Breitling Top Time Classic Cars Capsule Collection: The Thunderbird Enters The Race
The TopTime Classic Cars Capsule collection, launched in 2021, is now enjoying an update with the introduction of a new and improved “engine”, the manufacture calibre 01. In addition, thanks to a renewed collaboration, Breitling is introducing a brand-new version of a chronograph in collaboration with Breitling and Ford, the Thunderbird edition.
The Top Time Classic Cars Capsule from Breitling, launched in 2021, celebrates American automotive culture with three different chronographs, each inspired by different car models from the 1960s. The 1960s was a decade shaped by pleasure and freedom. Willy Breitling, the grandson of Breitling’s founder, wanted to create a chronograph that reflected the spirit of this era: the Top Time.
With the 1960s-inspired Top Time Classic Cars Capsule collection, the company aims to create just that feeling, according to CEO of Breitling Georges Kern explains. It has fast become one of Breitling’s best-selling collections. The chronographs already existing in the collection draw inspiration from the Shelby Cobra, Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang car models. Accordingly, the timepieces share similarities in terms of colourful design, aesthetics and functionality. Like, for example, the image of the logo of the respective vehicle on the dial.
Breitling Top Time Ford Thunderbird
The Ford Thunderbird was launched at the Detroit Auto Show in 1954. The vehicle was intended to guarantee an enjoyable driving experience and was characterised by elegant, luxurious design, solid construction and a striking tailfin (an important design feature at the time). Although the car was equipped with a V8 engine, the Thunderbird was less about life in the fast lane and more about having a comfortable and stylish driving experience. The first two generations of models remain the most desired by collectors. The ‘Classic Bird’ (1955-1957), a two-seater known for its porthole windows, and the ‘Square Bird’ (1958-1960), a four-seater that became one of the pioneers of mass-produced personal luxury cars.
The case of the Thunderbird Chronograph
The Breitling Top Time Ford Thunderbird has a 41 x 13.8 mm stainless steel case with a fixed bezel and offers a water resistance of up to 100 metres. While keeping the traditional structure of a chronograph, Breitling also integrate Gaston Breitling’s distinctive pusher at 2 o’clock and Willy Breitling’s pusher at the 4 o’clock. The crowns are not screwed down, but are rather fitted with two gaskets that contribute to the watch’s resistance. Finally, the case of the Top Time Classic Cars watch is adapted to accommodate the new calibre.
The dial of the Ford Thunderbird Chronograph
Like its predecessors, the new Ford Thunderbird Chronograph bears the logo of the car model on the dial, this time in blue teal. For improvement in legibility, the hands relating to the chronograph are red. The small seconds hand on the subdial-counter at 9 o’clock is dark green. All hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, underlining the innately functional character of the chronograph watch. In addition, the subdials have a rectangular, rounded shape reminiscent of the dashboards of classic automobiles. Last but not least, Breitling protect the dial as well as the caseback with sapphire crystal, allowing for a view of the movement within.
The Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01
A real novelty in the Top Time Classic Cars Capsule collection is Breitling’s manufacture movement Calibre 01, launched in 2009. First put to use in the Ford Thunderbird Chronograph, it is also to become a replacement for the manufacture calibre 25 present in the other models. The self-winding calibre winds in both directions, and has a power reserve of 70 hours as well as a 5-year guarantee. Of course, this movement is also COSC-certified, and has also been subjected to a series of tests, from shock-resistance to winding. Finally, the calibre has a frequency of 4 Hz.
Price & Availability
The new B01 calibre models and the new Top Time Ford Thunderbird will be available from March 21, 2023. The Top Time Ford Thunderbird Chronograph is available with a red calfskin strap with folding clasp at a price of 7,550 euros. As an alternative to the leather strap, Breitling also offer a Milanaise stainless-steel bracelet with a double-folding clasp.
Anniversaries always provide a nice opportunity to pay attention to important milestones. Swiss watch manufacture Breitling has such an anniversary coming up: one of their most important chronographs, the Premier, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Of course, Breitling wouldn't be Breitling without a surprise guest. With that, we can turn our full attention…
At the 2019 watch fair SIHH in Geneva the Florentine brand Panerai added two new models to its collection of their ‘Submersible‘ diving watches. These models have a steel case and are especially attractive to those with a smaller wrist due to their 42 mm diameter case instead of the regular 47 mm. Other than that the…
Early in the new year, OMEGA is presenting a new Speedmaster inspired by the very first model of the collection. The OMEGA Calibre 321 Chronograph celebrates the 65th anniversary of the CK2915, which founded the Speedmaster collection. The new model largely resembles the original, but uses different materials in the details. What remains the same,…
Richard Mille is introducing a brand new limited edition – and it's like nothing we have seen before. Taking its inspiration from the rock 'n roll lifestyle of the 1960s, the RM 66 Flying Tourbillon from Richard Mille is surely one of the most extravagant pieces to exist in the current collection. 50 pieces are…
Vacheron Constantin is treating its collectors to a new platinum limited edition, of which only 50 pieces are available: the Traditionnelle tourbillon chronograph - Collection Excellence Platine. The emblematic masterpiece goes all out in its use of the precious material. It features a platinum case, crown, dial, buckle and – yes you read that right…
For Hublot, the possibilities when it comes to materials seem limitless. Founded in 1980, the watch manufacturer is known for its creativity in this department, from tirelessly tinkering with new gold alloys to refining other innovative composite materials. Now the Swiss manufacture has done it again and launched a new case material, at least within…
Oris is heading back to its roots – but still keeping things innovative. The new Divers Sixty-Five 12H Calibre 400 looks back upon from over half a century of the manufacture's watch design and movement creation. As such, it carries not only the spirit and form of the first Oris dive watch, introduced in 1965,…
From Claudia Schiffer to Cartier's ambassador Rami Malek, Cartier's Tank Française has long been a staple for many a fan of the Tank. Nevertheless, after peacefully existing at the company for the past 20 years, Cartier is now adding a new spin to its Tank Française. While six of the current models are quartz, Cartier…
Last year, Blancpain and Swatch released five watches dedicated to the world's five oceans as part of their collaboration. Just in time for the new year and the day of the new moon, another timepiece has now been added to the existing Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms collection. The Ocean of Storms was inspired by the new moon, also known…
With this new model the Swiss watch brand Tudor combines two of its specialities: the world of professional diving and the one of motorsports. The new Black Bay Chrono S&G (Ref. 79363N), presented on the Swiss watch fair Baselworld 2019, is Tudor’s first chronograph with a self-winding Manufacture Calibre, column wheel and vertical clutch available in an S&G…
With LM101 MB&F x H. Moser and the Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon H. Moser x MB&F, Edouard Meylan of H. Moser & Cie. and Maximilian Büsser of MB&F have created two watch models that have emerged through the long friendship of the two men. Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon H. Moser x MB&F and LM101 MB&F x H. Moser…
September is coming up and the first autumn highlights are about to be released. One of them is the cooperation between the online magazine Monochrome and watch manufacture Armin Strom. Together they are ringing in the next season with the Armin Strom x Monochrome Montre de Souscription 3 Gravity Equal Force Maillechort. The monochrome timepiece with…
For the third year in a row, Breitling is launching a Sylt Edition. The Chronomat GMT 40 Sylt Edition is limited to 288 pieces and is available exclusively in Germany. In addition, Breitling and the jeweller Spliedt in Kampen, a town on the northern German island of Sylt, are inviting customers to an exclusive pop-up…