Each year, Breitling creates a unique Replica Watches piece named Bentley Masterpiece: a mechanical magnum opus combining tradition, performances and the finest craftsmanship. This year at Baselworld, Breitling will unveil its new, one-of-a-kind Grande Complication pocket watch dedicated to the Bentley’s founder. The 2010 Masterpiece combines two sophisticated complications: a perpetual calendar displaying the date, day, month, leap years and moon phases, and a minute repeater.
The movement, based on a late 19th century blank of which Breitling found just a few examples in its workshops, comprises almost 700 parts. The refined finishing – hand polishing, chamfering, and Côtes de Genève – is visible through a transparent caseback. In tribute to Walter Owen Bentley, the cover of the 18-carat yellow gold case is adorned with an engraving depicting him at the wheel of one of his racing models. This portrait is accompanied by the famous “W.O.” initials by which the engineers and craftsmen of the British firm – like all devotees of fine automobiles – still refer to the revered founder of Bentley.
In the past, Breitling’s unique pocket Replica Watches have been sold at auction or to private clients at prices in the $250, 000 to $300,000 range.
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