Trail-blazing partnership of 15 years formally renewed special Bentley editions to be integrated into core collection quality, elegance and timeless design for a discerning, modern audience.
Bentley is delighted to announce the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Breitling, which will see a new generation of watches which combine purpose with style, dedicated to everyday elegance.
In 2003 Breitling became the first watchmaker entrusted to design an onboard clock for Bentley’s flagship model, the Continental GT.
Adrian Hallmark, who was Bentley’s Board Member for Sales and Marketing when his brand signed the agreement with Breitling, is now the Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors. He commented: “The long-standing collaboration between Bentley and Breitling is a shining example of how, when two like-minded brands work together in an authentic way, the performance of both is enhanced.
“As we approach our centenary year, we will of course be celebrating our past, but, more importantly, we will be looking toward the future with a passion for innovation. It gives me great confidence to move forward with partners like Breitling who share our commitment to technological excellence, expert craftsmanship, and a pioneering spirit.”
The partnership will see Breitling integrating special Bentley editions into its core product offering rather than in a separate Breitling for Bentley collection. The first of these extraordinary watches is the Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley British Racing Green. Powered by Breitling’s flagship Manufacture Caliber 01 in-house mechanical movement, which is visible through a unique transparent caseback with a metalised Bentley logo, the watch has an impressive 70-hour power reserve.
These timepieces also have an engraved plate with a “Bentley” inscription. Inspiration for the design of the plate was taken from the dashboard of the historic supercharged 1929 “Blower” Bentley.
The watch is distinguished by its striking British racing green dial and is available with a choice of a stainless-steel bracelet or a British racing green leather strap that matches the dial. Contrasting subdials are positioned at 3 and 9 o’clock, and a date window is located at 6 o’clock.
When Bentley Motors celebrates its centenary next year, Breitling will launch a dedicated limited-edition timepiece to celebrate 100 years of luxury motoring excellence.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern is excited about continuing the partnership with Bentley. He commented: “Bentley and Breitling share so many values. Both companies are known for quality, performance, and design excellence, and both can build on powerful historical legacies. It’s an ideal partnership, and, after more than 15 years, it is a pleasure to add another chapter to it.”
In 2003, Bentley Motors, the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world, launched its very first Continental GT, the unrivalled grand tourer. Every detail in the Continental GT reflects Bentley’s ongoing commitment to quality, luxury, and performance, and, fittingly, the company chose Breitling to design the onboard clock.
A Proud History and a Personal Connection
Breitling’s association with motoring has a long history. Its onboard chronograph, launched for aviation in 1931, was also designed for use on automobile dashboards.
Further, there is a personal connection between Bentley and Breitling that can be traced back some 70 years. Willy Breitling, the visionary inventor of the second chronograph pusher and the grandson of founder Léon Breitling, was a devoted Bentley fan. From the late 1940s, the flamboyant watchmaker was a familiar sight on the roads between Geneva and La Chaux-de-Fonds at the wheel of one of his many Bentleys.
Bentley at Le Mans
Between 1924 and 1930, the famous “Bentley Boys” won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race five times. That success, however, did not only remain a part of the brand’s past. In 2003, Bentley returned to Le Mans and took the first and second place finishes. At the world’s most famous endurance race, Breitling was Team Bentley’s proud main sponsor and created a limited-edition chronograph, the Bentley Le Mans, to celebrate the feat.
Breitling and Bentley: Elegance and Luxury
Breitling has long been known for its robust “instruments for professionals,” but has also created elegant, luxurious watches that appeal to an even broader demographic base. As Breitling and Bentley explore the possibilities offered by their renewed partnership, these two iconic brands look forward to sharing great new products with old friends and introducing themselves to discerning men and women all over the world.
