Breitling, Bentley release limited-edition chronograph
ONLY 25 examples of a limited-edition timepiece from Bentley Motors and watchmaker Breitling will be released this month. The Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 Bentley Limited Edition also marks nearly two decades of partnership between the two companies. The new watch is a reinterpretation of the original Breitling Premier wristwatches of the 1940s, and highlights a 42mm case in 18K red gold, rectangular chronograph pushers, a gold-brown alligator strap, and a transparent sapphire caseback revealing the movement within and its 22-karat gold oscillating weight.
The visual highlight is the special chronograph tourbillon caliber and cage seen through the distinctive green dial — reminiscent of the British racing green color associated with the other models within the Breitling and Bentley partnership. The COSC-certified tourbillon movement delivers 55 hours of reserve power.
The timepiece promises 100 meters of water resistance.
Willy Breitling, the grandson of the brand’s founder Léon Breitling, was a passionate Bentley driver. In 1934, he patented the chronograph with two independent pushers at the two o’clock and four o’clock positions. “Besides being tech-savvy and bold, Willy Breitling understood the desire for the elegance and glamor from watch lovers,” said the company in a statement. With this in mind, Mr. Breitling designed the original Premier wristwatches in the 1940s.
Bentley Chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark noted, “This striking watch embodies our joint commitment to pioneering spirit, expert craftsmanship and technological excellence.” Added Breitling CEO Georges Kern, “We’re proud of this elegant symbol of our brands’ shared values: quality, performance, and design excellence.” In 2002, Bentley Motors commissioned Breitling to create an onboard clock for the Continental GT and the partnership continued to progress from there.