Breitling for Bentley Mark IV

Even today, on April 4, 2025, in Prague, a city with an undeniable sense of luxury and history, we can still remember one of the most interesting combinations of two prestigious worlds: the partnership between Swiss watchmaker Breitling and British carmaker Bentley. Although this collaboration has now ended, it has left behind a number of exceptional timepieces. One of the most exclusive and rare models from this era is undoubtedly the Breitling for Bentley Mark VI with the reference P26362, made of fine platinum.

Two Worlds Combined: The Era of Breitling for Bentley

The partnership, which began at the start of the millennium, was based on shared values of performance, luxury, precision and British-Swiss elegance. The watches in the "Breitling for Bentley" collection featured design elements inspired by Bentley cars - in particular, a scalloped lunette reminiscent of the controls in the cars' interiors, specific fonts or engraved emblems. The end of this collaboration a few years ago made this watch a closed chapter and increased its collector interest.

Mark VI: A legacy of automotive classics

The Mark VI was not named at random. It is a direct reference to the legendary Bentley Mark VI, the brand's first post-war luxury car, produced between 1946 and 1952. The watch seeks to capture the spirit and elegance of this iconic car, not only in name, but also in design details and overall feel. The Mark VI version within the Breitling for Bentley collection was often seen as one of the more classic and dimensionally artistic.

Exclusivity in Platinum: Reference P26362

The key element of reference P26362 is the letter P - indicating the material of the housing: platinum. While Breitling commonly used steel (A) and gold (K/R), platinum was reserved for the most exclusive and limited editions.

• The case: Made of solid 950 platinum, which gives the watch not only exceptional prestige and shine, but also a noticeable weight on the wrist. The diameter of the case is usually 42 mm, which is an elegant size. The dominant feature is the knurled lunette (knurled bezel), inspired by Bentley design.
• Dial: The dials of the platinum versions were often in silver, anthracite or special shades. The layout includes chronograph subdials (typically 30-minute and 12-hour counters) and small seconds. A distinctive feature of the Mark VI is often pointer datewhere the date is not indicated by a window but by a separate hand moving along a scale, which is usually integrated into one of the sub-dials (often the one at 6 o'clock). Details such as applied indices or specific fonts further underline the connection with Bentley.
• Glass: Domed sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating.
• The strap: The watch came on a luxurious leather strap (often in colours and patterns inspired by Bentley interiors) with a buckle or fold-over clasp, also in platinum.

Heart of the watch: the Breitling Calibre 26B

Inside this rare piece, an automatic movement Breitling Caliber 26B.

• Basis and Functions: It is based on the proven ETA 2892-A2, with the addition of a chronograph module from Dubois Dépraz and a specific module for the date hand. It offers the functions of hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph and date display via a central hand.
• COSC Certification: As is standard with the Breitling for Bentley range, the movement is officially certified as a chronometer by the COSC Institute, which guarantees its high precision.
• Processing: The machine was often decorated to a higher standard than standard Breitling models.

Rarity and Collector's Value

Breitling for Bentley Mark VI P26362 extremely rare model. The combination of fine platinum, the specific design referencing the Bentley Mark VI, the end of the partnership between the two brands and the limited number of pieces produced make it a highly prized collector's item. Finding it on the used watch market requires patience and a willingness to pay an appropriate price that reflects its exclusivity.

Market position (as of 4 April 2025)

This model is long out of production. Its value on the secondary market is high and stable, with the potential for further growth thanks to its rarity and the historical context of the defunct partnership. It is an investment in a piece of watchmaking and automotive history.

Who is the watch for?

This specific model will appeal to a narrow group of the most demanding:

• Collectors of rare Breitling watches and special editions.
• Bentley enthusiasts and Bentley history.
• Platinum watch collectors.
• Investors looking for unique and valuable pieces.
• Individuals who appreciate the exclusivity and story associated with the watch.

Conclusion

The Breitling for Bentley Mark VI reference P26362 is not just a luxury chronograph; it is a platinum monument to an important collaboration, a tribute to an iconic automobile and a showcase of the best that came from the fusion of two worlds. In the context of Prague, a city that prizes unique and luxurious objects with a story to tell, this model represents the epitome of exclusivity and collector's passion. It is a true gem for those seeking the rarest of the Breitling for Bentley era.