The air crackles with anticipation, the scent of burning rubber lingers, and the unmistakable roar of engines fills the air. Breitling, a name intrinsically linked with the thrilling world of motorsports, has reignited its engines with the triumphant return of the Top Time collection. This time, the spotlight shines on the newly unveiled Top Time Racing and Top Time Martini Racing® Chronograph Watches, a duo that roars back to the brand’s boldest designs from the 1960s.
Priced at $7700, these timepieces revive the era’s most distinctive details: a striking cushion case, playfully unconventional “squircle” subdials, and the signature “dashboard” dial that has become synonymous with the Top Time’s racing pedigree. Two models capture the raw adventure of rally racing, while a third, created in an exciting partnership with the legendary Martini Racing, channels the high-speed energy and iconic livery of the track. Each model is strictly limited to just 750 pieces, crafted for those who live life firmly in the fast lane.
Breitling’s history has been intertwined with the world of motorsports since the earliest days of the automobile. Whether timing daring feats on a winding rally course or chasing records on a high-speed circuit, the fundamental pursuit has always remained the same – shaving precious seconds, relentlessly chasing new limits, and pushing both human and machine to their absolute maximum.
Now, Breitling proudly introduces three limited-edition Top Time chronographs specifically built for the discerning racing enthusiast: two dedicated to the gritty adventure of rally and one born from a thrilling collaboration with the iconic Martini Racing. Each timepiece features a sleek and perfectly proportioned 38 mm case, striking an ideal balance between the charm of heritage dimensions and the demands of modern performance.
Rally racing, a true test of precision under immense pressure, demands absolute mastery of constantly changing conditions. It’s about making split-second decisions with unwavering confidence, pushing both driver and machine to their absolute breaking point. The new Top Time Racing editions bring this exhilarating spirit directly to the wrist, channeling the grit and undeniable glory of those days-long battles against the relentless clock, unforgiving terrain, and the ever-present elements. Few names in the vast realm of motorsport command the same level of respect and admiration as the legendary Martini Racing. For over half a century, their unmistakable stripes have streaked across countless finish lines, instantly setting their teams apart from the competition and leaving rivals trailing in their dust.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern aptly summarizes the essence of these new releases, stating, “The Top Time collection is widely known for its bold and unapologetic chronographs. With these latest limited editions, we’ve injected a modern spin into classic 1960s designs, returning this iconic watch to its core purpose: precisely timing races and accurately measuring speed.”
The Top Time has never been solely about the mundane act of keeping time; it’s always been about expanding it – exploring the world on your own terms, at your own pace, with a healthy dose of adrenaline. Introduced during the transformative 1960s, Willy Breitling’s wonderfully unconventional line of racing-inspired chronographs perfectly captured the freewheeling and adventurous vibe of that iconic era.
Both the Top Time Racing and the Top Time Martini Racing limited editions are powered by Breitling’s flagship Manufacture Caliber 01, a movement renowned for its exceptional precision and reliability. This COSC-certified chronometer is built to perform flawlessly under pressure, boasting an impressive 70-hour power reserve. The inclusion of easy-to-operate mushroom pushers further enhances its functionality, designed for quick and instinctive timing of events.
These new editions are direct descendants of some of the most visually striking Top Time designs from the 1960s. The distinctive cushion-shaped case, the bold tachymeter scale for measuring speed, and the playfully unconventional “squircle” subdials (a delightful hybrid of square and round) all evoke the high speeds and split-second decisions that define the race route. At the very heart of the dial lies the signature “dashboard” motif – an elliptical design straight from the Top Time archives, directly inspired by the stylish dashboards of classic sports cars.
Each Top Time Racing edition is strictly limited to just 750 pieces, with a special “One of 750” engraving adorning the caseback. They are available in two dynamic and evocative colorways – a classic black-and-white dial paired with a sophisticated beige leather strap, or a vibrant green-and-white dial complemented by a matching green perforated leather racing strap that subtly nods to the iconic look of vintage driving gloves.
For the very first time, Breitling and Martini Racing have joined forces in a collaboration fueled by speed, precision, and a shared, unwavering passion for high-octane performance. The result is the Top Time Martini Racing, another exclusive limited edition of just 750 pieces, distinguished by a special “One of 750” engraving alongside the iconic “Martini Racing” logo on the caseback. Instantly recognizable to any motorsport enthusiast, the Top Time Martini Racing takes its design cues directly from one of the most celebrated and visually distinctive liveries of all time.
Its dial is boldly dominated by Martini Racing’s signature blue, light blue, and red stripes – a legendary color combination that has left countless rivals trailing far behind for over five decades. Like its Top Time Racing counterparts, it features a modern-retro interpretation of the cushion case, the distinctive squircle subdials, and the unmistakable dashboard dial design. Sized at a sleek and comfortable 38 mm, it is presented on a stylish perforated dark blue leather racing strap, perfectly complementing the iconic livery.
With its compelling fusion of rich heritage, distinctive design, and pure adrenaline, the Breitling Top Time Martini Racing is a chronograph purpose-built for those who don’t just passively watch the race – they actively set the pace.
