses Carbone Forgé – forged carbon – which is made from a process of pressing string-like pieces of carbon fiber to one solid block. The extreme pressure and heat inside the mold creates a unique and irregular surface that is non-porous and water-resistant. It results in a marbled case with matt finish that reduces reflection and makes it feel soft.
The Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon RS17 has a mono-pusher column-wheel chronograph. This can be activated by a paddle-style mono-pusher at the right of the case. There is no central seconds hand, just a 30-minute counter at the 10 o’clock position. And a 60-seconds counter at 2 o’clock. At 6 o’clock is the beautifully finished flying tourbillon. The movement provides a power-reserve of four days. The Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon RS17 is limited to 20 pieces.
The steering wheel of the 2017 Renault Formula One car
technical data Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon RS17 |
| Reference: BRX1-CHTB-RS17 |
| Movement: Bell & Ross BR-CAL.283 | Hand-wound | Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz) | Jewels: 35 | Parts: 282 | Flying tourbillon | Hours, minutes, mono-pusher column-wheel chronograph, power-reserve indicator | Power-reserve: 4 days |
| Case & dial: 45 mm | Forged carbon and ceramic with rubber inserts | Rocker mono-pusher | Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating | Sapphire case back with anti-reflective coating | Open-worked grey-tinted sapphire dial | Metal applique super-luminova-filled indices | Metal skeletonized super-luminova-filled hour and minute hands | Water-resistance: 10 ATM / 10 bar / 100 meters / 330 feet |
| Strap: Rubber and carbon fiber | Black PVD pin buckle with steel finish and rubber insert |
| Price Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon RS17: € 159.000 | approx. $ 173,000 | approx. £ 136,000 |
| Website: www.bellross.com |