Breitling has re-released the Top Time model, one of their more popular models from the 1960’s in a limited edition run. When the Top Time was originally released during the 60’s, it was done so with a specific purpose in mind; “to suit the needs of the young and active professionals”.
Willy Breitling announced that with the Top Time watches, Breitling was “designing a superb range of ultramodern chronographs, led by a completely new model – the Top Time”. Willy went onto further state that the Top Time appealed to the younger demographic, but also “attracted young women, who were drawn to its bold new lines and undeniable elegance”. With this much popularity, it was only a matter of time before Breitling would rework the original Top Time to suit the modern generation.
Much like the original timepiece from the 1960s, the new Top Time has a unique design that certainly grabs attention. Being one of the more recognisable dials in the watchmaking industry, and known to collectors as the Zorro dial, the distinctive black over the two counters on the 3 and 9 o’clock positions is what makes this watch so easily recognisable. The Top Time makes itself clear from the get-go that it is more of a playful timepiece when compared to the more serious pieces Breitling has to offer.
A fun fact about the Top Time timepiece; Q gave it to James Bond in the 1965’s Thunderball movie, where Bond used the watch to avert a nuclear disaster by finding stolen missiles hidden underwater. The Top Time used in the film came with a Geiger counter which helps Bond in locating the missiles. Unfortunately, the 2020 edition of the Top Time doesn’t come with a Geiger Counter but does include Breitlings latest movement to keep it ticking precisely and reliably as ever.
The Breitling Top Time Limited Edition comes with a 41mm stainless steel case. The dial follows the original 1960’s design with the notable exception of the hour and minute hand done in red. Breitling has also used a 30 minute counter on the 3 o’clock position rather than the 45 minute counter from the 1960 original. Dot markers are also used against each of the hour indexes, which are coated with superluminova. The combination of red, black and white makes the dial vivid and really stand out. To match the retro look of the watch, Breitling has given the Top Time Limited Edition a brown nubuck leather strap.
The movement inside the Top Time Limited Edition is Breitling’s calibre 23 chronograph movement. Its COSC-certification confirms the accuracy of this movement. The movement is capable of powering the watch up to almost 48 hours and comes with a water resistance of 30m (3 bar). With the watch only limited to 2000 pieces, the closed case back comes with the inscription “ONE OF 2000”.
An important note on the Top Time Limited Edition is that it will be Breitlings first ever watch that is offered with a blockchain-based digital passport. The blockchain digital passport can confirm the authenticity and ownership of the watch with just one click. If the owner wishes to transfer ownership, this can be done relatively easily and quickly with a simple blockchain transaction.
The Breitling Top Time Limited Edition was created with a spirit of freedom and vitality in mind. The current CEO Georges Kern put it brilliantly by stating that “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
an 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.”
