The 1960s was a decade of experimentation, fun, freedom and energy. Whether cruising on a motorcycle or revving up a sportscar, living life at full speed was the order of the day. Willy Breitling felt this change of pace and set out to design an unconventional chronograph that would capture the verve of era. He called it the Top Time. That spirited tradition continues today with Breitling partnering with some of the coolest names in wheels to create its Top Time designs. In the early 1960s, the Le Mans winner Carrol Shelby imagined a car that matched a small, light British-style chassis to a strong, reliable American big-block engine. When it was introduced in 1962, the Cobra met with instant success, both among sportscar fans and on the racing circuit. It remains blisteringly fast and cherished by collectors to this day. The Top Time B01 Shelby Cobra features the colours and emblem of its classic-car counterpart as well as a perforated leather racing strap, speed-measuring tachymeter scale and contrasting squircle (not quite square, not quite round) subdials that give the feel of vintage dashboard gauges. It also comes with a brag-worthy engine under the hood: the exceptional Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01.

TOP TIME: THE UNCONVENTIONAL CHRONOGRAPH
After its release in the 1960’s, the Top Time quickly became a symbol of self-expression for a dynamic generation thanks to its elegant and unconventional dial design. The Top Time was never about keeping time but expanding it, exploring the world in your way, at your own pace.

History of Breitling

Getting into the watch manufacturing business in the mid-1880s was no easy feat. Switzerland was experiencing the worst part of a long recession. Yet, despite the economic difficulty, social unrest and uncertainty about the future, 24-year-old Lon Breitling stayed true to his vision of creating instruments that could measure, divide and master time.

Today, Georges Kern and his team continue the rich tradition that began in a small workshop in St. Imier in 1884. The product portfolio was restructured around the brand’s three historic universes: Air, Land and Sea. Breitling redefined itself as “a generalist Swiss watch brand offering a cool, informal and inclusive alternative” to traditional watchmakers.