A commitment to exquisite design, engineering excellence and attention to detail are ideologies shared by both luxury car manufacturers and traditional watchmakers. Therefore, collaborations between the two make a lot of sense.
Both cars and watches have their everyday practical solutions, however they can also be status symbols that indicate grandeur and elegance. Reliability and functionality is important, but so too is sophistication, style and class.
Aston Martin and Jaeger LeCoultre
Available exclusively to existing and new Aston Martin owners, the 18-carat pink gold AMVOX2 Jaeger LeCoultre DBS Transponder is a technical collaboration of the highest order.
With a history that date’s back to the 1930s when Jaeger’s instruments were featured on the dashboard of Aston Martin’s 1.5-litre LM, these two pioneers have brought their relationship into the 21st century.
Pressure on the sapphire crystal and a miniaturised open/close circuit re-engineered to specifically fit this particular timepiece enables the watch’s owner to unlock their DBS remotely. Design details such as ruthenium grey bridges, satin finish and a black dial are also reminiscent of the vehicle’s instrument panel.
Breitling for Bentley
One of Britain’s most stylish automakers and a watchmaker known for creating precise timepieces have teamed up to produce an immaculate collection for lovers of luxury.
The relationship between man and machine is this collection’s particular focus, with Breitling’s meticulous mechanical movement echoing Bentley’s handcrafted high-performance engines.
The wide array of watches available reflect Bentley’s range of automobiles, from the supercar performance of the Continental GT to the sumptuous interior of the Mulsanne.
Ball for BMW
Combining watches made for explorers with the ultimate driving machine, Ball for BMW is a project that looks to promote a more adventurous lifestyle.
Ball traces its roots back to the birth of America’s railroad industry while BMW traditionally manufactured aircraft engines. Today, the two have united to produce a range of excellent watches for driving enthusiasts.
Inspired by BMW’s suspension system, Ball has developed a patented Amortiser system that protects the watches against extreme shocks, through an exclusive protection ring that envelops the movement. The timepieces also provide perfect dial visibility in darkness, with the use of H3 gas in glass micro-tubes.
IWC Schaffhausen and AMG
Mercedes-Benz’s performance engineering division AMG and exclusive watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen of Switzerland has put together an elegant and technologically accomplished series.
The watch’s case, bezel, case-back ring, crown and solid protective shoulders are all made from black zirconium oxide, taking direct inspiration from ceramic disc brakes. The movement is one of the most rugged IWC has ever made and pays tribute to the reliability and durability that Mercedes-Benz is famed for.
TAG Heuer Formula 1
TAG Heuer has always had a strong association with Formula 1, from early manual chronometers to modern day automatic car identification timing systems.
Now the company has a range of timepieces inspired by the world’s most prestigious motorsport contest. Ambassadors for the collection include current McLaren F1 drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez.
The watches employ advanced movements and contemporary materials to truly reflect a competition known for being at the cutting edge of technological development.
