DRIVE TIME for CART: Breitling, from Bentley to Aston Martin
The author of bestselling automotive-horology book ‘Drive Time’ and our foremost authority on all things cars and watches-related, Aaron Sigmond, writes about Breitling's automotive pedigree, ultimately landing us on their most recent and it seems, most fitting, partnership so far: Aston Martin.
Breitling is one of Switzerland's historic watchmakers. Founded in 1884, it is best known for aviation- and marine-inspired wristwatches such as the Navitimer pilot chronograph and the Superocean dive watch. Yet its automotive and motorsport-inspired timepieces deserve equal attention, thanks largely to two carmaker and watchmaker collaborations: Breitling for Bentley and, most recently, Breitling x Aston Martin. Today, Breitling serves as the Official Watch Partner to both Aston Martin and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.
BREITLING FOR BENTLEY 2003-2021
AT FIRST GLANCE, the marriage between Breitling and Bentley might not appear symbiotic: again, Breitling is best known for its aviation-inspired chronographs and dive watches, while Bentley is one of Britan’s two ultra- luxury GT carmakers—the other of course being Aston Martin, which we will get to momentarily. Yet, the coupling has lasted, blossoming into one of the longest-term such collaborations ever, an enduring combination of British chic and Swiss precision.
Initially, just two Breitling “Bentley Motors Special Edition” timepieces were made available—a far cry from the expansive collection and preponderance of models that followed. Both were released to commemorate Bentley’s participation (and winning) in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2003.
Each year of the partnership thereafter, Breitling released a remarkable succession of often oversized chronographs that, as of 2013, usually came equipped with Manufacture Breitling in-house movements. Notable models along the way include the 45mm Breitling for Bentley GMT Light Body B04 S, and and, at the opposite end of the stylistic spectrum, the restrained and thoroughly elegant Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley British Racing Green.
Ultimately, Breitling for Bentley became the longest-running collaboration collection of its kind. Across nearly two decades it produced 61 timepieces, including two limited-edition tourbillons. The final chapter was the striking Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42—a fitting conclusion to a remarkably prolific partnership.
Wisely, both companies recognized that the collaboration had begun to outstay its welcome. Rather than diminish the brand equity each had built together, they quietly brought the relationship to a close in the summer of 2021 after two remarkable decades.
BREITLING X ASTON MARTIN 2026-PRESENT
To say Aston Martin is no stranger to watch partnerships would be putting it mildly. Over the years, the historic Newport Pagnell marque—today also maintaining facilities in Warwickshire—has collaborated with Chopard, Girard-Perregaux and, perhaps most significantly, Jaeger-LeCoultre.
The latter relationship formally began when announced at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, although ties between the two companies stretched back to the 1920s. The collaboration quietly concluded a decade later, leaving behind several noteworthy timepieces.
Among them, the standout remains the inaugural AMVOX1 Alarm from 2005, which took drew inspiration and design cues, as well as materials from Aston’s lineup at the time. It was followed by the AMVOX2 DBS Transponder, the AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT and several other technically ambitious references.
Then, two years on, at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show, Aston Martin announced a long-term partnership with Richard Mille. Curiously, despite lasting five years, the collaboration never produced a single commercial production watch—a rather unusual outcome for such a high-profile alliance.
Which finally brings us to Breitling.
The premiere effort from this latest partnership arrived in the winter of 2026 with the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One. It sold out quickly. Candidly, however, it was rather lackluster. The watch felt considerably more Navitimer than Aston Martin, distinguished primarily by the marque's logo on the caseback and a handful of green accents. One expected rather more.
Fortunately, the recently released sophomore effort proved considerably more convincing.
The neo-retro, cushion-cased Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to the Aston Martin DB5 is an exceptionally handsome watch. Doubly so for James Bond devotees.
When Breitling introduced the original Top Time during the 1960s, it described it as "the unconventional chronograph created for a new, youthful, speed-driven audience." The model (Ref. 2002) went on to achieve cinematic immortality in Thunderball (1965), becoming the first watch modified by Q Branch when Sean Connery's 007 wore it while motoring cinema's most famous Aston Martin—the DB5.
The contemporary tribute model arrives in three limited-production variants: stainless steel with a silver dial (1,022 examples); stainless steel and platinum with a black lacquer dial (315 examples); and 18k red gold with an onyx dial, limited to 250 pieces. All are attractive. The latter is especially so.
So, start your engines.
Two markedly different watches in the space of six months suggest Breitling has found its footing with Aston Martin. More importantly, the company appears to have learned from the strengths—and eventual limitations—of its Bentley years.
If the Top Time DB5 is any indication, this partnership may well go the distance.
Watchmaker: Breitling
Introduced: 2026
Affiliation: Aston Martin and the Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team
Inspiration: Aston Martin DB5
Models: Multiple
Model Featured: Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute To Aston Martin DB5
Calibre: Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01
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