Breitling and Aston Martin have turned one of Britain’s most famous grand tourers into three limited-edition chronographs. The new Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 comes in three versions, each drawing on the colours and materials of the classic car (via PistonHeads). It is the first collection to arrive since Breitling and Aston Martin announced their partnership earlier this year.
Their connection goes back much further, however. Breitling launched the original Top Time in 1964, and Sean Connery wore a modified version in Thunderball the following year. The Aston Martin DB5 appeared in the same film, bringing the two names together on screen decades before their official partnership.
Breitling has carried parts of the car’s interior into the watches. Each model has a wooden inner ring inspired by the DB5’s steering wheel, while the hand-coloured leather straps are designed to recall its upholstery. The twin sub-dials also take cues from the car’s dashboard instruments.
Beneath those automotive touches, all three models use a 41mm cushion-shaped case and Breitling’s Manufacture Calibre B01. The COSC-certified automatic chronograph movement offers a 70-hour power reserve and is visible through the sapphire caseback, where the rotor features an engraved Aston Martin logo.
The stainless steel model has a silver dial and is limited to 1,022 pieces. It comes closest to the appearance of the Top Time worn by Connery in Thunderball. A second version pairs a stainless steel case with a platinum bezel and black lacquered dial, with 315 pieces planned.
At the top of the range is an 18k red gold model with a natural black onyx dial, marking the first time Breitling has used the material. Only 250 individually numbered examples will be made.
For Aston Martin and Breitling, the DB5 was the obvious place to begin. It links the new partnership to the 1960s through one of the most recognisable cars ever made.