IN top gear

Sleek, fluid lines and dynamic power. Are we talking watches, or cars? Maybe both. Time n Style looks at watches and their association with cars.

Tag Heuer - Team McLaren Mercedes
Starting in 1985, the year Tag Heuer signed its partnership with the Formula One team, the two groups have worked together, creating not only one of the longest running associations between a leading racing team and a luxury company in the history of Formula One but also one of the most successful. All McLaren-Mercedes cars carry Tag Heuer technology, not just in Formula One but also in all levels of the sport. McLaren-Mercedes drivers and Tag Heuer brand ambassadors Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard endorse Tag Heuer timepieces at every race or testing session. They also actively participate in the design and development of new watches and functionalities. In 2004, to celebrate 20 years of partnership, Tag Heuer has renewed and extended its partnership with Team West McLaren-Mercedes and its drivers, becoming the team’s corporate partner and official timekeeper.

The SLR Chronograph by Tag Heuer, an exceptional limited edition chronograph, celebrates the launch of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren super sports car. Tag Heuer’s creation is inspired by the 200-mph ultra-luxury sports car and is as audacious and avant-garde as its muse. The high technology and design manages to merge with classic style and allure, making it a watch to remember. It reflects the values common to both the brand and the team: passion, performance and sporting prestige. The watch has it all; it is daring, classic, innovative and traditional, with fluid lines, a high-end internally developed manufacture movement, perfection-driven architecture, unconventional styling and cutting edge ergonomic design exclusively created for Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren owners.

The two logos - the Tag Heuer shield and the star of Mercedes-Benz - grace the black dial, reminding one of a sports car dashboard. Under the hood lies the peerless Calibre 36 automatic movement. Like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren’s hand-built, supercharged 626-hp V8 engine, this is an exceptional source of power. It is the only 1/10th of a second chronograph, beating at 36.000 alternances and a standard-bearer of Tag Heuer’s watchmaking tradition. Yet, it also represents exciting new innovation, unique to the SLR Chronograph: the Calibre 36 has been specially outfitted with a regulator that provides the Tag Heuer SLR’s dial the look and utility of a sports car dashboard.

Breitling - Bentley
United under a ‘Winged B’, Breitling and Bentley form an alliance based on shared values. Both Bentley and Breitling manufacture exceptional products, their creations are exclusive and authentic and known for their quality and performance. They use the most modern technology and their foundation is a rich tradition. It seems fitting then that the two should come together. Watches and cars, no other combination could be more luxurious. This partnership has given rise to Breitling for Bentley, a line of exclusive chronographs dedicated to the British car maker. This launch heralds the emergence of a full-fledged watch collection, a range distinguished by exclusivity, prestige and performance. The new offerings include the Bentley 6.75 chronograph, a tribute to Bentley’s largest engine, the 6.75 litre version that propels the luxurious Arnage limousines. The watch, fitted with a Breitling Calibre 44B, flaunts the knurled finish on the bezel that’s inspired by the Bentley controls. Like all chronographs dedicated to Bentley the Bentley GT version is endowed with a variable tachometer with a Breitling Calibre 13B. Bentley GT refers to the Grand Touring tradition, representing exceptional sports cars of which Bentley continues building the most beautiful models.