There are a few brands that truly sum up the epitome of luxury in today’s overcrowded market. Why only recently Gucci replaced its former Creative Director, Frida Giannini, as they were concerned that  their status within this complicated and fickle arena was in danger of slipping. However, two brands that, although not Apparel brands, don’t have to worry about their luxurious status, one the pinnacle of opulence in the motoring world is Bentley and the other is synonymous with luxury timekeeping, Breitling. So much so when Bentley require clocks for their motoring objects of magnificent splendour, their was only one watch brand on their shortlist.

The latest piece in this on-going collaborative relationship is the Bentley B06 with its original “30-second chronograph” system is being rolled out in a new more compact version accentuating its sophisticated and sporty design. Obviously bound to appeal to devotees of fine mechanics offering a blend of elegance and performance. The knurled pattern on the bezel, a nod to the famous Bentley radiator grills, of course, is picked up in the motif stamped on the black or silver dial. But alongside its unusual eye-catching design, the Bentley B06 S is also distinguished by its exclusive engine. Manufacture Breitling Calibre B06, entirely developed and produced in the Breitling Chronométrie workshops, and officially chronometer-certified, boasts an ingenious “30-second chronograph” system inspired by a 1926 Breitling patent, don’t you know. It involves a central hand sweeping around the dial in half a minute and thus ensuring extremely precise eighth-of-a- second readings of the times it measures. Another worldwide exclusive feature is the “variable tachymeter” with rotating bezel, serving to calculate average speeds whatever the time elapsed, the distance covered or the speed reached. The Bentley B06 S is available in steel or red gold and comes with a choice of a bracelet or a strap in leather, crocodile or rubber with a central raised pattern matching the bezel. A perfect emblem of the Breitling for Bentley spirit. As we said, go on spoil yourself, you know its worth it !

New to the timepiece industry, Briston’s was first stocked in Colette, Paris, and has expanded rapidly to worldwide stockists. A selection of their latest Clubmasters are now available at Harvey Nichols, Oliver Spencer, End, Liberty and in-store at Selfridges. The French watch brand, presents their Clubmaster Collection – a finely crafted 18 model set, made from the finest European materials. Excellent Swiss craftsmanship paired with British sports chic ensures this watch brand has a classic preppy aesthetic without compromising on quality and technical functions.

Brice Jaunet, Bristons founder, has a wealth of experience in the luxury watch industry, dating back 15 years. With Cartier, Zenith and LVMH all successfully on his CV, Brice’s passion and proven market knowledge led to the creation of Briston; which provides chic yet accessible timepieces with an iconic 1920’s inspired ‘cambered square’ face.

The Clubmaster range epitomises British tradition with iconic vintage racing cars and sports heritage as the key elements of inspiration. It is this sporty preppy chic that marries so well with the brand’s innovative use of raw materials and colourways that creates its authentic style. The British heritage of the brand runs deeper still, taking it’s namesake from the historic Norfolk village.

With the relationship of style, function and technology becoming increasingly sought after, Briston has the added benefit of an exclusive NATO watch strap. Originally developed by the British Ministry of Defence in the 60’s for the Royal Navy, the NATO straps are not only technically sound, robust and water resistant, but also reinforce the vintage spirit and affirm the sports chic look.

Boasting interchangeable NATO straps, multiple metal finishes and two styles of faces, the Clubmaster range has something to suit every man. The HMS is a simple hour-minute-second & date style face for an urban chic feel, while the Chronograph features multiple timekeeping dials, reinforcing the ‘Sport’ sentiment of the collection.

When a brand that you love and cherish announces they are expanding into a new product category you can’t help but, slightly, worry, in the back of your mind you know this can go one of two ways. One, wonderfully, real synergy, works so well and only strengthens your appreciation for what they produce. Or, how can I put this, NOT.

Thankfully, with the topic of today’s post the prior is very definitely the case. British lifestyle brand Barbour has just launched its first range of watches, aptly named ‘Barbour Timepieces’, which blends the Barbour unique take on British style into watch form, all the while with a very individual and stylish look.

The Barbour collection is inspired by the values of the British countryside whilst the Barbour International collection references the brand’s motorcycling heritage, with both collections featuring some of the iconic elements found in the clothing ranges.

Designed in Britain, the Barbour Timepieces collections all house Swiss movements and feature the best Italian leathers, British tweeds and tartans.

In the Barbour collection, the Beacon Chrono (image above) is a visual embodiment of Barbour’s design heritage – functional yet timelessly sophisticated – available with either Italian leather straps or in a three link stainless steel bracelet. The simplicity and clean lines found in the design of the Glysdale also represents the versatility that the Barbour brand is known for, with a choice of straps in Barbour’s classic tartan, British herringbone tweed, or luxurious Italian leather.

In the Barbour International collection, the motorcycle jackets that the brand has been producing since 1936 are the core inspiration. The Halstead sits at the heart of motorcycle fashion with hand-stitched padded straps that are reminiscent of riding leathers. The Fowler (image below) features an industrial case inspired by the headlights of vintage motorcycles, a dial based on vintage speedometers and soft leather straps that make this watch effortlessly wearable.