A First Time-and-Date Version of the Top Time Watch is Launched by Breitling
Monday - 24 March 2025
The new Breitling Top Time B31 is the first of its kind to sport a non-chronograph dial and, size-wise sits in a Goldilocks zone of 38mm in diameter.
The Breitling Top Time thoroughly deserves its regular appearances on best watch guides each year. The design was first launched by Breitling in 1964 as an entry-level chronograph compared to some of the brand’s more technical-looking chronographs and became a pop culture favourite when it was spotted on the wrist of Sean Connery in the Bond film “Thunderball”. Today, Breitling enlists brand ambassador and actor Austin Butler, who once played a murderous sadist in “Dune II”, to style out the first non-chronograph Top Time debut.
The new Top Time 2025 watches are the first to feature a three-hand layout and come in a new size of 38mm – a diameter perfectly in keeping with today’s demand for smaller watches. The new design sports three colours: a silvery white dial with a light pastel blue minute scale, a deep green version with a black scale and a blue dial with a white outer track. These fit right into the “easy wearing” bracket with a choice of straps and a new movement. Let’s explore a little deeper….
Whether you opt for the white, blue or green option, all three new releases feature a vibrant orange seconds hand combined with other retro features like a domed sapphire glass and the choice of a perforated leather strap that nods to the racing straps of yesteryear, or a robust steel bracelet. Of all three releases, the forest green has to be my favourite, for its sheer versatility more than anything. When paired with the stainless steel bracelet, this dial colour will look good with any suit, jeans, or shirt combo. But if it’s a vintage-esque look you’re interested in, the white dial with powder blue trim captures the look of a 1960s racing instrument perfectly.
In much the same way that the Breitling Chronomat and Navitimer watch collections each offer a three-handed version, the new Breitling Top Time B31 watches follow form with Super-LumiNova-coated central hour and minute hands and a stick marker hour track. They still retain the clear chapter rings and two-tone aesthetic to which they owe their genesis. A 100-meter water resistance provides ample protection over the watch's internal parts for daily wear, while inside the case sits a new in-house movement with COSC certification.
If you’re a devoted collector of Breitling watches, you’ll already know that the brand offers a mix of third-party and in-house movements. The B31 Calibre is Breitling’s own and has been manufactured at Breitling Chronometrie in La-Chaux-de-Fonds. The bidirectional winding movement runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a power reserve of 78 hours once fully wound. Consider this the classic-looking weekend-proof watch you always needed. Smart and elegant with a touch of vintage favour and an autonomy that will keep the watch ticking over when you want to alternate it with another favourite from your collection.
Interestingly, the new movement has an adjustable mass balance and is regulated by four adjustable rim weights. These weights, situated around the recesses of the rim, promise better aerodynamics. This larger diameter gives better resistance against physical disturbances. The innovative architecture is built to last, making it a great investment proposition for those waiting to dip their toes into the world of Breitling watch collecting.
The new Breitling Top Time B31 watches are crafted from stainless steel and come on two strap options: a three-link stainless steel bracelet with a mix of polished and brushed links and a folding Breitling-engraved clasp or a calfskin strap in dark blue, green or brown to match the blue, green and white dials respectively.
The new Breitling Top Time B31 watches are available to order now. For more information call and speak to a member of our sales team at Jura Watches on 01335 453453 or email us at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
