The spirit of competitionBASELWORLD 2016: The BENTLEY GMT B04 S CARBON BODY
Equipped with a Manufacture Breitling dual timezone movement, the Bentley GMT B04 S chronograph makes a strong comeback in a 250-piece limited series with a carbon case and dial. A fine tribute to Bentley’s competitive feats both past and present.
Already interpreted in a titanium version, the Bentley GMT B04 S features a strikingly original and daring design based on asymmetrical lugs and integrated pushpieces moulding the shape of the case and an exclusive black rubber strap. Breitling now introduces it in a limited edition distinguished by its resolutely sporty exterior. With this in mind, the brand has chosen a cutting-edge technology already used on the chassis of Formula 1 racing cars as well as in aviation and racing boats – but entirely novel in a watch. The high-tech case material is composed of tiny carbon fibres (just 30 microns in diameter) woven into several hundreds of layers placed at a 45-degree angle between each successive layers, and then bonded by heat-set resin. The result is peerless rigidity combined with superlative shock-resistance and a distinctive matt black appearance. A paragon of legibility, the dial is also made of carbon with a visible weave. A competition-ready look enhanced by red-rimmed counters reminiscent of racing car instrument panels.
Whether a roadgoing or universal travel companion, this dual timezone chronograph also stands out for its unprecedented user-friendliness. The black hour hand showing local time is quickly and easily adjusted by rotating the crown forwards or backwards – without losing any precision in terms of minutes and while ensuring automatic adjustment of the date in both directions. Meanwhile, the red hand keeps track of home time in 24-hour mode. An additional user-friendly feature takes the form of a rotating inner bezel bearing the names of 24 cities and serving to show the time at a glance in every timezone compared to the time shown by the 24-hour hand. This exceptional functionality is admirably controlled by Manufacture Breitling Calibre B04, protected by two patents: an ‘engine’ entirely developed and produced by Breitling that is chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), a reliable token of superior precision and reliability.