The limited-edition Breitling for Bentley 6.75 Midnight Carbon first appeared on March 5, 2014. Created in partnership with the German-owned, British-based maker of ultra-luxury cars, the monstrous timepiece features all the usual design elements and, as usual, comes in a fairly small lot of 1000 individually numbered pieces. It sports a sexy black (or very dark grey) finish that, unlike models treated with the PVD coating process, is a lot more durable in the long run.
The black (although they prefer to rather pompously call it Royal Ebony) face features a somewhat unusual vertical open-working pattern that makes tiny (but only tiny) bits of the mainplate visible through the dial plate. I am not sure about their real source of inspiration, but the design somehow reminds me of vertical radiator grilles of all pre-2000 Bentley limousines and sports cars.
In a nod (or maybe even a low bow) to the brand’s present, the knurled bezel of the timekeeper features a pattern that mimics the mesh above the grille.
Frankly, I am not particularly happy about the dials. It’s sometimes almost hard to look at them because of how visually aggressive and even a bit tiresome they are.
Of course, the “engine” that powers the timepiece is light years behind the 6.75-liter technical marvel that Bentley uses for its top-of-the-line models, but is still quite nice.
Being based on the good old ETA 2892 movement, the Caliber 44B uses slightly better parts and a lot more rigorous quality control. As usual, it comes with a COSC chronometer certificate. The document basically guarantees you that you get one of the most accurate and reliable mass-produced movements that money can buy. It may not be as good as Rolex chronograph calibers, but it is still quite good.
As usual, you will not be able to get a glimpse at the mechanism, since it is hidden from envious eyes with a nicely decorated solid case back cover.
Like their earlier versions, the 6.75, too, sports an easily recognizable exterior. While measuring the same impressively obnoxious 49 millimeters in diameter, it is noticeably heavier since the lightweight titanium in this particular, um, case was replaced for a lot more massive carbonized “black steel”.
I am not sure about the exact process that the Swiss manufacturer uses to treat their cases. Still, usually, the stainless steel bodies undergo hot plasma treatment that allows to significantly increase the concentration of carbon in the upper layer of the metal. As a result, they become a lot more resistant to mechanical damage and, as a byproduct, also look quite cool.
While most owners of luxury watches tend to worry about them being accidentally scratched, the proud owners of this monster will have to be careful not to scratch their Bentleys and their working desks crafted from some extremely exotic precious wood.
See also: Breitling for Bentley Barnato 42 Midnight Carbon Chronograph
Photos: Breitling
WWR verdict
Originality 5/5
Build quality: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Legibility: 3/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Breitling for Bentley 6.75 Midnight Carbon specification
Price: $10,990 (MSRP, ref. M4436413/BD27-220S)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber 44B (base ETA 2892), COSC-certified chronometer, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 38
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 42 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, big date, chronograph, slide rule
Case material: Stainless steel, carbon black
Shape: Octagonal
Bezel shape: Round
Size: 49.00 mm
Dial: Royal Ebony (black)
Hour markers: Black, luminous dots
Hands: Black, luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Black rubber strap with “Bentley” inscription
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Solid, decorated