Breitling has announced a new edition version of their Replica Top Time chronograph, a watch that vintage enthusiasts need little introduction to. The Top Time stands apart from many of Breitling’s most iconic watches, as it was never marketed as an “instrument for professionals” like the Navitimer, AVI Ref. 765, and a whole host of other watches that would come to define what we mean when we say “tool watch.”It always had an elegance and style that the purpose built pilot’s copy watches lacked, and it’s that drift from the ethos of the brand that makes it such an interesting piece to collectors and enthusiasts.
Breitling Top Time
The defining characteristic of the Breitling Replica Top Time as seen here is the “Zorro dial,” which highlights the subdials which are set against two blacked out triangles, coming together at a point at the dial’s center.The bright red hand set gives the black and white color scheme a spark of life, as does the red accent within the 30 minute counter at 3:00. It’s delightfully asymmetric and playful, and gives the watch a lot of character and charm.
In addition to the geometry of the dial, the new Breitling Replica has another off-beat feature in its decimal scale. If you’re used to seeing a tachymeter, or even a pulsometer, a decimal scale might be an unusual sight, but it actually has more functionality for most people than either of the two aforementioned options, unless you spend a lot of time behind the wheel of a race car.
The Top Time’s case is 41mm of polished stainless steel, with sharp vintage lines. The watch is powered by the automatic Breitling Caliber 23, which is COSC certified and carries 48 hours of power reserve.