For Breitling, 2025 looks to be the year of reimagining the Top Time watch. This iconic timepiece has a rich history dating back to the 1960s, and most recently, Breitling has introduced two exciting new models: the B01 Martini and the B01 Racing.
With their motorsport-inspired details and comfortable leather straps, these watches mark a bold new chapter for the brand.
And I’m here to give you the lowdown on this latest launch and why it’s one to watch.
Whether you're already a fan of Breitling or just curious, I think you’ll find plenty to admire in the design, features, and overall design of these new models. If anything catches your eye, you can explore our full collection of Breitling Top Time watches right now.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these watches so special - and why they might just be worth the investment.
The Top Time Collection: Stylish Since the 60s
If you caught our recent blog on the Breitling B31 launch, you’ll already know that the Top Time collection has a rich heritage. In fact, a customised version even made it to the big screen on Sean Connery’s wrist in the 1965 Bond film Thunderball. If that doesn’t speak to the prestige of this watch range, I’m not sure what does.
Willy Breitling originally envisioned the Top Time as a bold, racing-inspired chronograph that captured the spirit of the swinging sixties. The modern Top Time Racing collection proudly carries that legacy forward, blending iconic design cues from the era with the high-quality design elements that define Breitling today.
Fast forward to the present, and the Top Time remains a favourite among watch enthusiasts. With its perfect mix of vintage charm and contemporary style, it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re drawn to its motorsport roots, standout design, or premium materials, this collection continues to prove that functionality and flair can go hand in hand.
The Top Time B01 Racing
As someone who’s always had a soft spot for vintage-inspired timepieces, this range immediately caught my eye. As the name suggests, the B01 range is inspired by some of the classic racing features, appealing to the sporty chronograph approach that Willy Breitling envisioned. Most obviously, this comes in the form of a ‘surfboard’ motif that takes inspiration from classic car dashboards. This gives the watch a unique retro quality that will be sure to impress motor racing fans, without being too bold and unwearable.
I also love the cushion-shaped case, which is crafted from high-quality stainless steel and is a comfortable fit, deterring from the traditional circular appearance seen in many leading watches. Even though Breitling has been fond of increasing the size of their watches over the years, the B01 Racing takes a notable detour from this, coming in with a 38mm diameter that makes it the ultimate medium-sized timepiece. The watch features a tachymeter scale, which allows you to measure speed – an ideal inclusion for anyone wearing this for sporting purposes.
The two Top Time B01 Racing models on offer both come with perforated leather straps, an ideal solution for comfort and practicality, as well as matching the racing aesthetic of the collection. With a medium dial and premium leather straps, these watches work well for most wrist sizes and style preferences. Choose between a deep green or warm-toned brown leather strap, with both variations having neutral, wearable tones.
The Top Time B01 Martini
In addition to the two Top Time B01 models, Breitling have also brought out the Top Time B01 Martini. Martini holds an established reputation within the automotive industry, and this watch incorporates some of the brand’s signature colours and design features to pay homage to this legacy. The blues and reds of Martini racing culminate in this vintage-inspired piece, that boasts the same comfortability and style that the other models do.
The tachymeter and dashboard feature bares similarity to the racing models, providing a contrast between the deep blues of the watch’s details and the clean, white dial. The seconds and 30-minute sub dial hands are coated in bright red, as opposed to the warm, more orange-toned shade seen in the racing models. Despite the Martini name not appearing anywhere on the watch, automotive fans will instantly recognise the brand’s identity from these iconic colours, making it a subtle yet meaningful watch to own.
In terms of the technicalities, these watches are powered by the iconic Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01; a dependable and precise COSC-certified movement seen in many models from the brand. They come with around 70 hours of power reserve, ensuring that your watch is prepared for whatever occasion you might need it for.
This collection of watches is limited to just 750 pieces, so if you’re interested in any of the models we’ve mentioned, I’d recommend contacting us or visiting our store in Lancaster. View our broad range of Breitling watches, with options for 0% financing.