10 Best Breitling Bentley Watches of All Time

Breitling Bentley watches are without a doubt one of the most iconic collaborations between brands. With its rich and long historical beginnings, the partnership offers a one-of-a-kind experience for both watch and car lovers alike. It incorporates both the Breitling principle and the Bentley idea in their products, bringing together extraordinary sports watches.

To understand the partnership, let’s look back on their beginnings. How did one collaboration turn to a long-term partnership? Read more to find out.

History of the Breitling Bentley Watches

The partnership between Breitling and Bentley started in 2002. But this has only come to fruition in 2003. The collaboration which, to this day, continues to display both Breitling’s commitment to accuracy and Bentley’s high-powered automation, would later prove to be one of the most sought-after collaborations of all time.

Breitling’s Innovative Beginnings

In 1884, Léon Breitling founded the Swiss luxury watch company. He crafted timepieces and other measuring instruments in his St. Imier workshop. Breitling focused on chronographs which were in demand at that time. It was a vital instrument in the industrial, military, and scientific fields. Even athletic organisations are fond of the instrument.

In 1889, Breitling earned the patent for a simplified chronograph. This featured a sleek design, unambiguous maintenance, and an easy manufacturing process.

After Léon Breitling’s passing, his son, Gaston, continued his father’s legacy. Gaston Breitling manufactured the world’s first wrist chronograph in 1915. This wasn’t the only mechanism the company has concocted. In 1952, the company created the iconic Breitling Navitimer. A portmanteau of the words “navigation” and “timer”, this was a novel invention at the time. Its flight-specific slide rule introduced with the Chronomat created a niche for it. Since its introduction, aviators consequently have picked Breitling as their top-of-mind aviation timepiece.

Breitling and the Bentley Continental GT

British automobile manufacturer Bentley has been unrelentingly releasing top-of-the-line luxury cars. The brand uses engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology in manufacturing. Luxury cars were never the same after the birth of the iconic Continental GT. In 2002, Bentley commissioned Breitling to design the onboard clock for the Continental GT. A year later, the Continental GT debuted with the fusion of expertise between the brands.

Breitling looked back on their aviation chronograph launched in 1931 for the design. The brand’s expertise in monitoring and chronographs made the collaboration steady. Furthermore, Willing Breitling, grandson of Léon Breitling, has been a devoted Bentley enthusiast. The brand’s leader was a familiar face behind the wheel of his collection of Bentleys.

Subsequently, the brands extended their partnership at the 24 Hours at Le Mans race. Breitling sponsored Bentley at the race in 2003 and was behind the brand through its win. For this reason, Breitling crafted the limited-edition chronograph, Bentley Le Mans.

A Renewed Partnership

About 15 years since their first collaboration, Bentley and Breitling renewed their partnership. In 2018, Breitling announced a new chapter in the alliance.

“Bentley and Breitling share so many values,” Breitling CEO Georges Kern commented. Both brands recognise each other’s dedication to quality, performance, and design excellence. They have decided to leverage this to build on and continue a legacy. “It’s an ideal partnership,” Kern added. “And, after more than 15 years, it is a pleasure to add another chapter to it.” Bentley Motors Chairman Adrian Hallmark was a Board Member for Sales and Marketing in 2002. He was there when the partnership first flourished on the race track. To him, this collaboration as an outstanding example of authenticity in the craft.

With the partnership, Breitling integrated special Bentley editions on its core products. This certainly unified the companies’ relationship. Breitling has created limited-edition timepieces for Bentley, and the Breitling Bentley was born.

10 Best Breitling Bentley Watches of All Time

Each Bentley-edition timepiece from Breitling is not only a reflection of performance but also a mirror of history. From their top-of-the-line mechanism to stunning designs, each watch is a historical piece in itself. Moreover, these watches continue to elevate with time.

Below, we break down some of the best Breitling Bentley watches of all time. What Bentley car was it inspired by? What’s inside and how it works? Read on to learn more about these one-of-a-kind timepieces.

1. The Premier Bentley British Racing Green

This is the first among the timepieces crafted by Breitling for the partnership. The Breitling Bentley Premier B01 Chronograph is an extraordinary watch. Made to last, its 42mm case is in stainless steel. Inspired by the 1929 “Blower” Bentley, this Premier reflects the design in more ways than one. Firstly, its British racing green dial reflects the car’s green body. Secondly, it features two small chronograph counters in black. These counters echo the Manufacture Calibre 01 mechanical movement inside. Seen through the transparent sapphire caseback is the self-winding high-performance chronometer-certified automatic calibre movement. Each timepiece is equipped with approximately 70 hours of power reserve. A five-year warranty assures the wearer of this luxe timepiece.

You may wear the Premier Chronograph 42 Bentley with a green nubuck leader strap or a seven-row stainless steel bracelet.

2. The Limited-Edition Premier Bentley Mulliner Chronograph

Bentley’s Continental GT Convertible by Mulliner is not only one of the most powerful cars in the market but also a collector’s dream. Its cutting-edge technology inspired by Bentley’s colourful history is sought-after, particularly by aficionados. The car itself was a celebration of Bentley’s iconic 100 years. Breitling, as Bentley’s partner, celebrates this luxurious GT the way they know best. The Premier Bentley Mulliner chronograph was born with only 1,000 pieces in the market. Creating close links with the GT’s layout, the watch’s design is inspired by the car’s dashboard.

The Continental GT Convertible by Mulliner is characterised by its blue and red accents. Similarly, the watch features blue and red accents and a blue alligator leather strap. Like the car’s dashboard clock, the watch’s vertically-brushed silver dial likewise stands out. Another nod to the car’s DNA is the numerals in the Premier. On the case is a plate engraved with the “Bentley” inscription, based on the car’s engine spin dashboard. Each edition of the watch marked “ONE OF 1.000” adds to its luxe value. But this wasn’t the only limited-edition timepiece Breitling crafted for Bentley.

3. The Limited-Edition Premier Bentley Centenary

In 2019, Bentley celebrated its 100 years of luxury motoring excellence. So, at the Geneva International Motor Show, Breitling introduced a limited-edition timepiece.  The Breitling Bentley Premier Centenary not only celebrates Bentley’s 100th year but also commemorates the brands’ partnership.

The interior of Bentley cars is the definition of luxury. On the seats, we see a pattern unique only to Bentley their line of cars. Each clear-cut stitch displays precision and opulence. The Diamond-in-Diamond Quilting is an example of the scrutiny that goes into each car the company produces. In the same way, Breitling applies this detail to the limited-edition Premier Bentley Centenary. Just like the Bentley seats, Breitling features quilted calfskin leather on the straps of the Premier.

Furthermore, the wooden dashboard of the 1929 “Blower” Bentley inspired the brown burl elm dial of the Premier Bentley Centenary. In contrast to the main dial, the chronograph sub-dials are in black. Along with this feature are the white tachymeter scale and red tachymeter inscription on a black inner bezel around the dial. Apart from the dial, the “Bentley” engraved plate on the left side of the 42mm case stands out. This was also inspired by the dashboard design of the “Blower” Bentley.

Under each case is the Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01. Breitling developed this in-house mechanical movement and proved itself as one of the most dependable in the industry. This movement is visible on the caseback along with the Bentley logo. Engraved on the 18K red gold version is its edition number, “1 OF 200”. Meanwhile, more editions are available for its stainless steel counterpart. Engraved on each stainless steel watch is “1 OF 1000”.

4. The Chronomat B01 42 Bentley

This Breitling Bentley watch is one for every man. Not only is the Chronomat a symbol of legacy but it also represents the brand’s history. First introduced in 1994, Breitling took a chance on crafting a mechanical watch with Chronomat. The brand developed the Chronomat for the Italian aerial squadron. Thus, the 250-piece limited edition it first came out with. This Breitling Bentley Chronomat B01-42 is distinct, featuring a green dial just like the British Racing Green. The in-house Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 powers this Bentley Chronomat, giving it a robust power reserve of 70 hours.

5. The Breitling Bentley B05 Unitime

This Breitling Bentley watch is one for the books. AT 49mm in diameter, the Bentley B05 Unitime features a power reserve of 70 hours. Its case is large and polished as well as its bracelet. The dial has distinct fine markers for minute and seconds. Meanwhile, the hour and minute hands are luminous for better reading. With its world-time function, this watch is a travel must-have.

6. The Breitling Bentley GMT

Among the covered Breitling Bentley watches is this Chronometer timepiece. Like the Breitling Bentley Unitime watch, this Breitling Bentley GMT watch features a secondary timezone. The watch also includes three chronograph monitors as well as a bi-directional rotating bezel. Not only will its wearer enjoy its stylish features but also feel as if they’ve never left home with this watch.

7. The Breitling Bentley B04 GMT

The Breitling Bentley B04 GMT is luxury right on your wrist. This self-winding automatic watch comes in a 49mm 18K rose gold case. This surrounds a cream dial and comes with a brown alligator leather strap. Its deployment buckle is also in 18K rose gold for added luxury. Just like most Breitling watches, it has chronograph monitors and a tachymeter scale. You may view the world at different hours through its GMT feature.

8. The Breitling Bentley B06

This Breitling Bentley B06 Chronograph watch is a classic with innovative features. Its polished stainless steel case is 44mm in diameter. Its dial, in storm silver, features silver-toned hands and index hour markers, as well as three chronograph meters. In addition, it also displays a raised stamped honeycomb centre design. To resemble the radiator grilles of Bentleys, it also has a stainless steel knurled bezel. Powered by the Breitling Calibre B06, it has a 70-hour power reserve. Moreover, the self-winding automatic movement is COSC Chronometer-certified.

9. The Breitling Bentley Flying B Chronograph

To honour Bentley’s winged letter “B” emblem, Breitling produced the Flying B Chronograph. Its cambered rectangular 38.5mm stainless case features a bevelled crystal and three square chronograph counters. Echoing the iconic British radiator grilles are the guilloché centre of the watch’s dial. Powered by the Breitling Calibre 44B, this watch features automatic movement. Its dial comes in either royal ebony or royal black ebony with the steel and midnight carbon black steel versions, respectively.

10. Breitling Bentley Barnato Chronograph

This Breitling Bentley watch is every man’s dream. It’s perfect for one who cruises and travels beyond safe spaces. Every explorer will appreciate its flexibility and style. TheBreitling Bentley Barnato Chronograph has a 42mm stainless steel case and a choice of either black rubber or leather strap. Its gunmetal hands and diamond-set index hour markers stand out. While the luminescent hands make reading easier to the eyes. Powered by the Breitling calibre 41B, it’s every Bentley enthusiast’s timepiece of choice.

Breitling Bentley: More Than A Partnership

Needless to say, the partnership between Breitling and Bentley is an extraordinary feat. It gave people an experience that’s like no other. With this in mind, it’s not very surprising that most enthusiasts look up to the collaboration. Despite the changes in the market, we are treated with innovative creations. Overall, Breitling Bentley watches are more than products of collaboration. It’s an affair as well as an experience every man of opulence deserves.

Interested in another Swiss luxury sports watch? Check out our feature on the versatile Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watches.