There has long been an association between the makers of world-class precision racing cars and the makers of world-class precision watches. It's a natural correlation, as both parties rely on complex mechanisms to compete and succeed in their fields. Since the performance of racing cars is often measured in hundredths or even thousandths of a second, the livelihoods of racing car owners, drivers, and crews are largely dependent on the ability to quickly and easily mark and track very small increments of time.
As always, demand drives innovation, and the makers of Breitling and TAG Heuer watches have built their reputations by making superb chronographs and by responding to the needs of professionals in the racing industry.
Breitling Watches Inspired by Bentley Racing Cars
Bentley's association with Breitling goes back quite a few years, and it has been mutually beneficial for both parties. In the early years, Bentley concentrated on making racing engines. Race tracks allowed them to push an engine to its limit, which in turn allowed them to continually refine production. As Bentley engines broke speed thresholds and other innovators hoped to keep up, the need for precision chronographs rose. Breitling responded by creating a series of Bentley-inspired watch models.
Bentley Motors Series
This series includes a variety of models available in steel or yellow gold, which feature glare-proof cambered sapphire crystals; 38 jewels, 30-second, 15-minute, and 6-hour totalizers; variable tachometers; self-winding capabilities, and a great deal more. Models in the Bentley Motors Series include:
The Bentley Motors T-The Motors T series of racing watches comes available in satin-brushed or high polished finishes that show off the distinctive dials.
The Bentley 6.75-Inspired by the Bentley 6.75-liter engine, the biggest engine Bentley has produced so far, each model in this line features subtle but sophisticated variations on the 6.75 theme.
The Bentley GT-This model sports a bi-directional rotating bezel; water resistance to 330 feet; three sub-dials, and the distinctive Bentley series knurled bezel.
The Bentley GT Racing-The cambered sapphire crystal on the GT Racing model is protected by a bi-directional, rotating slide rule bezel for tracking lap times. The distinctive Bentley 'Flying B' over the day/date adds panache.
The Bentley GMT-The GMT has been called a 'wrist sculpture' because of its larger size and its striking, red-gold finish option. It features an ingenious, multiple time-zone display for distance racing, and is a favorite of collectors.
The Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon-The Mulliner Tourbillon is a very limited edition Breitling Bentley racing watch with one large sub-dial and two smaller sub-dials. This watch is highly prized by serious collectors and comes with a steep asking price if they can find one.
TAG Heuer Watches Inspired by Racing Cars
TAG Heuer watches draw their names and inspiration not from a car manufacturer, but from the tracks where racing cars compete (with one exception: the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series). Each series sports a unique look and dial layout, and most are available in both men's and women's styles. Long a favorite of drivers and crewmen alike, TAG Heuer racing watches provide the practical functions that race car professionals need combined with the sleek, classic styling that has always been a TAG Heuer hallmark. Models in this line include:
The Le Mans Centigraph-This watch was the pioneer of the 1/1000th of a second timing system inspired by the legendary 24-hour race. Steve McQueen wore one in the 1970 namesake movie that made this model iconic.
The Carrera Chronograph-Named after the grueling and challenging Carrera Panamericana Mexico race, this model was worn by most Formula 1 drivers in the 70s, and early models are coveted by serious collectors.
The Formula 1 Chronotimer-The Formula 1 features an innovative consecutive times register as well as elapsed and total time chronograph functions and a bold bezel with large notches for easy calibration.
The Monaco-The world's first square-cased chronograph, the Monaco, was launched in 1969. Its unique look created a sensation among racing professionals and fans alike.
The Monza-The TAG Heuer Monza has a look all its own, with its distinctive 'cushion shape' and three sub-dials in different shapes for tracking time trials. The numbers on the face are quite bold, making the Monza a practical choice for distance-race drivers who need to be able to mark the time at a glance.
Please bear in mind that these race car-inspired watches from Breitling and TAG Heuer are broad representations. Almost all of them have several sub-models within each model, and in most cases, it takes a collector's eye and experience to note the subtle differences. Both watch manufacturers have gone to great lengths to design and craft these superb watches for practicality and style. As far as professional race car drivers, crewmen, and collectors are concerned, these watches belong in the winner's circle.