Need for Speed: Bell & Ross Collaborates with Blacktrack to Create the Motorcycle-Inspired BR 03-94 Chronograph

It’s true that black is often associated with stealth and invisibility, especially in the context of military and espionage operations. However, it is important to note that effectiveness of black as a colour of stealth and power depends on the specific environment and lighting conditions. Black is timeless, classic, and discreet. And the watchmaking industry is pretty much aware of its popularity. The latest all-black timepiece to rise from the ‘garages’ of Bell & Ross is the 500-piece limited-edition BR 03-94 Blacktrack (Ref. BR0394-BTR-CE), created in collaboration with Blacktrack Motors, founded by designer Sacha Lakic in 2016. The watch has been designed in such a way that it can be integrated into the console of Blacktrack’s new BT-06 motorcycle.

Blacktrack Motors, based in Luxembourg, is known for creating bespoke motorcycles with a focus on retro and classic designs. In other words, Blacktrack is a name to reckon with in the world of motorcycle customisation. Scaling greater heights, Lakic also started creating motorcycle and car accessories that he would personally wear. The luxury timepiece manufacturer has had a successful 2011 collaboration with Shaw Harley-Davidson, resulting in the Nescafe Racer Bell & Ross motorcycle, featuring a special BR 01 Carbon watch in the central console. In 2014, the B-Rocket concept bike, inspired by early US jet planes, led to the creation of the BR 03 B-Rocket. With the worlds of timepieces and automobiles colliding, the new Bell & Ross Blacktrack BR 03-94 watch draws inspiration from the thrilling world of speed and precision. 

Prioritising readability and functional design, the new watch has large, luminous elements and an easily legible dial, even with a busy chronograph layout. The 42 mm matte black ceramic case comes with faceted angles and an octagonal bezel that complements the stealth-like appearance of Blacktrack’s BT-06 motorcycle. The four visible screws at each corner are a signature BR design element, serving a functional purpose by enhancing the chronograph’s sturdiness. There are two ceramic rectangular pushers at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock for the activation of the chronograph function, and a black crown for superior grip at 3 o’clock.

The black-and-grey dial of the BR 03-94 Blacktrack resembles a motorcycle dashboard, housing the 30-minute chronograph counter at 9 o’clock and the small seconds at 3 o’clock. Red markings can be found on the tip of the central chronograph hand, the hand of the 30-minute counter, and the date window at 6 o’clock, which gets a black background. The subdials are based on the dials on motorcycle handlebars. Both the black hour markers and the metal skeletonised hour and minute hands get Super-LumiNova treatment, with the minute hand forming the “B” for Blacktrack Motors. 

Powered by the automatic BR-CAL.301 movement (ETA 2894-2 base), this limited-edition watch gets a 42-hour power reserve. Turning the watch over showcases the matte black closed caseback with the engraving of the Blacktrack BT-06 motorcycle. The black calfskin strap, with red edges and a steel pin buckle with a black PVD finish, completes the motorcycle-inspired aesthetics.