Bell & Ross has been chosen by Peugeot to provide a very special timepiece for the car company's 908 RC concept at this year's Paris Show. The centrally-mounted 'Concept-Watch' uses Bell & Ross's "Jumping Hour" movement.

The name "Jumping Hour" refers to a principle of time indication in numerals appearing in a subdial. Dates printed on a disc jump from one unit ahead every 60 minutes (at every rotation of the minutes hand).

It is normally seen in the Bell & Ross Platinum Jumping Hour Double Subdial with power reserve model, limited to just 99 pieces worldwide, the result of collaboration between Bell & Ross and the master Swiss watchmaker Vincent Calabrese.

With an automatic movement, this new complication offers simple, original reading of the time; a single central minute hand perfectly in line with a large hours window located at 12 o'clock and a second subdial indicating the power reserve at 6:00.



The Peugeot 908 RC Concept owes its name to its engine: the Peugeot V12 HDi DPFS, which will power the racing version of the 908 in 2007. It is a four-door, four-seater with the engine arranged in a rear central transverse position. The 700 HP diesel transfers its power to the road via a compact 6-speed electronically controlled sequential gearbox.

Braking is by means of four monobloc ceramic carbon composite discs which reduce weight and improve thermal efficiency. The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 255/35 R20 tyres at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.

Peugeot describe the car as "a luxurious touring interpretation of the racing car of the future, through its engineering, it creates the spirit of the "gentleman driver". It is targeted at a very upmarket virtual customer, naturally accustomed to a very high level of luxury but above all passionate about their motoring and its history, but also in search of innovation coupled with assertive styling and uncompromised driving pleasure."

For further information on Bell & Ross watches, please visit www.bellross.com

Words: Classic Driver
Photos: Bell & Ross