Since 2002, the collaboration between Bentley Motors and Breitling has redefined the intersection of luxury cars and haute horology. What began with a bespoke onboard clock for the Continental GT blossomed into a nearly two-decade partnership celebrated by exceptional timepieces, limited editions, and technical artistry. This guest post explores the heritage, standout models, and enduring allure of Bentley‑themed watches.
The Beginning: Continental GT Clock & Racing Legacy
In 2002, Bentley enlisted Breitling to design an onboard clock for the then-new Continental GT, its first grand tourer of the 21st century. This high‑precision dashboard accessory seamlessly embodied Bentley Watches Near Me commitment to luxury and performance .
One year later, Breitling also became a key sponsor of Team Bentley’s victorious return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, celebrating with the limited-edition Bentley Le Mans Chronograph—1000 pieces paying homage to the legendary “Bentley Boys” of the 1920s.
Landmark Watches of the Partnership
Premier B01 Chronograph 42 “British Racing Green” (2018)
A pivotal model in the Premier line, this 42 mm COSC-certified chronograph showcases Breitling’s in-house Caliber B01. Its British Racing Green dial, transparent caseback with Bentley logo, and dashboard-inspired engraved side plate emphasize sporty elegance.
Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition (2019)
To mark Bentley’s 100th anniversary and nearly 17 years of collaboration, Breitling released this chronograph in stainless steel (1,000 pieces) and 18k red gold (200 pieces). Noteworthy for its burl elm dial—a nod to Sir Tim Birkin’s 1930 Bentley “Blower”—and Bentley‑style leather strap, this edition is a tribute to craftsmanship and heritage.
Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition (2020)
Inspired by the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible, this 42 mm steel chronograph features an engine‑inspired blue alligator strap, silver dial, red subdial accents, and the in-house Caliber 01 movement with 70‑hour power reserve. Limited to 1,000 pieces, it captures the fusion of automotive detailing and watch innovation .
Mulliner Tourbillon Dashboard Clock (2015)
Beyond wristwear, Bentley and Breitling collaborated to produce a solid-gold tourbillon clock for the Bentayga SUV—reported to cost £150,000. This mechanical marvel, built with precision and artistry, epitomized the opulent possibilities of luxury timekeeping .
Automotive Achievements & Chronograph Performance
Breitling for Bentley timepieces often paralleled Bentley’s motorsports milestones:
-
Bentley Supersports Light Body featured in the 2011 ice-speed record run (205 mph), worn by racer Juha Kankkunen.
-
Bentley GT3 Chronograph celebrated Bentley’s return to GT3 racing with a sporty titanium and carbon-fibre design.
-
Bentley Continental GT Speed Breitling Jet Team Limited Edition honored aviation speed, released in 2015 alongside an exotic GT Speed model .
These models integrated motor-racing inspiration and functional design, highlighting the dynamic synergy of both brands .
The Partnership’s Legacy & Farewell
After nearly 19 years, the Bentley‑Breitling collaboration concluded in 2021. The final piece—the Premier B21 Tourbillon 42 Bentley Limited Edition (25 pieces)—marked the end of an era. CEO Georges Kern and Bentley’s Adrian Hallmark reflected fondly on a partnership that elevated both brands through shared values of performance, elegance, and innovation.
Why Bentley‑Themed Watches Endure
-
Dual Brand Heritage – Each timepiece channels Bentley’s refined automotive aesthetic and Breitling’s technical excellence.
-
Limited Production – Many models released in small quantities, increasing their rarity and collector appeal.
-
Technical Prestige – Use of COSC-certified in-house calibers like B01 and complex designs including tachymeters, tourbillons, and dashboard-style aesthetics.
-
Motorsport & Luxury Tie‑ins – From Le Mans triumphs to ice-speed records and Bentley Mulliner styling, these watches embody high-performance narratives.
Finding Bentley Watches at Jewels In Time
If you’re passionate about owning a Breitling for Bentley timepiece, Jewels In Time offers a curated selection of authentic models. Their inventory includes past collaborations—like the Mulliner Edition and Centenary models. With expertise in high-end watches, they help collectors navigate this exclusive niche, ensuring genuine pieces that reflect the grand tourer spirit and mechanical craftsmanship.
Conclusion
The Breitling‑Bentley collaboration stands as the longest-running alliance between a watchmaker and an automotive marque. It spawned iconic timepieces—from onboard clocks to tourbillon wristwatches—and synced with Bentley’s most daring motoring feats. Though closed in 2021, the partnership left an indelible legacy of craftsmanship, precision, and luxury.
