Breitling Top Time Chronograph Vintage Wristwatch

Breitling. A Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Chronograph

Model: Top Time

Reference: 2000

Circa: 1965

Case. Two-body, polished, lapidated lugs. Gold plated case with some visible marking and patina Stainless steel snap back caseback with some markings.

Dial. Bi-color, gold and black with applied faceted steel baton indexes and luminous dots, silver guilloche subsidiary dials for the seconds and the 45-minute register, outer 1/5th seconds divisions, outermost tachometer scale to 1000 UPH. Luminous steel baton hands. Dial has minor visible scratches.

Movement. Cal. 188, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating blued balance spring, index regulator.

Case, dial and movement are signed

Diameter:  36mm  Thickness: 11mm

The Top Time model has an important place in pop culture, being the only other model of watch that Sean Connery wears as James Bond besides the Rolex Submariner. The Top Time was also the model of choice for car racer Jim Clark, who during his career won 25 Grand Prix races and two world championships.

The Top Time was well-received at the time, in part for all of the dial and case options available, and also for using respected and reliable Valjoux movements. Production lasted through the 1970’s, with many of Breitling’s more well-known models taking the center stage. Although often seen as an entry-level Breitling, they are preferred by many for the variety of styles, which allows them to cross between dress and sport.