Breitling has a rich history of enhancing its precision chronographs with high complications since the 1940s. Continuing this legacy, the brand introduces a tourbillon to the Top Time Classic Cars Collection, a series celebrating iconic automobiles such as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, and Shelby Cobra. The Top Time B21 Classic Cars Chronograph Tourbillon now stands as both a symbol of speed and a testament to Breitling’s pioneering legacy in luxury sport chronographs.
This chronograph features the Breitling Caliber B21, which premiered in the Premier Tourbillon last year. Collaborating with specialty movement maker Manufacture La Joux-Perret, Breitling uniquely combines a tourbillon with a chronograph, showcasing the brand’s distinctiveness. This marks the first appearance of a tourbillon in the Top Time Collection, complemented by exotic materials like bronze, ceramic, and titanium for the cases, and walnut burl on one of the dials.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern expresses enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce a tourbillon to the Top Time Classic Cars series. There is no better expression of Breitling’s expertise in making precision tool watches that combine functionality with sophistication and style. Like the cars it represents, the Top Time B21 Classic Cars Chronograph Tourbillon is all about its design and its engine.”
The Top Time Collection, originating in the 1960s, was designed by third-generation founder Willy Breitling to cater to those with active lifestyles. Breaking away from traditional tool watches, the Top Time was focused on style and enjoyment, becoming popular among car and motorcycle enthusiasts. The current Top Time Classic Cars Collection pays homage to collaborations with Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, and Shelby Cobra.
Featuring a modern retro design, mushroom chronograph pushers, and a tourbillon carriage at 12 o’clock, the timepieces capture the spirit of the 1960s. The Top Time B21 Ford Mustang boasts a bronze case with a titanium back, while the Shelby Cobra features a black ceramic case, and the Chevrolet Corvette exhibits a black ceramic case with a walnut burl dial. Each watch represents a specific classic car with colors and design elements inspired by its automotive counterpart.
Collaborating with Manufacture La Joux-Perret, Breitling developed the B21 movement, operating at a frequency of 28,800 a/h (4 hertz) with a 55-hour power reserve. Certified as a COSC chronometer, it includes a skeletonized oscillating weight for a view of the column wheel through the caseback. The tourbillon, housed in a rotating cage, counters the effects of gravity, ensuring accuracy in various positions. The Top Time B21 Classic Cars Chronograph Tourbillon is water-resistant up to 100 meters and comes with Breitling’s 5-year warranty, embodying style, power, and performance reminiscent of classic automobiles.
For more information, please visit Breitling.com.
