And now, Breitling is reintroducing the Top Time, a collectors’ favorite with one of the most recognizable dials in all of watchmaking. More than half a century after introducing its Top Time watch ref. 2003, Breitling is launching an updated and upgraded model. Like the 1960s model that inspired it, the new Breitling Top Time has an unconventional design that makes a bold style statement. A first glance at the dial, which has long been known to collectors as the ‘Zorro’ dial, makes it clear that this is a watch that doesn’t take itself too seriously. But that playful face doesn’t disguise the superb chronograph performance, which is pure Breitling.
When the original Breitling Top Time was launched in the 1960s, it was a watch with a clear mission. Willy Breitling announced that his brand’s new watches were “particularly suited to the needs of the young and active professionals. We are designing a superb range of ultramodern chronographs, led by a completely new model, the Top Time.” The sports watch appealed to that demographic but also attracted young women, who were drawn to its bold new lines and its undeniable elegance.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern commented: “Breitling aficionados have always loved the Top Time’s dial. When it was released more than 50 years ago, it was a watch that appealed to a younger audience committed to enjoying the freedom and the spirit of the 1960s, and, amazingly, after all this time, it continues to stand out. The Top Time is an important but often-overlooked part of our heritage, and we know it’s going to resonate with men and women who love this blend of history, design, and great performance.
Original Breitling Top Time Ref. 2003 from the 1960s
Cased in a generous 41 mm stainless steel case, the new Breitling Top Time ref. A23310121G1X1 is powered by the Breitling Calibre 23, a COSC-certified chronograph movement with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The dial, referred to as a ‘Zorro’ dial is mostly white with black segments around the chronograph counters. The red —more of a burnt orange— hour and minute hands, as well as the dot markers for each hour, are coated with superluminova in order to ensure legibility in all lighting conditions. Along with the central hour, minute, and chronograph second hands, the dial also features a decimal scale and two subdials: a small running seconds counter at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter with unique red accents at 3 o’clock.
Unlike the Top Time handed to James Bond by Q in the 1965 film Thunderball, this Top Time doesn’t have a Geiger counter. If you remember the movie, the world’s favorite spy used the watch to avert a nuclear catastrophe by locating stolen missiles that had been hidden underwater by using his watch.
The new Breitling Top Time’s modern retro look is perfectly complemented by its brown nubuck leather strap equipped with a pin buckle. Available in a limited edition of 2,000 pieces, its case back is engraved with “ONE OF 2000.”
The Breitling Top Time Limited Edition will be the brand’s first, watch offered with a blockchain-based digital passport, which confirms the authenticity and ownership of the watch with a single click. Owners can access the watch’s digital passport at any time and transfer ownership —if they choose to do so— with a simple blockchain transaction. Offered in cooperation with Arianee, the digital passport will also complement Breitling’s innovative digital warranty program by offering the absolute security that can only be provided by a blockchain system. This cutting-edge technology, which makes it possible for customers to engage with the brand anonymously, allows Breitling to add new online services ranging from advanced clienteling to a revolutionary care program.
The new Breitling Top Time is being offered on Breitling’s e-commerce platform and will be available upon request from the brand’s global retail network at a later date. Available in a limited edition of 2,000 pieces.
Sticker Price $4,990 USD. For more info on Breitling click here.
