Since the 1940s, Breitling has been introducing advanced complications into its chronograph watches. Today, the brand adds a tourbillon to the Top Time retro car series. This design pays tribute to three classic sports cars: Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette and Shelby Cobra. The Top Time B21 Classic Cars Chronograph Tourbillon is not only a symbol of speed, but also continues the brand’s pioneering spirit in developing luxury sports chronograph watches.
The Top Time B21 series of retro car tourbillon chronograph watches are equipped with the B21 movement jointly developed by Breitling and professional movement manufacturer Manufacture La Joux-Perret. This movement made its debut last year in the Premier Tourbillon watch. Through cooperation with La Joux-Perret, Breitling cleverly combines the tourbillon with the chronograph function, injecting a unique style into the Top Time series. This marks the first time Breitling has introduced the tourbillon complication in the Top Time series.
The uniqueness of the B21 movement lies not only in its complexity, but also in the special materials chosen: bronze, ceramic and titanium are used for the case, and one of the dials is made of walnut burl. Breitling CEO Georges Kern said: “We are very pleased to see the tourbillon on the Top Time retro car series watch. This watch combines functionality, complexity and style perfectly. It demonstrates Breitling’s outstanding attainments in precision watchmaking skills. The Top Time B21 series retro car tourbillon chronograph watch has become the perfect symbol of the three sports cars with its excellent design and surging engine.”
style and speed
The Breitling Top Time series came into being in the 1960s to meet the needs of the increasingly active lifestyle at that time. Willy Breitling, the third-generation founding family member of the brand, strived to create a non-traditional tool watch with a more fashionable style, so he named it “Top Time”, which means “record time and enjoy Time” has quickly become a favorite choice among car fans and motorcycle fans. Over the years, Breitling has collaborated with classic American sports car manufacturers to capture the charm and vitality of the 1960s. Today, the Top Time series of watches brings together the latest collaborations with the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette and Shelby Cobra.
The design of this series of watches is both modern and retro. The unique mushroom-shaped chronograph button complements the design of the upper and lower dials, and the tourbillon cage is cleverly placed at 12 o’clock. The “square” (not perfectly round, not square) chronograph minute dial is cleverly placed at 6 o’clock, paying tribute to the retro car dashboard. The outer dial is also specially equipped with a ring-shaped speed measuring scale, making the overall design more unique and fashionable.
Learn about retro cars
The Breitling Top Time B21 series welcomes new model watches, paying tribute to three classic sports cars: Ford Mustang, Shelby Cobra and Chevrolet Corvette. The Ford Mustang watch uses a 43mm bronze case with a green dial, echoing the free spirit of the Ford Mustang. The Shelby Cobra watch is equipped with a 44mm black ceramic case with a blue dial, paying tribute to the classic sports car designed by Le Mans champion Carlo Shelby. The Chevrolet Corvette watch is based on a 44mm black ceramic case, with a walnut dial and a racing-style perforated leather strap, paying tribute to the popular “Manta Ray” Chevrolet Corvette in the 1960s.
This series of watches is equipped with the B21 movement jointly developed by Breitling and Manufacture La Joux-Perret, which has the characteristics of column wheel control and lateral clutch. The swing frequency is 28,800 times per hour or 4 Hz, and the power reserve is 55 hours. The watch has been certified by the Swiss Official Observatory (COSC). The operation of the tourbillon effectively offsets the influence of gravity, ensuring the accurate travel time of the watch. It is waterproof to 100 meters and enjoys Breitling‘s 5-year warranty, providing you with a full range of style, power and performance needs.