Every now and then, a watch comes along that feels like it was destined to find its way onto your wrist. My latest acquisition – the Bell & Ross BR 03-94 R.S.20 Renault F1 Limited Edition, is exactly that kind of story.

This was a double first for me:

• My first ever square watch, and
• My first Bell & Ross.

And to make things even more interesting… I bought it without ever trying one on. A gamble? Absolutely. But one that paid off beautifully.

A Chance Encounter (Thank You, Black Friday!)

You know that feeling when you’re browsing with zero intention of buying… and then the universe taps you on the shoulder? That was me during the Black Friday sales, scrolling through Australian authorised dealers just to see what was out there. And then, like a needle in a haystack – there it was: a brand-new R.S.20 sitting at an AD, years after release, at a price that made my jaw drop.

The planets aligned. The heart said yes. And now here we are.

A Special Piece of F1 History

As a massive Formula 1 fan, the Bell & Ross partnership with the Renault F1 Team (now Alpine F1) has always intrigued me. The R.S.20 was their final collaborative model before Renault retired its name from the grid, making this watch not just a timepiece, but a genuine collectible, a snapshot of a team and era now locked in time.

Design & Comfort: Square, Bold, and Seriously Wearable

I was prepared for the BR 03 case to wear a bit bold, but it completely surprised me. The lightweight ceramic construction paired with the soft silicone strap makes this watch ridiculously comfortable.
The square shape hugs the wrist in a way that feels natural and intentional.

And then there’s the dial – and this is where the F1 DNA hits overdrive.

The yellow track markings and checkered flag motif running around the dial are absolute standouts. They feel like miniature racetrack graphics, instantly transporting you to the grid. Combine that with the steep, architectural rehaut angle, and you get real depth and drama – like looking down into a cockpit instrument.

Build Quality & Specs (For Those Who Love the Details)

Bell & Ross didn’t just make a themed watch – they delivered real technical chops:

• Case: 42mm matte black ceramic, scratch-resistant and feather-light.
• Movement: BR-CAL.301 automatic chronograph (based on the reliable ETA 2894-2).
• Functions: 30-minute chronograph, small seconds, date, central seconds, and that signature aviation layout.
• Dial: Racing-inspired black/yellow/white with tachymeter scale, steep rehaut, and motorsport detailing throughout.
• Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
• Water Resistance: 100m – daily wear approved.
• Strap: Textured black rubber/silicone that wraps the wrist beautifully.

Everything feels tight, solid, and engineered with intent – very much in line with the F1 spirit it was designed to honour.

Final Thoughts

Purchasing my first Bell & Ross and my first square watch without trying it on was a leap of faith – but the BR 03-94 R.S.20 turned out to be one of the most rewarding risks I’ve taken in the hobby.

It’s comfortable, beautifully built, packed with character, and carries the legacy of Renault’s final F1 chapter. Add in those yellow track markings, checkered-flag accents, and that dynamic rehaut – and you’ve got a watch that doesn’t just tell time, but tells a story.

And the fact that I happened to find it, brand new, years later, during a Black Friday sale? Well… some watches are just meant to be.Every now and then, a watch comes along that feels like it was dest