Once again, another Watches & Wonders is happening without Breitling. Marking its second-consecutive absence from the biggest trade show in the watch world, the Swiss watchmaker is nevertheless presenting us with new models to be excited about.
Fresh off of the new (and first-ever) time-and-date versions of its Top Time watch, Breitling has now come out with a trio of B01 chronographs under the same collection. However, these now ditch the round shape in favor of retro-style cushion cases, and they’re pretty darn awesome.
A Word on the Top Time
For those who missed our overview of the Top Time series in our article last week, let’s break quickly recap:
While Breitling’s flagship Navitimer and Chronomat models might get a majority of the focus, the brand’s Top Time — revived in 2020 — has a bit of a cult following (relatively) among the pack. Since Breitling doesn’t exclusively partner with any specific auto brand, the Top Time series is their chance to team up with an array of companies. In the past, we’ve seen them partner with Chevy, Deus, Ford, and Shelby, among others, on chronographs inspired by classic nameplates.
Breitling Top Time Martini Racing Basics
This most recent cushion-shaped Top Time chronos doesn’t feature a car-specific model, per se, but rather a nod to the Martini Racing, which many of you might associate with Porsche. The motorsport brand’s signature colors are dark blue, light blue, and red, which have been given to one of the three new Top Time watches. Featuring a white dial background, the center patch connecting the two chronograph registers features this dark blue with the vertical stripe pattern in the center, behind the handset. This color also shows up on the minute track around the dial. It’s paired with a matching blue leather strap.
There are two other rally-inspired variants as well, but they’re not branded with Martini Racing: a green dial with white patch and minute track, and a black dial with silver patch and minute track. For the green, there’s a matching green leather strap, while the black gets a tan leather strap.
Behind a closed caseback is the usual in-house B01 automatic chronograph movement. With 70 hours of power reserve, this is a COSC-certified chronometer.
Unusually Small
Inspired by ‘60s racing, the aforementioned cushion-shaped steel case is interesting in that it spans just 38mm across. Previous B01-powered Top Time chronographs have all ranged from 40mm to 42mm in case diameter, seeing that a chronograph requires a bit more space for all the information it’s communicating. However, eliminating the common third register, Breitling is able to get away with the shrinkage. In fact, the 38mm diameter is the same as the non-chrono B31 that debuted last week, and with an even smaller lug-to-lug (44.1mm vs. 45.8mm). Although it’s 3mm thicker at 13.3mm in total thickness.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 38mm
Lug-to-Lug: 44.1mm
Case Thickness: 13.3mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Breitling B01 automatic chronograph
Band: Leather strap in blue, green, or tan
Limited Edition?: Yes, 750
Pricing & Availability
Martini Racing Edition or otherwise, each piece in this three-watch Top Time B01 collection is limited to 750 units. These are set to drop on April 11 for $7,700. Head over to Breitling’s website to learn more.
Recap
Breitling Top Time B01 Martini Racing Edition
Now with smaller, cushion-style cases, Breitling has some cool rally-inspired versions of its Top Time B01 chronograph, including one branded with Martini Racing.
