In 2003 Breitling became the first watchmaker entrusted to design an onboard clock for Bentley’s flagship model, the Continental GT. Then Bentley’s Board Member for Sales and Marketing when his brand signed the agreement with Breitling, Adrian Hallmark 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 two like-minded brands can collaborate in an authentic way, to enhance the performance of both. As we approach our centenary year, we will of course be celebrating our past, but, more importantly, we will be looking to the future with a passion for innovation. It gives me great confidence to move forward with partners like Breitling, which shares our commitment to technological excellence, expert craftsmanship, and a pioneering spirit.”
The partnership is interesting, because Breitling is integrating special Bentley editions into its core product offering, rather than in a separate ‘Breitling for Bentley’ collection. The first of the timepieces 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 metallised Bentley logo, the watch has an impressive 70-hour power reserve.
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 sub-dials are positioned at 3 and 9 o’clock, and a date window is located at 6 o’clock.
When Bentley Motors celebrates its centenary in 2019, 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.”
There exists 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 several Bentleys.
Between 1924 and 1930, the famous ‘Bentley Boys’ won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race five times. 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 main sponsor and created a limited-edition chronograph, the Bentley Le Mans, to celebrate the feat. 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.
Watch Facts:
PREMIER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 42 BENTLEY BRITISH RACING GREEN
Reference: AB0118A11
WATCH MOVEMENT:
Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01
Diameter: 30 millimetres
Depth: 7.2 millimetres
Winder: automatic with dual-acting ball-bearing rotor
Power reserve: at least 70 hours
Number of components: 346
Balance frequency: 28,800 a/h, or 4 hertz
Chronograph: ratchet wheel control, vertical coupling, 30-minute and 12 hour counters
Display: minute, second, window date
Certification: COSC-certified
CASE:
Material: stainless steel
Diameter: 42 millimetres
Height: 13.65 millimetres
Water resistance: up to 10 bar (100 metres)
Glass: sapphire, convex, double anti-reflective
Caseback: screwed steel, sapphire glass
Crown: non-screw-locked, two gaskets
DIAL/HANDS:
British Racing Green, with contrasting fields for permanent seconds and totalisers
Super-LumiNova® luminescent hour and minute hands
STRAP:
Leather strap with folding buckle or stainless-steel bracelet with folding clasp
