The Gentleman Magazine Issue 12 | December 2018 | Page 11
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 them
selves to discerning men and women all over the world.
The Gentleman Magazine | 11