Breitling Set to Debut Bentley British Racing Green Watch

By Team Speed - October 23, 2018

Partnership renewal will see new generation of auto-themed watches, including the Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley British Racing Green.

Bentley Motors has announced the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Breitling, which in 2003 became the first watchmaker entrusted to design an onboard clock for Bentley’s flagship model, the Continental GT. The official partnership renewal will see a new generation of auto-themed watches that combine purpose with style, with Breitling integrating special Bentley editions into its core product offering rather than in a separate Breitling for Bentley collection.

The first of these special auto-themed 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 metalized 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.

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 Sales and Marketing manager when his brand signed the agreement with Breitling, is now the Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors.

“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,” says Adrian Hallmark, Chairman of Bentley Motors. “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,” he continues. “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 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. “Bentley and Breitling share so many values,” he says. “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 and performance, and, fittingly, the company chose Breitling to design the onboard clock.

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.