The 1960s was a decade of experimentation, fun and freedom. Whether cruising on a motorcycle or revving up a sports car, life was lived life at full speed. Willy Breitling felt that change of pace and set out to break from traditional watch design for a generation that was breaking with convention in every way. It was then that Breitling designed an unconventional chronograph that captured the verve of the era, calling it the Top Time.
Last year, Breitling re-introduced its contemporary Top Time collection with three designs inspired by iconic classic American muscle cars (Ford Mustang, Chevy Corvette, Shelby Cobra), and this month a new team member is added to the permanent fleet with the introduction of the Ford Thunderbird Top Time.
Inspired by the classic car’s design elements, the new 41mm timepiece is not only stunning but it comes with more muscle under the hood thanks to the addition of the excellent Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01.
The new Ford Thunderbird model comes with a red strap and clean white dial that draws the eye to the teal Thunderbird logo and red chronograph hands.
Design elements include the perforated leather racing strap, speed-measuring tachymeter
scale, and contrasting “squircle” (not quite square, not quite round) subdials that are evocative of vintage dashboard gauges. And just like its style-driven 1960s predecessor, the Top Time’s 41-mm stainless-steel case is a comfortable size for car and watch lovers of all stripes.
The four watches feature the colours and emblems of their 1950s and 1960s sports car counterparts, and now all come with a brag-worthy new engine under the hood: the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 – provides an approximately 70-hour power reserve and a five-year warranty.