Breitling Top Time Gold Plated, 1970s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

When it comes to watches, sometimes simpler is better. Aesthetically-speaking, however, the Top Time is as thoughtfully executed as anything one would expect from such a behemoth of chronograph design. Under Willy Breitling’s expert eye, it was marketed toward the younger consumer — folks aged 25 and under. In his words: “We are sweeping into the field of youth and we are going to speak their language. Our special models [like the Top Time] are particularly suited to the needs of young and active professionals…” The Top Time’s “bold new lines” and “rare and distinctive air” certainly attracted its intended consumer base — and an appearance on Sean Connery’s wrist in 1965’s Thunderball didn't hurt, either. Though Breitling reserved its highest-quality movements and materials for its flagship lines, the Top Time was no slouch: The cases Breitling used for the Top Time were large for the day and came in a variety of materials, from gold to stainless steel. The dials, moreover, came in a kaleidoscopic range of colors, including funky “radio” patterns in the latter part of the model’s run, ideal for the fashion-forward young man (or woman). But the most popular dials are perhaps the “panda” or “reverse panda” variants. In fact, it can be said that Breitling came up with the “reverse panda” color scheme in 1957, with the Reference 807 SuperOcean chronograph. This was a look that Breitling used throughout its catalog — most notably in the Navitimer — but it was also seen frequently on the Top Time. This particular Top Time Ref. 2008 is notable both for its "panda" dial as well as its unusual case: Dating to the 1970s, it's housed in a 37mm gold-plated cushion case with dual 'doorstop' pushers, a signed crown, and an acrylic crystal. Its silvered dial features an outer tachymeter scale, applied indices, luminous hour plots, a luminous 'sword' handset, and a dual-register chronograph display with 45-minute and running seconds counters against a black background. Powered by hand-wound Valjoux cal. 7730 movement and paired to a black leather strap with a gold-tone pin buckle, this awesome '70s chronograph is eagerly awaiting its next proud owner. If you're into some of the more compelling, offbeat designs from one of the world's most notable brands, then it's most certainly for you!