Breitling makes a comeback in F1 – presents a Navitimer for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team

Two worlds are united through a shared heart for speed, precision and design. As Breitling now steps in as official watch partner to Aston Martin and their Formula 1™ team, it marks the start of a new chapter – and a return to the absolute top level of racing. First out: a Navitimer in a limited edition, loaded with F1 DNA and technical finesse.

Text: Andreas J. Weber

Two worlds where speed, precision and engineering stand at the centre now meet in a new collaboration. Breitling becomes official watch partner to both Aston Martin and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team. The partnership also marks Breitling's long-awaited return to Formula 1 and this with a watch that pays tribute to racing history: the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team.

Both Aston Martin and Breitling carry rich heritages within their respective domains – a refined balance between form and function, style and performance. The collaboration stretches across the whole Aston Martin universe, from finely turned GT cars to the team's hunt for championship glory in F1. For Breitling this is a natural step back to the track, where the brand has historically had a self-evident place on the wrist of drivers like Graham Hill and Jim Clark.

– “Aston Martin builds cars where every line, proportion and finish has a purpose. We at Breitling share that philosophy,” says Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling.

Lawrence Stroll, chairman of Aston Martin and the team, adds:
– “We strive for perfection on the track – and need partners who do the same. Breitling breathes the same precision and engineering as we do.”

The Navitimer in a new interpretation – with F1 DNA

The first physical result of the collaboration is thus a limited edition of the Navitimer: B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team. The watch is limited to 1959 pieces – a tribute to the year Aston Martin made its F1 debut. The design is clearly inspired by the Formula 1 world, where every detail reflects performance and aesthetics from the track. The case is made in titanium – a material never before used in a Navitimer, which contributes to a lighter and more robust feel. The dial is constructed in carbon fibre, with clear references to the materials that surround the driver in an F1 cockpit. The colour choice is taken directly from Aston Martin's racing car, with a deep green shade and lime-coloured accents that lift the whole visually. The leather strap is textured to recall racing's safety belts, while luminova coating on the hands and indices guarantees optimal legibility regardless of light conditions.

Under the bonnet sits Breitling's in-house calibre 01, a chronometer-certified movement with 70 hours of power reserve. The back is open with sapphire crystal, and reveals a specially developed rotor in PVD-coated tungsten – of course adorned with Aston Martin's F1 logo. Engravings such as “One of 1959” and “Instruments for Drivers” reinforce the motorsport feel further.

Breitling's history within motorsport stretches back to 1907, when the groundbreaking Vitesse was launched, a chronograph tool used by the Swiss police to issue the first speeding fines. Aston Martin's journey began just a few years later in England, when a home-built vehicle took victory in the Aston Hill hill climb and a name was born. During the 60s both brands became symbols of engineering and style. With Breitling's Top Time on Sean Connery's wrist in Thunderball (1965) and Aston Martin's DB5 in Goldfinger (1964) they created an immortal link between elegance, speed and innovation.

– “Aston Martin and Breitling have met at decisive moments in both design and culture,” says Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Aston Martin. “This collaboration is a perfect showcase for craftsmanship, performance and design skill.”

Breitling's logo will adorn Aston Martin Aramco's new car AMR26 as well as the team's official clothing. The car is presented on 9 February and debuts on the track during the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, 6–8 March 2026. We at the editorial team really like what we see. The colour choices, the material choices, the details, everything feels considered and consistent. That they have also chosen to make this Navitimer in titanium is a daring but logical step for a watch that is to live in the world of motorsport.

Over the years several different watch brands have had collaborations with F1 teams, read our article about it here.