Is Breitling Owned by Bentley? The Unexpected Partnership That Transcended Luxury

Breitling and Bentley: two brands that ooze luxury, performance, and craftsmanship. However, one question often arises—are these two iconic names linked by ownership? The answer is no—Bentley does not own Breitling. But the two brands share an intricate and compelling relationship that blurs the lines between luxury timepieces and high-end automobiles. Their partnership, rooted in a shared passion for precision and excellence, spans nearly two decades and has resulted in some of the most exceptional timepieces and design collaborations ever seen in both the automotive and watchmaking worlds.

Why the Confusion? The confusion surrounding whether Bentley owns Breitling often stems from the long-standing partnership between the two brands. This relationship, which began in 2002, has yielded numerous joint ventures, including special-edition watches and collaborations aimed at pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. The Bentley-Breitling collaboration is unique, as both brands seek to extend their expertise into each other's domain—Bentley in automotive luxury and Breitling in aviation-grade watchmaking.

Bentley, the famed British luxury car manufacturer, is renowned for producing high-performance cars that offer a seamless blend of comfort and sportiness. Breitling, on the other hand, is a Swiss watchmaker famed for its precision, particularly in aviation-related chronographs. When the two came together, it was not a simple case of one company acquiring the other; instead, it was an intentional partnership that would allow both brands to explore new heights together. This has led to a strong association, but again, Bentley does not own Breitling.

The Birth of an Iconic Collaboration Their journey began in 2002 when Bentley was preparing to unveil the Continental GT, a car that was meant to redefine the luxury automotive market. Breitling was brought on board to design an onboard clock for this masterpiece. The two brands quickly realized that their shared vision of luxury, craftsmanship, and precision could lead to much more than just an in-car clock.

The Continental GT’s Breitling Connection
For Bentley, the Continental GT was more than just a car; it was a statement. Similarly, Breitling’s contribution went beyond a simple timekeeping device—it became a symbol of the car’s ethos. The clock, designed by Breitling, became an emblem of the precision engineering that went into the car. But this wasn’t just a one-time collaboration. The partnership blossomed, and Breitling began crafting exclusive watches inspired by Bentley’s cars, with each new timepiece capturing the spirit of automotive performance and high-end craftsmanship.

Joint Efforts in Design
The relationship between the two brands has never been superficial. Both Bentley and Breitling have collaborated deeply on the design front. Bentley cars are known for their impeccable attention to detail—whether it's the supple leather, polished wood accents, or the metallic sheen of the dashboard. Breitling’s watches, similarly, exude luxury and craftsmanship through their precision-engineered components, sleek dials, and state-of-the-art technology. This shared obsession with detail has made their partnership a perfect fit.

In fact, Breitling launched a series of special edition watches that reflect Bentley’s aesthetic—combining British elegance with Swiss precision. Some notable examples include the Breitling for Bentley Motors Chronograph, which paid homage to Bentley’s legendary Le Mans victory, and the Breitling for Bentley GMT, featuring time zones for international travelers, much like a Bentley might take you from London to Paris without breaking a sweat.

Signature Watches from the Collaboration

1. Breitling for Bentley Motors Chronograph: This special edition chronograph is a tribute to Bentley's success in motorsports, particularly their six victories at Le Mans. The watch features an engraved bezel that mirrors the iconic Bentley radiator grille, with functions that mimic the performance and precision of a Bentley engine.

2. Breitling Bentley B06: Equipped with the Breitling in-house Caliber B06 movement, this watch showcases a patented '30-second chronograph', a function that measures times to an incredible 1/8th of a second. The watch’s intricate dial and rotating bezel are reminiscent of Bentley's dashboard design.

3. Breitling Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon: Named after Bentley’s bespoke coachbuilding division, this timepiece epitomizes exclusivity and luxury. Only a few units are produced each year, and the watch comes with personalized options for owners, just like a custom-built Bentley vehicle.

4. Breitling for Bentley Supersports B55: Designed in celebration of Bentley’s fastest car, the Continental Supersports, this watch features Breitling's B55 connected chronograph movement, capable of logging lap times and other performance metrics—a fitting tribute to the car’s racing pedigree.

A Journey That Lasted Nearly Two Decades
The Bentley and Breitling collaboration continued strong for nearly two decades, coming to a formal end in 2021. Even though their official partnership concluded, the legacy they left behind continues to captivate enthusiasts of both cars and watches. Over the years, they didn’t just share design ideas; they shared a mindset—a philosophy of pushing boundaries, seeking perfection, and creating luxury that transcends mere aesthetics to deliver unmatched performance.

What Happened After the Partnership Ended? While the official collaboration ended in 2021, both brands have continued to thrive in their respective industries. Breitling remains one of the world’s most revered watchmakers, continuing to innovate with new materials, movements, and designs. Bentley, similarly, continues to push the envelope in automotive engineering, blending luxury and performance in ways that few other manufacturers can.

However, even though the partnership has concluded, the influence it had on both brands remains apparent. Bentley's cars, especially those in the Continental GT range, still feature design elements reminiscent of their collaboration with Breitling. Meanwhile, Breitling’s watches, particularly the models produced during their partnership, are coveted items in the luxury watch market, prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Is There a New Watch Partner for Bentley? Following the end of their partnership with Breitling, Bentley announced a new collaboration with another luxury watch brand—Breitling’s Swiss rival, Audemars Piguet. This new partnership marks a shift for Bentley, but it also underscores the automotive brand’s commitment to working with only the very best in the world of timekeeping. Audemars Piguet, much like Breitling, is known for its craftsmanship and precision, making them a fitting partner for Bentley as they continue their journey in luxury.

The Takeaway So, while Bentley does not own Breitling, their nearly two-decade partnership was something far more interesting than mere corporate ownership. It was a union of two world-class brands, each excelling in their respective industries, coming together to push the boundaries of what luxury and performance can mean in both the automotive and watch worlds. Their collaboration produced watches that are not just timepieces but works of art, inspired by the same principles that make a Bentley car a symbol of opulence and engineering prowess. Even though the collaboration has ended, the legacy it left behind continues to influence both industries, proving that sometimes, the most memorable partnerships don’t need to be about ownership—they just need to be about a shared vision for excellence.