When Breitling launched the Top Time in the early 1960s, it was meant to be a simpler, more affordable alternative to the brand's higher-end pilot's watch offerings. Aimed at consumers 25 and other, it featured clean lines, an oversized 38mm case in steel or gold, and dials in a kaleidoscopic range of colors, including funky “radio” patterns ideal for the fashion-forward young man (or woman).
The modern Top Time is no different. With its uncluttered dial designs and workhorse movement, it's an ideal entry into the Breitling catalog, which features such famous models as the Chronomat and the Navitimer. For those looking for a simpler chronograph devoid of the Navitimer's multiple timing scales, the Top Time is just the ticket.
This particular Top Time, a Reference RB01761A1Q1X1, celebrates the heritage of the Breitling chronograph. Housed in a 41mm rose gold case with a sapphire crystal, dual pump pushers, and a signed crown, it features a handsome brown dial with an outer multi-color tachymeter scale; a triple-register chronograph with black "squircle" registers; and luminous 'dash' indices. With its yellow, and bright orange accents against a brown and black background, it's a beautiful study in chronograph design, and a cool tribute to one of America's most famous muscle cars.
Powered by Breitling's B01 automatic chronograph movement and fitted to a calfskin leather rallye-style strap with a rose gold folding buckle, the Breitling Top Time is the ideal driving watch — though it should do just fine outside a powerful vehicle, as well!