Breitling revives its original, creative modern retro style with the limited-edition Top Time

BREITLING

Breitling's First Digital Passport Featured on the Top Time Limited Edition

[EDITOR'S EYE]

A look that evokes the spirit of the 1960s, when the chronograph watch first bloomed.
Its design blends seamlessly with classic attire, offering a relaxed yet refined aesthetic.
The rarity of a world limited edition of 2,000 pieces also promises to satisfy the desire for ownership.

Breitling's "Top Time," originally released in the 1960s, remains a collector's favorite today for its striking modern retro dial. More than half a century later, this upgraded iteration is a noteworthy timepiece, not least for its pioneering digital passport feature, based on blockchain technology. Available in a world limited edition of 2,000 pieces, it has already been released.

Text by OZAKI Sayaka | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi

Modern Retro Style Retained, Featuring Contemporary Chronograph Movement

The original "Top Time" was launched in the 1960s. At the time, this sports watch was popular not only among young men but also among women drawn to its bold lines and exceptional elegance. In 2020, Breitling revived this distinctive and iconic model as the "Top Time Limited Edition."

This piece inherits the original design's unique aesthetic, expressing a bold style. It is characterized by its modern retro design, affectionately known as the "Zorro dial" among collectors.

Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, commented: "Breitling enthusiasts have always loved the Top Time dial. When it was first released over 50 years ago, it captivated a younger generation enjoying freedom and the spirit of the 1960s, and it continues to be surprisingly popular today. The Top Time is an important model within our heritage, and perhaps one that is often overlooked. Nevertheless, this watch will undoubtedly appeal to men and women who appreciate the fusion of history, design, and superior performance."

This model is equipped with the "Breitling Caliber 23" chronograph movement, offering a power reserve of approximately 48 hours and certified by COSC as a testament to its precision. The red hour and minute hands, along with the hour markers from 1 to 12, are coated with Super-LumiNova® luminescent material, ensuring legibility even in low light. The dial features a decimal scale and two subdials: a small seconds counter at 9 o'clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock with a unique red accent. The strap is crafted from brown nubuck leather, further enhancing its modern retro style.

Notably, it features the brand's first digital passport function, based on blockchain technology. This service allows for constant verification of the watch's authenticity and ownership. Furthermore, owners can easily transfer ownership of the watch via blockchain transaction if desired. This new service, realized through a partnership with Arianee, a French blockchain service provider, will also offer an innovative Breitling digital guarantee program exclusively through blockchain in the future. This cutting-edge technology will enable anonymous interaction between owners and the brand, from progressive customer service to revolutionary care programs.

This model was launched on Breitling's e-commerce channels in April 2020. It is scheduled to be released subsequently through select Breitling boutiques worldwide. In Japan, it is currently available through the online boutique. Following this, it is planned to be sequentially available at Breitling Boutique Tokyo and Breitling Boutique Osaka.