Breitling Top Time B01 Ford Thunderbird Chronograph

An in-house manufactured tribute to American muscle

The 1960s was a decade of experimentation, fun, freedom and energy. Whether cruising on a motorcycle or revving up a sports car, living life at full speed was the order of the day. Breitling pioneer Willy Breitling felt this change of pace and set out to design an unconventional chronograph that would capture the verve of era. He called it the Top Time.

That spirited tradition continues today with Breitling partnering with some of the coolest names in wheels to create its Top Time designs. The Ford Thunderbird was first unveiled at the 1954 Detroit auto show. It was touted as a fun-to-drive cabriolet that made its presence felt with its luxurious design, solid build and dramatic tailfin. The Top Time B01 Ford Thunderbird features the colors and emblem of its classic-car counterpart as well as a perforated leather racing strap, speed-measuring tachymeter scale and contrasting “squircle” (not quite square, not quite round) subdials that give the feel of vintage dashboard gauges. It also comes with a brag-worthy engine under the hood: the exceptional Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. 

Specifications

• Case: 41mm Stainless steel (13.3mm thick, 50.3mm L2L)
• Caliber: Breitling B01
• Movement: 4 Hz self-winding mechanical chronograph, bi-directional winding, COSC-certified
• Power reserve: approx. 70 hrs
• Chronograph: 1/4th second chronograph, 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers
• Dial: Tachymeter scale and contrasting subdials, Super-LumiNova luminescent indexes and hour and minute hands
• Caseback: Screwed, exhibition
• Water resistance: 100 meters (10 bar)
• Crown: Push/pull, twin gasket design
• Crystal: Convex sapphire crystal, glareproofed both sides
• Strap: Racing-themed calfskin leather strap with folding clasp
• Lug: 20/18 mm