Breitling Premier Top Time Limited Edition Watch Review
Wednesday - 08 April 2020
Following on from the successful releases of their Navitimer 806 and AVI Ref. 75 1953, Breitling have delved further into their archives for inspiration for a distinctly different watch: the Breitling Premier Top Time Limited Edition. First released in 1964, the Top Time was intended for young men and women just starting out in the luxury watch game, but its distinctive dial designs and undeniable elegance secured it as a collectors’ favourite.
Back in 1960, Willy Breitling announced the new collection of Breitling Top Time watches “particularly suited to the needs of the young and active professionals. We are designing a superb range of ultramodern chronographs, led by a completely new model, the Top Time.” What Willy did not expect was its surge in popularity particularly with celebrities and in pop culture. One of the most famous Breitling Top Time models was worn by Sean Connery as James Bond. The modified Breitling Top Time chronograph watch with its reverse panda dial made its first appearance in the movie Thunderball (1965). The very same watch was then sold for £103,875 in 2013.
The new Breitling Premier Top Time Limited Edition watch is modelled after a more unique version of the Top Time, ref 2003, which originally featured a gold plated case and the iconic “Zorro” dial. The dial got its name from the unique triangular shaped bands which frame the chronograph counters that bring to mind Zorro’s half-face mask. This same design can be found on the Breitling Premier Top Time alongside bright red central hands decorated in Superluminova, a decimal scale around the circumference and the legendary rose gold Breitling logo at 12 o’ clock.
“Breitling aficionados have always loved the Top Time’s dial. When it was released more than 50 years ago, it was a watch that appealed to a younger audience committed to enjoying the freedom and the spirit of the 1960s, and, amazingly, after all this time, it continues to stand out. The Top Time is an important but often-overlooked part of our heritage, and we know it’s going to resonate with men and women who love this blend of history, design, and great performance.” – Georges Kern, Breitling CEO
The playful face of the Breitling Top Time Premier watch does not disguise the superb chronograph performance hidden within. Fuelling the power reserve of 48 hours, central hands for hours, minutes and chronograph seconds and the two sub-dials for 30 minute counter and small seconds is the Breitling Calibre 23 movement. Like every Breitling movement out there, the Breitling Calibre 23 is COSC certified to be accurate to -4 to +6 seconds per day and is kept hidden within the 41mm stainless steel case and snapped case back decorated with the words “ONE OF 2000”.
Unlike the Breitling Top Time featured in James Bond, the Breitling Top Time Premier Limited Edition doesn’t feature a Geiger counter but instead is the very first timepiece by the Swiss brand to offer a blockchain-based digital passport. This handy piece of technology means it is easy to confirm the authenticity and ownership of the watch with a simple click. The digital passport will also complement Breitling’s innovative digital warranty program by offering the absolute security that can only be provided by a blockchain system.
The Breitling Top Time Premier Limited Edition is not a watch that can be mistaken for anything other than a legend with a unique, personal style that is destined to become another collectible. You can order the watch on the Jura Watches website today at a retail price of £4,100. Get in touch our team of luxury watch specialists on 01335 453453 or at help@jurawatches.co.uk with any questions and don’t forget to ask about the interest free finance and free next day delivery options available.
Specifications: Breitling Top Time Premier Limited Edition (A23310121G1X1)
- Case Size: 41mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Case Back: Snapped with limited edition decoration
- Crown: Non-screw locked
- Water Resistance: 30 metres
- Movement: Breitling Calibre 23 automatic
- COSC: Yes
- Functions: Hour, minute, second, 1/4 second, 30 minute counter
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Jewels: 27
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Silver with Superluminova hour dots and central hands
- Strap: Brown nubuck leather
- Buckle: Pin, stainless steel
- Limited Edition: 2,000 pieces
- RRP: £4,100
