Hands-On With The Improved Breitling Top Time Classic Cars Collection And The New Ford Thunderbird
Breitling takes advantage of the presentation of the new Ford Thunderbird to announce improvements to the entire collection.
Introduced in 2021, the Breitling Top Time Classic Cars collection, inspired by “American” classic cars, had until now three models: the Chevrolet Corvette (red), the Ford Mustang (green) and the Shelby Cobra (blue). Which now joins, the new Ford Thunderbird.
But let’s get to the news, on the outside the previous 42mm diameter case now gives way to a slightly smaller 41mm case while the thickness increases slightly from the previous 13.60mm and 13.30mm to the new 13.80mm.
But if on the one hand, the watch loses out by gaining some “fat”, on the other hand, it gains in accuracy and reliability, as it now comes equipped with the powerful In-house Caliber B01, which is COSC certified, replacing the previous Calibers B43 and B25 that equipped the collection, operating the same 28,800 Vph but now offering up to 70 hours of power reserve compared to the previous 38. The automatic movement is now possible to be observed through the open case back, as previously it was not possible as the chronographs came with a solid case back, but keeping the same 100m of water resistance.
The dials maintain the same configuration as before, formed by three counters at 3-6-9 o’clock a 30-minute counter, a 12-hour counter and a running seconds respectively, with the exception of the Shelby Cobra model that comes only with the two counters at 3-9 o’clock abdicating the 12-hour counter. Hour markers and hands filled with luminescent material, a centre chronograph seconds hand and the Breitling and “classic” car logos of each model painted on the dial.
Finally, it should also be noted that in addition to the “Rally” leather strap option, the collection now offers the possibility of coming with a Mesh steel bracelet, with prices ranging between €7,550 and €7,950 respectively.
Our Thoughts
In general, we consider that the improvements introduced are gains for the collection, namely the reduction of the case diameter, which may seem little but you can feel it on the wrist, the introduction of the in-house movement is undoubtedly the biggest improvement and lastly the new a steel Mesh bracelet bringing more options to the public.
As far as the new Ford Thunderbird is concerned, I can say that it was a good surprise since I am not a big fan of white dials, but on my wrist, I really enjoyed seeing it and, I can say that it went from the improbable to my favourite of the entire collection
What we liked less, was the logo of the classic cars remaining on the dial, we thought that the engraving now on the sapphire case back or on the former steel case back would be more than enough and without taking weight away from the name of the collection. The price is undoubtedly the biggest drawback, we understand that the inclusion of the In-house movement COSC certified has to be reflected in the price, but going from the previous €5,440 to the current €7,550 (leather strap option) is almost 40% more which to us seems exaggerated.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Breitling
Model: Top Time Classic Cars
Reference: AB01766A1A1X1 (white on a strap), AB01766A1A1A1 (white on a bracelet), AB01762A1L1X1 (green on a strap), AB01762A1L1A1 (green on a bracelet), AB01761A1K1X1 (red on a strap), AB01761A1K1A1 (red on a bracelet), AB01763A1C1X1 (blue on a strap), AB01763A1C1A1 (blue on a bracelet)
Dial: Red, white, blue, green
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 41 mm diameter, 13.8 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 100 Meters
Strap: Leather strap or a Mesh steel bracelet
Caliber: Breitling B01
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Jewels: 47
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Power Reserve: 70 Hours
Chronometer Certified: COSC
Price: € 7,550 (with a leather strap), € 7,950 (with a steel bracelet)
Availability: Now
