In the annals of cycling history, few rivalries captured the hearts and imagination of a nation quite like that between Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali. Their professional competition was legendary, but it was the profound respect and genuine friendship beneath the surface that truly resonated, symbolised by an unforgettable moment of shared endurance on the road.
These weren’t just athletes; they were icons of resilience and achievement who united Italy in the challenging post-war era. Now, Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling, a brand deeply intertwined with timing cycling’s greatest races during that very era, pays tribute to their enduring legacy with a pair of vibrant, limited-edition chronographs: the Breitling Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali Watches.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this collection, noting, “You can feel the legacy of Coppi and Bartali pulsing through these watches. These two men vied to be the best, while always displaying the utmost grace and integrity. As an avid cyclist, I find this collection to be especially meaningful.”
It’s this blend of fierce competition and mutual respect that made Coppi and Bartali such compelling figures. Both served as Breitling ambassadors during a golden age for the brand’s timing of cycling, dominating the European circuit and inspiring millions through their feats of strength and sportsmanship.
Their story is now brought to life on the wrist through two special editions of the Breitling Top Time, a line first introduced in the transformative 1960s. Willy Breitling conceived the Top Time as a bold, unconventional take on racing chronographs, designed to embody the era’s dynamic energy. Its graphic dials and versatile proportions quickly found favour, resonating with a generation captivated by speed and style. Decades later, the Top Time remains a canvas for compelling narratives, now telling the story of two cycling immortals.
The Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi edition captures the colours of Coppi’s bike with striking turquoise subdials set against a clean white dial, accented by an orange lightning-shaped seconds hand. The Top Time B01 Gino Bartali edition, meanwhile, reflects the hues of his memorable jersey with a rich blue dial punctuated by vibrant yellow accents.
Both watches are substantial yet wearable at 41mm and feature their iconic nicknames on the tachymeter scale: “Il Campionissimo” (Champion of Champions) for Coppi and “L’Intramontabile” (The Timeless) for Bartali. Their signatures at six o’clock add a deeply personal touch, reinforcing the connection to these legends.
Powering these chronographs is Breitling’s own Manufacture Caliber 01, a COSC-certified chronometer movement renowned for its precision and robust 70-hour power reserve. A transparent caseback offers a view into the intricate mechanics, with an outer ring engraved with either “Fausto Coppi Tribute” or “Gino Bartali Tribute” and the specific limited edition number, “One of 750.”
Each of these highly desirable 750-piece limited editions, available from $7700, comes with the choice of a racing-themed calfskin strap or a classic stainless-steel mesh bracelet, adding versatility to their undeniable style. Unforgettable in their time, beautifully reimagined for ours, the Top Time B01 Coppi & Bartali chronographs are more than watches; they are tributes to resilience, friendship, and the enduring spirit of competition forged in the heat of the race.
