The first watches released as part of this partnership pay tribute to Aston Martin's debut in Formula 1 racing.
Breitling has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Aston Martin and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. This move takes the brand, better known for its close ties to aviation, into the crowded market of watch sponsors in Formula 1 and motorsport.
On February 9, the Breitling logo will appear on the Aston Martin Aramco car and the new team uniforms, as well as on the track during the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, which will take place from March 6 to 8.
In honor of the new sponsorship, the company has released a new watch - the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team. Limited to a series of 1959 pieces, the novelty pays tribute to the year Aston Martin first participated in Formula 1. Interestingly, in that year, legendary drivers and racers Graham Hill and Jim Clark, who used Breitling Navitimer watches in the races, were part of the Aston Martin team.
For the first time in the history of the Navitimer collection, the watch received a titanium case, complemented by a carbon dial. The choice of materials is clear: both titanium and carbon are actively used in auto racing. The dial features splashes of the green color in Aston Martin Racing Green's signature shade and lemon-yellow accents borrowed from the Aston Martin Aramco livery. The textured leather strap references seat belts.
The sapphire case back reveals the time-tested Breitling 01 caliber. This is a COSC-certified automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve. In this model, it is distinguished by a tungsten rotor with PVD coating, on which the Aston Martin Formula One™ Team logo can be seen. The perimeter of the case back is engraved with the inscriptions "One of 1959" and "Instruments for Drivers".
The financial terms of the sponsorship agreement are not disclosed. Breitling takes over the sponsorship of the Aston Martin Formula 1 team from its colleagues in the watch industry - Girard Perrigaux.
As part of the deal, Aston Martin drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso will wear Breitling watches when not in the car on the track, where watches and jewelry are prohibited during races and training according to safety regulations.
The estimated price of the model is $11,500.