Hot Take: Breitling Top Time B01 Martini Racing Plus Two Other Limited Editions
Last week, Breitling introduced its new three-hand Top Time models with the new B31 caliber. Today, the brand releases three more Top Time models housing the well-known chronograph B01 movement. Let’s take a quick look at these three 750-piece limited editions, including a Martini Racing version with its famous colorway.
Breitling Top Time B01 Martini Racing
Breitling Top Time B01 Racing
The new cushion-shaped Top Time B01 Racing chronographs have roots in the 1960s. This means Breitling (re)created bold designs, dashboard-inspired dials, and funky colors. The most surprising edition among these three is undoubtedly the Martini Racing. As a kid, I had a toy car (Porsche 935) with the Martini Racing branding, and it was the coolest one in the box. The other two Top Time B01 versions, one in black and white and the other in (racing) green and white, also breathe racing but without the third-party branding, of course.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern says, “The Top Time collection is known for its bold chronographs. With these latest limited editions, we put a modern spin on classic 1960s designs, returning this watch to what it’s all about: timing races and measuring speed.”
A nod to 1960s racing chronographs
These watches represent racing or motorsports. To underline this, Breitling has put them on perforated leather straps in colors that match the dials. The dashboard layout on the dial is also something we’ve seen from other brands. However, Breitling has a clear history of watches with dashboard dials dating back to the 1960s. The Breitling Datora Top Time ref. 2030 from the late 1960s, also with a cushion-shaped case, looks very similar to what we see here today. That model was powered by the Valjoux 7734 and had a 38mm case.
Downsizing
Although Breitling has supersized its watches in the past decades, these new Top Time B01 Racing models also hark back to the 1960s with their size. Each one has a perfect 38mm diameter with a 13.3mm thickness and a modest 44.1mm lug-to-lug. With these dimensions, Breitling seems to have hit the sweet spot for many watch enthusiasts out there who crave more modest-sized watches.
Breitling also applied Super-LumiNova to the hour markers and hands to ensure the time is legible in low-light conditions.
Breitling’s B01 movement
Inside each new Top Time Racing model beats the well-known in-house-developed B01 movement. This self-winding column-wheel chronograph caliber has a power reserve of 70 hours and a 4Hz (28,800vph) frequency. It goes without saying that Breitling had this movement certified as a chronometer by the COSC. The movement is not visible to the owner, however, as the case back is stainless steel, with a vertically brushed finish. Breitling also engraved “One of 750” on the case back to underline that these models are limited editions.
The Breitling Top Time Racing chronographs come complete with a 100m water resistance rating. While the crown is not a screw-down type, it uses two gaskets to ensure this level of water resistance. Breitling also used a sapphire crystal treated with an antireflective coating on both sides.
Pricing
You can find all the specifications for these watches in the chart below this article. For more information on the new Breitling Top Time B01 Racing watches, you can also check them out on Breitling’s website. The retail price of the new Breitling Top Time B01 is €7,250, regardless of which version you choose.
The Martini Racing model has reference AB01772A1G1X1, the green model has reference AB01771A1L1X1, and the black-dial version has reference AB01771A1B1X1.
Some afterthoughts on the new Breitling Top Time B01
It seems Breitling wants to ensure that there’s something for everyone in the catalog. It’s a strategy I applaud. You don’t have to like everything the brand does, but there will probably be something in the catalog that suits your taste. I will get to try these new Top Time B01 Racing Editions on my wrist soon. I’m especially looking forward to trying out the Martini Racing version. The 38mm cushion-shaped case looks nice, and the engraved decoration in the corners makes it extra playful. The racing theme, with the dashboard-inspired graphic on the dial, is a wonderful nod to Breitling’s heritage from the 1960s.
In the comments below, let us know your thoughts on the new Breitling Top Time B01 Racing chronographs. If you want to join our Fratello × Breitling event on April 11th, register here.
