The 1960s was a decade of experimentation, fun, freedom and energy. Whether cruising on a motorcycle or revving up a sportscar, living life at full speed was the order of the day. Willy Breitling felt this change of pace and set out to design an unconventional chronograph that would capture the verve of era. He called it the Top Time. That spirited tradition continues today with Breitling partnering with some of the coolest names in wheels to create its Top Time designs. In the early 1960s, the Le Mans winner Carrol Shelby imagined a car that matched a small, light British-style chassis to a strong, reliable American big-block engine. When it was introduced in 1962, the Cobra met with instant success, both among sportscar fans and on the racing circuit. It remains blisteringly fast and cherished by collectors to this day. The Top Time B01 Shelby Cobra features the colors and emblem of its classic-car counterpart as well as a perforated leather racing strap, speed-measuring tachymeter scale and contrasting “squircle” (not quite square, not quite round) subdials that give the feel of vintage dashboard gauges. It also comes with a brag-worthy engine under the hood: the exceptional Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01.
Technical data
Movement
Caliber
Breitling 01 (Manufacture)
Movement
Self-winding mechanical
Power Reserve
Approx. 70 hrs
Chronograph
1/4 second, 30 minutes
Vibration
28,800 v.p.h
Jewel
34 jewels
Case
Case Material
Stainless steel
Water Resistance
10 bars
Bezel
Fixed
Crown
Non screw-locked, two gaskets
Crystal
Cambered sapphire, glareproofed both sides
Dimensions
Product Weight (Approx.)
98 g
Watch Head Weight (Approx.)
77 g
Diameter
41.0 mm
Thickness
13.3 mm
Height (upper lug tip to lower lug tip)
50.36 mm
Lug Width (in-between lugs)
20 mm
Strap
Strap Material
Calfskin leather
Strap Colour
Brown
Strap Type
Straight
Lug
20/18 mm
Buckle Material
Stainless steel
Buckle Type
Folding clasp
Buckle Size
18 mm
