Breitling Top Time Gold Plated

When it comes to watches, sometimes simpler is better.

Take the Top Time, for instance: Produced from 1964 through the 1970s — and recently revived under the leadership of CEO Georges Kern — it was Breitling’s entry-level chronograph line. Less complex and purpose driven than the Navitimer or Chronomat, the Top Time was sporty without straying too far into “tool watch” territory, and had a price tag to match its stripped-down nature.

Aesthetically-speaking, however, the Top Time is as thoughtfully executed as anything one would expect from such a behemoth of chronograph design. Under Willy Breitling’s expert eye, it was marketed toward the younger consumer — folks aged 25 and under. In his words: “We are sweeping into the field of youth and we are going to speak their language. Our special models [like the Top Time] are particularly suited to the needs of young and active professionals…”

The Top Time’s “bold new lines” and “rare and distinctive air” certainly attracted its intended consumer base — and an appearance on Sean Connery’s wrist in 1965’s Thunderball didn't hurt, either. Though Breitling reserved its highest-quality movements and materials for its flagship lines, the Top Time was no slouch: The cases Breitling used for the Top Time were large for the day and came in a variety of materials, from gold to stainless steel. The dials, moreover, came in a kaleidoscopic range of colors, including funky “radio” patterns in the latter part of the model’s run, ideal for the fashion-forward young man (or woman).

But the most popular dials are perhaps the “panda” or “reverse panda” variants. In fact, it can be said that Breitling came up with the “reverse panda” color scheme in 1957, with the Reference 807 SuperOcean chronograph. This was a look that Breitling used throughout its catalog — most notably in the Navitimer — but it was also seen frequently on the Top Time.

This particular Top Time Ref. 2008 is notable both for its "panda" dial as well as its unusual case: Dating to the 1970s, it's housed in a 37mm gold-plated cushion case with dual 'doorstop' pushers, a signed crown, and an acrylic crystal. Its silvered dial features an outer tachymeter scale, applied indices, luminous hour plots, a luminous 'sword' handset, and a dual-register chronograph display with 45-minute and running seconds counters against a black background.

Powered by hand-wound Valjoux cal. 7730 movement and paired to a black leather strap with a gold-tone pin buckle, this awesome '70s chronograph is eagerly awaiting its next proud owner. If you're into some of the more compelling, offbeat designs from one of the world's most notable brands, then it's most certainly for you!

Breitling, one of the most illustrious names in the annals of the “tool watch,” was founded by Léon Breitling in 1892. And though the firm is no longer operated by its namesake family, it still produces some of the world’s best pilot’s watches, many of which now feature in-house movements.

The company first started manufacturing wrist chronographs as early as the 1930s. In 1936 they became an official supplier to military forces of the United Kingdom and Canada. While perhaps best known for the Navitimer and Chronomat lines — which were used heavily by pilots of many nations — Breitling also produced scores of other chronograph models that merit consideration, such as the more affordable Top Time and Premier. Dive watches, such as the Super Ocean, are also part of the company’s offerings.

The late 1970s was a turbulent time for the Swiss watch industry, and many storied houses were swept away by the Quartz Crisis. By 1978, Breitling was in trouble due to the illness of its leader, Willy Breitling, and the steep decline in sales that had cut through the entire industry. Unable to keep operations going, the company was liquidated, and parts, toolings and naming rights were sold off.
Between 1979 and 2017, Breitling continued under the ownership of the Schneider family. In 2017 an 80% stake in the firm was sold to a British private equity firm, with the remaining 20% sold in 2018. In 2019, the company released the caliber B01, an in-house, automatic chronograph movement that’s since found its way into the Chronomat and Navitimer collections, bringing the tale of this famed manufacturer full circle.

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We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.