Take a Drive With the New Breitling for Bentley GT Dark Sapphire

A Luxury Watch for a Luxury Car

While Breitling watches may be most famous for their association with aviation, their connection with automobiles is strong too. In fact, Breitling also has a very special relationship with one of the world’s most preeminent carmakers–Bentley.

The partnership between Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling and British luxury automaker Bentley dates back to 2002. Bentley commissioned Breitling to design the onboard clock for the famous Continental GT car. Then, when Bentley won the 2003 Le Mans race, Breitling produced a special edition Bentley Le Mans timepiece to celebrate. Since then, both companies have continuously produced exceptional timepieces, each brand bringing their own passion and knowledge to the table. The Breitling for Bentley collection features fine Breitling timepieces inspired by the ultra-luxurious Bentley automobiles.

Continuing the partnership, Breitling for Bentley unveiled their newest creation for 2017. Premiering at the Frankfurt Motor Show alongside Bentley’s new Continental Grand Touring, the Breitling for Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition is a sleek and ultra-light watch that takes its design cues from the car that inspired it. A beloved automobile, this third-generation Continental GT was crafted to exude luxury and performance. And the Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition also respects these traits.

Breitling for Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition

Encased in Breitlight — Breitling’s ultra-light proprietary case material introduced in 2016 with the Avenger Hurricane — the Breitling for Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition is surprisingly light considering its generous 48mm size and robust look. However, don’t let the lightness fool you. Breitlight is a high-tech material that has been made to be considerably harder than titanium, despite being four times lighter. Breitling also claims that this material is resistant to scratches, corrosion, traction, fluctuations in temperature, and magnetism. This makes is one of the sturdiest substances for watchmaking. Plus, for those with sensitive skin, it holds hypoallergenic properties.

Boasting an all-black case with a diamond motif on the bezel that pays tribute to the interior and dashboard controls of the Continental GT, the Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition is one cool looking chronometer. A screw-locked crown at 3 o’clock between two round push-buttons give the watch its sporty look. On the other hand, its black Bentley GT rubber strap features a stitched diamond pattern that just oozes luxury.

The Engine: Breitling Caliber B06

Carrying on the diamond motif, the Dark Sapphire dial also showcases the same base pattern in black and gray. Sub-dials sit a 3, 6, and 9 o’clock and calculate 15 elapsed chronograph minutes, six elapsed hours, and running seconds, respectively. The Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition is also a Breitling “30-second” chronograph meaning that it contains a sweeping central hand that can complete the dial in half a minute, thus guaranteeing an 1/8th of a second for elapsed time readings. The inner 30-second track detailing appears in a vivid blue while the peripheral minute track and chronometer scale are white. Gray defines the hour and minute hands, as well as the hour markers, all of which hold a touch of luminescence for improved legibility.

Powering the Breitling for Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition is the Manufacture Breitling Caliber B06. A self-winding, high-frequency movement, it offers the wearer a 70-hour power reserve and a calendar function visible via a date window at the 4:30 mark. Officially chronometer-certified by COSC, this is a high-performance watch worthy of its association with the renowned British carmaker. Protecting the dial and the inner mechanism are a cambered sapphire crystal and a solid caseback, which also ensure water resistance to 100 meters.

Limited to a run of just 500 pieces, the Breitling for Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition is the perfect partner on the wrist for Bentley connoisseurs and watch aficionados looking for a sleek sports watch with style. If cars and watches are your thing, then don’t miss our collection of Breitling for Bentley watches.