A Tribute To Two Legendary Cyclists: The Limited Edition Breitling Top Time B01 Coppi And Bartali
The legendary rivalry between the Italian cycling greats Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali not only moved the sporting world in the 1940s and 1950s, but an entire nation. Breitling is now honouring these two icons and former brand ambassadors with a new, limited Top Time B01 collection. These watches are not only a tribute to the sporting successes of the two cyclists, but also to their extraordinary friendship. The series comprises two limited-edition models: the Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi and the Top Time B01 Gino Bartali.
Case
The case of the Breitling Top Time B01 models reflects the robust yet elegant aesthetics expected of a high-quality chronograph. Made from stainless steel, the case measures 41 millimetres in diameter with a height of 13.3 millimetres and has a striking presence on the wrist.
Both models are equipped with a cambered sapphire crystal that is anti-reflective on both sides to ensure optimum readability in different lighting conditions. Watch enthusiasts can take a look at the finely crafted movement through the screw-down, open case back. This is engraved with the words ‘Fausto Coppi Tribute’ or ‘Gino Bartali Tribute’ and ‘One of 750’.
The water resistance of up to 100 metres also makes the watches suitable for sports without compromising on elegance. The crown is not screwed down, but is fitted with two seals to ensure a reliable seal. The mushroom-shaped pushers for operating the chronograph are located above and below the crown.
Dial
The Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi stands out with its white dial, which is complemented by turquoise-coloured sub-dials and an eye-catching orange, lightning-shaped second hand. With this colour choice Breitling directly alludes to Coppi’s iconic bicycle. In contrast, the dial of the Top Time B01 Gino Bartali is inspired by Bartali’s famous jersey and is characterised by white counters on a blue background.
Both dials are equipped with Super-LumiNova coated hour and minute hands to ensure clear legibility even in poor lighting conditions. The chronograph counters at 9 for the 1/4 second and 3 o’clock for 30 minutes are either white-turquoise or blue-white. Their unusual shape gives the watches an unmistakable character, as they are designed in the shape of super circles (not quite square, not quite round). The watches are given a personal touch by the signatures of the cycling legends at six o’clock and the engraved nicknames on the tachymetre scale: ‘Il Campionissimo’ and ‘L’Intramontabile’.
Movement
At the heart of the Top Time B01 watches beats the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01, which is renowned for its precision and longevity. With a diameter of 30 millimetres and a depth of 7.2 millimetres, it is a compact yet powerful automatic movement. It has a power reserve of around 70 hours, which means that the watch will continue to run reliably even after a weekend without being worn. The movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hertz, which ensures high accuracy and smooth movement of the second hand. The chronograph’s switching wheel control and vertical clutch ensure smooth operation and precise timekeeping.
Strap
Both models are available with either a perforated calfskin strap or a stainless steel mesh strap. The calfskin strap is designed in a racing style and gives the watch a sporty yet sophisticated look. It is available in the colours turquoise for the Coppi model and blue for the Bartali model, matching the respective dial colours. The leather versions are fitted with a folding clasp that offers a secure hold and comfort.
Alternatively, the watches can be combined with a stainless steel mesh strap with a butterfly clasp. This strap lends the watches a timeless and elegant touch that goes particularly well with the classic design of the Top Time models. Both strap options ensure a comfortable fit and make the watches a versatile companion for different occasions.
Price & availability of the Breitling Top Time B01 Coppi and Bartali
The Breitling Top Time B01 models are exclusive collector’s items that are produced in strictly limited editions of only 750 pieces each. The price of the Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi is 7,250 euros for the version with calfskin strap and 7,650 euros for the model with stainless steel bracelet. The Top Time B01 Gino Bartali is available at the same prices.
Is the currently weak watch market perhaps lacking the sophistication to truly captivate top collectors who already have everything? Editor and watch expert Jörn Kengelbach embarks on a journey into the world of Vacheron Constantin’s enamel craftsmanship — and explores why this rare art could play a key role in the watchmaking industry’s spectacular comeback.…
Swiss watchmaker Zenith is introducing a violet-coloured chronograph watch, the Zenith Defy 21 Ultraviolet. Even its movement has ultra-violet finishings – a watchmaking world first. Furthermore, the movement features a second independent escapement for the chronograph which beats at the highest frequency currently seen in chronographs. Firstly, the watch showcases a faceted micro-blasted titanium case,…
Richard Mille introduces the RM 16-02 Automatic Extraflat, a reimagining of the brand's first rectangular watch, the RM 016, now equipped with the new in-house automatic calibre CRMA9. The latest model incorporates the well-known design codes of the brand, giving them a modern touch. The RM 16-02 impresses with its clean lines, which conceal a…
This German manufacture from the provincial city of Pforzheim is known for its long history of making pilot's watches. The Stowa Flieger Verus was first presented in 2018 as a modern interpretation of the classic pilot's watch. With its matte case and purist dial design, the watch received the Red Dot Design Award. Now, the…
Panerai presents its new Submersible Bronzo in a stand-alone collection. It has a limited production of 1.000 units per year, but is no longer a 'special edition'. It means that Panerai keeps the flexibility to continue its production in the years after. This will especially please many Panerai fans because previous models have always been limited to 1.000 pieces within a…
At this year's Watches & Wonders, Vacheron Constantin is introducing its Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin model in white-gold for the first time. Two versions are available; skeletonised or with a deep blue dial. Measuring only 8.1 mm in height, the slim timepieces come with three strap options. Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin now with a white-gold case…
Panerai expands the Luminor Marina collection with a new interpretation made of DMLS titanium and Carbotech: Luminor Marina DMLS 44 mm (PAM01662). Panerai Luminor Marina DMLS 44 mm (PAM01662) The light and very resilient case is made of titanium which is manufactured by the technology known as ‘Direct Metal Laser Sintering’ (DMLS). This process of futuristic 3D printing…
With the new collection of Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days watches, Panerai invites to an exploration into the blue of the sea, which's colour is applied to the dial by a new manufacturing process. The reflections of light which penetrate the depths of the sea create a chromatic spectacle which the new dial of the Radiomir 1940 3 Days tries to…
Nobody expected this: Richard Mille is presenting the RM UP-01 Ferrari, the thinnest watch in the world. In March of this year, Bulgari claimed the title with the Octo Finissimo Ultra, but the Romans are now losing it to the high-powered competition. The RM UP-01 Ferrari measures 1.75 mm in height, undercutting Bulgari by 0.05…
Back in the 1920s, Swiss watch manufacture Longines created its first pilot's watch with a rotating bezel. Then, in the early 1930s, the watchmaker went on to develop a wristwatch with a rotating bezel featuring a luminous index at 12 o’clock. Among other things, pilots principally used this design to calculate flight time. Five years…
In 1993, the Seamaster Professional Diver 300M was launched for the first time. Its design and ocean technology signalled OMEGA’s return to the world of diving watches and also ignited the brand’s partnership with the figure of James Bond. Now, 25 years later, a new collection has arrived. OMEGA - Seamaster Diver 300M OMEGA is…
In addition to a redesigned Submariner and new Oyster Perpetual models, Rolex is also introducing a new version of the Sky-Dweller with an Oysterflex bracelet. Previously only "professional" models such as the Rolex Daytona and Yacht-Master were available with this bracelet, which is made of metal blades covered with elastomer. The new combination is reserved…
In line with its CEO's current focus on “hyper horology”, watch brand Roger Dubuis is introducing a new Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon model. The model aims to optimise all of its components in order to match with its wearers' lifestyle, from design and performance to wearability. For this reason, it features a reinvented flying tourbillon,…