Q&A with Alpine Formula 1 drivers, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon

The rising stars on the tarmac were given the new BR 05 Chrono celebrating Bell & Ross' partnership with Alpine Formula 1

Bell & Ross has partnered with Alpine since 2016, back when it was known as Renault. It was rebranded in 2021 to give its obscure sports car brand, Alpine, greater exposure and a better chance to succeed. What this meant also was that the familiar yellow livery associated with Renault was replaced by the Alpine blue, which has been the dominant hue of the Bell & Ross Alpine editions since the rebranding exercise.

Regarding Bell & Ross’ decision to stay with Alpine, chairman of the brand Carlos Rosillo said: “What brings the two entities together is the same passion for precision mechanics and high performance. Through this prestigious partnership, Bell & Ross is pursuing its quest for excellence and innovation.”

Above Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono A523

This year, Bell & Ross has created BR 05 Chrono A523, named after this season’s Alpine race car. The face of the satin-finished and polished case is black, and embellished with blue accents including the tachymeter scale along the flange. The central chronograph seconds hand is also in blue, with an A-shaped counterweight alluding to the Alpine logo. The dial also features the tri-coloured French flag above 6 o’clock.

Limited to 500 pieces, it is powered by the self-winding BR-CAL.326 movement and boasts a 100m water-resistance. The Alpine drivers, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, have each been given a BR 05 Chrono A523 engraved with their names and numbers. They take a break from battling on the tarmac to answer some questions from Tatler GMT.

Above Esteban Ocon

Why is timing crucial in a motor race?

Pierre Gasly (PG): Timing is important in our sports whether on the race track or off it, because we have a very tight schedule no matter where we are.

Esteban Ocon (EO): Timing is extremely crucial in a motor race because one second can mean a world of difference in terms of the final result. We have a lot of people counting on us so we need to be precise with our timing, whether it’s on or off the track.

What watch is your favourite to wear?

PG: I love wearing my BR 03-92 A522, which was our official Alpine driver’s watch [released last year].

EO: We’re really lucky as we have quite a few to choose from, thanks to Bell & Ross. I like wearing the BR 03-92 A522 when I’m at work. The BR X1 A521 is a super important watch for me because it accompanied me to the podium in 2021. For casual wearing, I like the BR 05 Skeleton because it’s a cool transparent watch.

Above Pierre Gasly

As a race car driver, what do you look for in a watch?

PG: I look for the design and mechanical features in all their complexity. More importantly, I look for comfort!

EO: A watch needs to be comfortable, reliable, precise and have good functionality.

How does it feel to have a Bell & Ross strapped on your wrist?

PG: It feels useful. As I mentioned earlier, as an F1 driver, I have an extremely tight schedule and the watch has been helping me to navigate my day-to-day. Also, I’m proud to be working with such an iconic brand.

EO: I’m proud to be part of the Bell & Ross family as we share the same values. I’m happy that they have been supporting me over the years.

NOW READ

Gal Gadot jumps into action with the Hublot Big Bang E Gen3 Black Magic smartwatch

What makes a Rolex timepiece... a ‘Rolex’?

Omega launches 11 new Seamaster watches in Summer Blue

Topics

Bell & Ross Alpine Formula 1 Formula 1 Pierre Gasly Esteban Ocon

Tatler Asia

Alpine Formula 1 drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon on racing and watches