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. A collaboration with British heritage motorcycle brand Triumph, this watch’s highlight is its ice-blue dial. The distinctive shade was precisely color matched to a Triumph Thunderbird 6T from 1951, and a rare, blue-dialed Breitling Top Time Ref. 815 from the 1970s. Collectors are sure to pick up on a few other throwbacks to vintage Breitling that include a retro logo, mushroom chronograph pushers and a “Zorro” dial design. The bowtie motif introduced on Top Time in the 1960s (and nicknamed for the wily swashbuckler’s mask) has been subtly integrated using a metal brushing technique that creates a radiant play of light and texture. The design features a Triumph emblem at 6 o’clock, a speed-measuring tachymeter scale and contrasting “squircle” (not quite square, not quite round) subdials that give the feel of a vintage dashboard gauge. 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 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
Black
Strap Type
Straight
Lug
20/18 mm
Buckle Material
Stainless steel
Buckle Type
Folding clasp
Buckle Size
18 mm
