Goodyear, B.R.M. Chronographes partner for watch line

AKRON — Goodyear and French luxury watch maker B.R.M. Chronographes are partnering to offer a limited, high-end watch collection comes just in time for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, set for Sept. 19-20

The collaboration comes on the heels of Goodyear's joining forces with Algarve Pro Racing, a championship team within the European Le Mans series that will showcase the B.R.M Chronographes on its pair of Oreca Gibson racers entered in the 24 Hours.

Essentially Goodyear combined a global licensing partnership with a motorsport agreement to achieve the three-way collaboration, the Akron-based tire maker said.

Magny, France-based B.R.M Chronographes will create two designs of these exclusive watches as well as a desk clock. The watches have a black physical vapor deposition (PVD) stainless steel case, a white dial with black hands and a black technical-strap styled with white holes and double white stitching. The Goodyear logo is on the dial and on the black crown, which features a Goodyear tire.

Another element inspired by motorsport is the glass back that allows view of the mechanism inside. The chronograph includes a black tachometer with white hands, Goodyear said.

"We are excited to channel Goodyear's rich racing pedigree and the ingenuity of B.R.M artisans to create some world-class timepieces," said Christian Jurado, global director of licensed products for Goodyear.

The black machined and hand-crafted watches will have two separate designs (a desk clock also will be offered) and mirror the aesthetics of the Algarve Pro car, "reflecting Goodyear's fundamental association with motorsport," Goodyear said.

The timepieces will be engineered with a black physical vapor deposition stainless steel case, a white dial with black hands and a black strap with white holes. The watch will have a clear backing that allows the meticulous watch mechanism to be viewed.

The watch line will be launched in September, Goodyear said.

B.R.M Chronographes was founded in 2003 by Bernard Richards and its watches are "reflective of their creator's racing spirit," the company said.