Breitling’s partnership with Aston Martin grows with the introduction of three new limited Top Time 41 Tribute To Aston Martin DB5 editions.
The 1960’s were a golden era for cars and watches. Coincidentally, it was the decade that saw us introduced to James Bond, who loved both cars and watches, and in 1963, we saw Sean Connery drive the iconic Aston Martin DB5, which shot the car into pop culture and car folklore.
Then, in the 1965 Bond film, Thunderball, the world’s most famous secret agent wore a Breitling Top Time reference 2002, marking the first Q-modified watch in the James Bond series, and a chapter where watches and cars found a common language.
Automotive And Horology History Come Together
With the introduction of the new Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5, we see two worlds collide in one, well, three really, timepieces. One in full stainless steel, limited to 1,022 pieces, one in steel and platinum, limited to 315 pieces and one in full 18k 5N red gold, limited to 250 pieces, pay tribute to an icon of motoring history. We were able to have a preview of the steel model before this release, and the little details on the watch are what make it.
“The Aston Martin DB5 is one of those rare designs that never fades. It still feels as relevant today as it did in the
Georges Kern, CEO of House of Brands (Universal Genève, Breitling ,ad Gallet)
1960s. With this Top Time, we capture that sense of timeless style.”
Breitling has taken elements of the Aston Martin DB5 and blended them with the vintage style of the Top Time, merging two pieces of history into one watch. From Aston Martin, we see a wooden inner ring, which draws on the DB5’s steering wheel, and the hand-colored gradient leather strap reflects the depth and tone of fine automotive upholstery.
Breitling has given the Top Time the iconic cushion-shaped case, grooved corners, and mushroom pushers, which are all hallmarks of the 1960s chronograph, while the “squircle” subdials capture the look of classic car dashboard gauges. Together, these elements create a watch shaped with the same attention to detail.
Three Watches, One Spirited Design
Breitling has upsized the new Top Time B01 Chronograph to a healthy 41mm, in the vintage-style cushion case that is. For those who loved vintage style, this may not go down as well, but for those who think similarly to me, the 41mm works exceptionally well thanks to the design of the case with the grooved corners. It does wear a little slimmer than the paper specs suggest.
The steel model, which we’ve had on the wrist, feels well constructed, and you can instantly see where the watch and Aston Martin collide. The woodgrain on the outer sector of the dial shows through, and as soon as we saw it, it does take you to the wood-grain used in the car.
The “squircle” dials are very reminiscent of the dials on the dash of the car, which was the original inspiration for the “squircle” dials back in the 1960s. On the steel, the back subdials cut through the silver dial; on the steel and platinum, the monochrome look really offsets the woodgrain; and on the 18k red gold, the warmth of the case cuts through and accentuates the overall aesthetic.
With both steel models, the dial is sunray brushed, and the black subdials with concentric textured finishing have thin polished rhodium-coated rings. On the 18k 5N red gold, the dial is made from black onyx (a first for Breitling), giving the dial a much deeper look, and the subdials are also black onyx but with golden rings on the outer.
An Engine Designed For Speed
Inside the Breitling Top Time Aston Martin is the B01 Chronograph Calibre – a stalwart not just for Breitling, but in the industry itself, being one of the first of the modern chronographs developed by the manufacture. Having been around since 2009 commercially, it’s tried and tested with a 70-hour power reserve, bi-directional rotor and beats at 4Hz / 28,800 VpH.
Breitling has made the caseback visible to show off the movement, which has been finished to a relatively good standard with a combination of vertical bushing on the main bridge, arabesque on the lower bridges and the Aston Martin logo on the rotor. On the steel model shown above, the rotor is rhodium plated, whereas on the other models, the rotor is made from 18k red gold that adds dimensionality to the movement.
Initial Thoughts
Having spent a little time with the steel model, I would say it does wear a little better in my eyes compared to the 38mm models, such as the Martini Racing version I reviewed a little over a year ago. It also looks the part too. If James Bond should take his DB5 out for a spin, the new Breitling Top Time could quite easily be on his wrist and would not look out of place.
While the thickness is 13.8mm, and some would say this is on the chunkier side, the design of the cushion case, domed sapphire crystal, and shape do slim the appearance down somewhat. The wooden rehaut ring stands out and is a material you won’t see used on a watch dial very often, so from this perspective, it’s very unique.
All up, this new Top Time collection is really all about the nod to the Aston Martin DB5, and takes what is an otherwise sporty watch and puts it right into the realm of less sports, more dress, especially the 18k 5N gold model. Yes, it is a chronograph, but with a subtle design that is befitting an English gentleman, could it be the next watch we see 007 with?
References & Specifications
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Reference | AB0178121G1X1 (Steel) / PB0178121B1X1 (Steel & Platinum) / RB0178131B1X1 (Red Gold) |
| Limited Editions | 1,022 pieces (Steel) / 315 pieces (Steel & Platinum) / 250 pieces (Red Gold) |
| Case | 41mm x 47.90mm lug-to-lug x 13.8mm thick |
| Bezel | Fixed steel / platinum or 18k red gold |
| Dial | Silver or black sunray brushed / black onyx (red gold model) |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment |
| Movement | Breitling Calibre B01 Chronograph, beating at 4Hz / 28,800 VpH |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres (10 bar) |
| Strap | Brown calfskin leather strap, beige lining, folding clasp |