In Thunderball (1965), Desmond Llewelyn’s Q equips Sean Connery’s James Bond with a modified Breitling Top Time ref. 2002. It was the first-ever watch that did something other than keep the spy on schedule – in this case, its built-in Geiger counter was tracking the radioactive trail of two stolen nuclear warheads. In the same film, the Aston Martin DB5 returns after its Goldfinger debut, more lethal than ever, thanks to twin rear-facing water cannons added by Q branch to its already formidable arsenal. Six decades later, Breitling and Aston Martin celebrate that shared legacy – not through gadgetry, but through enduring style.
The Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 tribute to Aston Martin DB5 unites the timeless elegance of Aston Martin’s most iconic Bond car with the modern-retro character of Breitling’s unconventional chronograph. The cushion-shaped case, grooved corners and mushroom pushers preserve the distinctive profile of the original 1960s Top Time. From there, Aston Martin’s influence becomes unmistakable. A wooden inner ring echoes the DB5’s steering wheel, the ‘squircle’ subdials capture the look of classic dashboard gauges, while the hand-coloured gradient leather strap reflects the depth and tone of its upholstery.
Beneath the caseback, Breitling’s manufacture Calibre B01 is as serious as the DB5 is under the bonnet. COSC-certified for precision, its vertical-clutch column-wheel chronograph delivers a 70-hour power reserve, visible through an open sapphire crystal. The movement is finished with a dedicated Aston Martin-engraved rotor.
The collection is offered in three editions: stainless steel with a silver dial – limited to 1,022 pieces – is the purist’s entry point, closest in spirit to the original Top Time ref. 2002. A steel and platinum version with a black lacquered dial is limited to 315 pieces. Then the 18k red gold with natural onyx dial, marking Breitling’s first ever use of the stone, is individually numbered 1 to 250.
The Top Time never went out of style, but now it captures the feel of being behind the wheel of Aston Martin’s classic grand tourer.
