Bell & Ross

Bell & Ross was founded by Bruno Belamich (Bell) and Carlos Rosillo (Ross) as a university project in Paris. The company's watches were originally produced in partnership with German watchmaker Sinn. In 1998, the Bell & Ross Hydromax set a Guinness World Record for wristwatch water resistance at 11,100 meters. In 2002, Chanel acquired a minority stake in the company, and the partnership with Sinn was dissolved. Production moved to La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The BR-01, launched in 2005, established the brand's signature square case design inspired by aircraft cockpit instruments. Bell & Ross divides production among Aviation, Marine, and Vintage lines. The company is the official watch supplier to the French Air Force's Escadron de Chasse 2/4 La Fayette and the French space program. In 2016, Bell & Ross began a partnership with the Renault Sport Formula 1 Team, continuing as the team rebranded to Alpine F1 Team. Chanel holds a minority stake in the company.