Bentley has formally renewed its long-standing partnership with premium watchmaker Breitling. The two firms will introduce a new generation of watches for a discerning, modern audience.
Way back in 2003, Breitling became the first watchmaker entrusted to design a dashboard clock for Bentley's then flagship model, the Continental GT. Adrian Hallmark, who was the board member for Sales and Marketing at the British firm when it signed the agreement, is now the chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors. He said, "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 offerings instead of a separate Breitling for Bentley collection. The first of the exemplary timepieces is the Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley British Racing Green. Powered by Breitling's flagship Manufacture Caliber 01 in-house mechanical movement. The inner workings of the watches are visible through a unique transparent caseback with a Bentley logo inlaid in metal. The watch has quite a long-winded 70-hour power reserve.
These timepieces also have a metal plate engraved with a "Bentley" inscription. Inspiration for the design of the plate was taken from the dashboard of the 1929 supercharged 'Blower' Bentley. A British Racing Green dial distinguishes the watch easily with a choice between stainless-steel bracelet of British Racing Green leather strap that matches the colour of the dial. When Bentley Motors celebrates its centenary next year, Breitling will introduce a dedicated limited-edition timepiece to mark 100 years of luxury motoring excellence.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern said, "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.”
Why is the Breitling-Bentley partnership so successful? Both the firms have an equally rich history going back several decades. Breitling has had a long-standing association with motoring, having launched an onboard chronograph for aviation in 1931 which was also designed for use on automobile dashboards.
There is also a personal connection between the two firms that can be traced back some 70 years. Willy Breitling, grandson of founder Léon Breitling and inventor of the second chronograph pusher was a devoted fan of the luxury automaker. From the late 1940s, Willy was a familiar sight on the roads between Geneva and La Chaux-de-Fonds behind the wheel of one of his tasteful collection of Bentleys. No wonder then, that the partnership has been so successful, leading to the creation of stellar timepieces featuring both the brands.
