
MTF introduces the 'Breitling for Bentley' GT Dark Sapphire Edition, a new timepiece launched in conjunction with the Bentley Continental GT at IAA 2017. This article explores the watch's design, materials, and movement, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between Breitling and Bentley in celebrating the Grand Touring spirit.
19th September 2017
Despite the cutbacks for aviation activities at Breitling, they still made a joint announcement with Bentley Motors about a new watch – the Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition to "celebrate the Grand Touring spirit" and launch of all-new Bentley Continental GT at IAA 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

'Breitling for Bentley' GT Dark Sapphire Edition
Limited to 500 serial-numbered pieces, the new watch celebrates the arrival of the all-new Bentley Continental GT.

Bentley Continental GT launch 2017
Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Britain from authentic luxury materials, the third generation of Bentley’s definitive Grand Tourer features a 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine developing 635 PS (626 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb.ft.), and showcases both traditional craftsmanship and innovative applications of cutting-edge technology.
Naturally, they said that the same blend of precision and performance has been carefully applied to the new 'Breitling for Bentley' GT Dark Sapphire Edition watch.
It's all about effortless performance and Grand Touring comfort at Bentley, which is reflected in the new 'Breitling for Bentley' GT Dark Sapphire Edition.

'Breitling for Bentley' GT Dark Sapphire Edition
Check out the ultra-light, ultra-strong case made of Breitlight® – an exclusive new advanced material that mirrors the innovative, authentic new luxury materials inside the Bentley Continental GT.
Breitlight® is resistant to scratching and corrosion. It does not contain magnetic or allergenic properties and has a subtle black, streaked effect with a luxurious blue shimmer that echoes Dark Sapphire from Bentley’s colour palette.

'Breitling for Bentley' GT Dark Sapphire Edition
The watch dial features a striking diamond shape motif similar to the new ‘diamond in diamond’ pattern that you can order for the leather of your new Bentley Continental GT.
The movement in the 'Breitling for Bentley' GT Dark Sapphire Edition is a Breitling B06 calibre with COSC credentials. It has the unique 30-second chronograph system that was patented in 1926 – a year before the first famous "Bentley Boys" win at Le Mans.
A central hand completes a full sweep of the dial in half a minute, ensuring the ultimate precision in time-keeping, to the nearest eighth of a second. A blue ‘30-second chronograph’ inscription in the centre of the sapphire glass, highlights this exclusive feature.
In tune with the Grand Touring spirit of the car, the 'Breitling for Bentley' GT Dark Sapphire Edition watch has an eponymous rubber strap with the same design as the dial, secured by a pusher-operated folding clasp, promising good comfort and security.

'Breitling for Bentley' GT Dark Sapphire Edition
PuristS Musings
No prices have been announced yet but as a guide, previous coloured limited editions of the Breitling for Bentley GT watches started at $12,300.
With the new Breitlight® case material, I would expect a premium to be added to that basic price.
By the way, in case you are wondering what Breitlight® is, it is a proprietary, commissioned "polymer reinforced with composite fibres"...er...that's fancy plastic to you and me.
This may be the most expensive plastic watch in the world!

Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition Specifications
Movement:
Manufacture Breitling Calibre B06, COSC, self-winding, high-frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour), 47 jewels. Over 70-hour power reserve. 1/8th of a second chronograph, 30-second, 15-minute and six-hour totalisers. Calendar.
Case:
Breitlight® (500-piece limited series). Water-resistant to 100 m. Screw-locked crown. Cambered sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides.
Diameter: 48 mm.
Dial: Dark Sapphire.
Strap: Bentley GT rubber.
Regards,
MTF
Why am I left with the impression that this his been shoe-horned in, rather than a natural fit for a car costing £150K+? I’ve never understood the brand tie-in, and this just makes it look like Bentley haven’t got a clue who their demographic is.
I think Breitling has tested long enough breitlight before introducing it on the market, plus it sports a high end manufacture movement that few manufactures can rival with Breitling except Hublot, Tag with the 02, Rolex, Chopard, Omega, Glashütte Original, IWC, JLC and Patek. Blancpain merely relies on frederic piguet movements which are not known for their over their long run durability under harsh case is made of an innovative material and I do like the soberty of the watch to be once again
PJS Thanks for your thoughts. I buy Breitlings for family and friends but not for myself....until the current Mrs MTF re-gifted a SuperOcean back to me Somebody is buying these 'Breitling for Bentley' watches and they only need to shift 500 pieces. The associations between motorcar and watch brands has always been puzzling viz. BMW and Ball Watch? Aston Martin and JLC? Hublot and Ferrari? Some are understandable e.g. IWC and Mercedes Benz are both Germanic in attitude. Chopard's ambassador Jacky
But I am more for the new Conti GT release.... Who else is getting one... I am for sure Cheers ed
Ok I will illustrate my facts with concrete examples with pics found on the net First example the cosmonaute chronomatic cal 11 Second example the cosmonaute cal 178 handwound with 24 hour display Third example the cosmonaute cal 178 with GMT function (very rare) You will notice that there is a link between the past and the present and even back then in the 60's-70's Breitling was the one who made the largest watches on the market. Their main motto was "Instruments for professionals" and they al
I miss my 2014 CGT and plan on purchasing a new one. I like the changes I see, just want to see it in person before I am all in.
This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 20 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →