Hands-on with the Breitling Top Time B09 Classic Cars Ford Mustang watch
Wednesday - 22 March 2023
60’s American sports cars are the inspiration behind this modified Ford Mustang watch belonging to Breitling’s Top Time collection, not powered with an in-house Breitling movement
Evolving the Breitling Top Time Classic Cars watch range
It was a very special moment when Breitling unveiled its Top Time Classic Cars range back in 2021. Resonating with classic car enthusiasts far and wide, these three timepieces honoured the Chevrolet Corvette, the Ford Mustang and the original Shelby AC Cobra. Although all three belong to the same Capsule “Top Time” line, the Shelby AC Cobra iteration was powered by a different movement than the other two, as well as a different case. The stainless steel model measured a 13.3mm thickness and a 40mm diameter and was powered by the ETA-based Breitling Caliber 41 automatic. Most interesting of all, the three Top Time watches from Breitling boasted TV-inspired sub-dials that tipped their hat to the 1970s. All three models also showcased an image of the classic car they were inspired by, laser etched into the surface of their stainless steel caseback.
The Top Time Shelby Cobra watch stood out with its elegant blue dial with white-filled sub-counters and sporty red accents and a vertically brushed effect that gave the timepiece an automotive paint-effect finish. The Top Time Chevrolet Corvette was larger in size, measuring a 42mn diameter and paraded a striking red dial colour that was identical to the classic car’s paintwork. The other 42mm model – the Ford Mustang – featured a beautiful green colour. The latter two also have a trio of chronograph dials as opposed to the bi-compax layout of the Top Time Shelby AC Cobra. These were filled in with a rich black colour, yet all three models featured a tachymeter scale around the edge. All watches were also 100-meter water resistant.
Reaching us just before the Swiss watch world explodes with the opening of the Watches & Wonders 2023 event, Breitling has released four new Top Time models. These are the Ford Mustang, the Shelby AC Cobra, the Chevrolet Corvette and the new Ford Thunderbird. Today we’ll look at the striking green Ford Mustang in a little more detail…
The new Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars Ford Mustang
The new Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars Ford Mustang watch is the latest edition of the inspired model from 2021. When the former model was released, it resonated with fellow Breitling fans and classic car enthusiasts alike. Without a doubt, the Ford Mustang is one of the most popular American cars in Europe. For many, it was the ultimate bedroom wall poster and epitomized the American automotive dream, creating a new motoring breed. Thanks to its cockpit that was pushed far back into the chassis, the Ford Mustang had a longer bonnet and a shortened rear deck. The running horse on the grill, amongst many other finer details, gave the classic car a desirable edge. It’s the first generation of Ford Mustang, however, which ran between the years 1964 and 1974 that has inspired the design of the 2021 model and the new Breitling Top Time Ford Mustang watch.
The new Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars watch features a stainless steel case with a 41mm diameter. A sapphire crystal glass front protects the surface of the model’s captivating green dial from scratching, dust, denting, moisture, heat and light damage. Its surface has been treated with layers of anti-reflective treatment to enable a clear view into the dial at any point of the day or night whether caught under natural sunlight or artificial lighting. At the side of the case are the two push-pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock for starting, stopping and resetting the chronograph features. These are piston style, giving the timepiece a look that harkens back to some of Breitling’s most classic-looking wristwatches. The steel case of this new Top Time watch from Breitling is integrated with 100-meter water resistance and also features a striking glass caseback that enables a unique glimpse into the performance of the movement working within. The surface of the sapphire has also been emblazoned with the famous Mustang horse emblem, the same logo featured on the surface of the dial.
The deep green dial of the new Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars Ford Mustang watch features three black-filled sub-dials that are “squircle” shaped once again. These offer the small seconds, the 12-hour and the 30-minute functions. Vivid shots of orange and yellow accents can be seen in the black tachymeter scale around the edge of the dial, whilst the Mustang symbol emanates from below the 12 o’clock location alongside the Breitling logo. Orange and yellow sub-dial hands for the respective 30-minute and 12-house sub-counters also lend a splash of additional colour to this Breitling chronograph. During the night or in dark conditions, luminous material will guide the way to accurate timekeeping, with central hour and minute hands that glow richly.
Inside the new Breitling Top Time B01 Classics Cars Ford Mustang watch now has an improved engine - the in-house-built Breitling Manufacture 01. The chronograph movement has been designed for accuracy and reliability and has been rigorously tested to COSC standards. Through an open caseback, the movement performs at a rhythm of 28.800 vibrations and provides a power reserve of 70 hours once fully wound.
You can enjoy this new Ford Mustang-inspired watch on a vintage-looking mesh-style Breitling Ocean Classic stainless steel bracelet with a Breitling-engraved butterfly clasp, or a dark brown vintage alligator leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp.
If you’d like more information on the new Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars Ford Mustang watch, you can read the spec list on the product page here or call and speak to a member of our sales team at Jura Watches on 01335 453453
