The latest evolution of Breitling’s Top Time proves that even legacy timepieces can reinvent themselves — without losing their soul. Originally launched in the 1960s as a rebellious chronograph for the cool and the fast, the Top Time has been worn by icons like Sean Connery’s James Bond in Thunderball and reimagined through collaborations with American muscle cars and custom motorcycle culture. Now, the Swiss watchmaker strips the design back — literally — to create a more minimalist version that maintains the watch’s heritage while carving out space in a more modern and versatile category.
A New Chapter: The Top Time B31
What once began as a statement-making chronograph now arrives in a more refined form — the Top Time B31. It’s still eye-catching, but its chronograph function has been replaced by a clean three-hand movement and a date window. Powered by the new in-house B31 automatic caliber, it’s a significant step for Breitling — a brand long known for its bold aviation watches and reliance on modified third-party movements. The Top Time B31 is COSC-certified, visible through an exhibition case back, and built to last with endurance-tested components like a free-sprung balance wheel and robust shock resistance.
Sized Down, Styled Up
At 38mm, this is one of the smallest Breitling watches in the brand’s current lineup, and it brings with it a refreshing wearability. Whether worn on a perforated leather strap — a nod to vintage driving gloves — or a three-link steel bracelet, the new Top Time feels vintage yet current. Subtle red accents and dial colors like ice blue and green keep it fun without trying too hard. In a catalog known for high-octane pilot watches and oversized chronographs, the B31 offers a quieter, cooler approach.
Built for the Long Haul
Don’t be fooled by the simplified dial — the internals of the Top Time B31 are as robust as anything else in Breitling’s arsenal. According to the brand, the movement has been tested to simulate 16 years of use, including 100,000 crown turns and high-G shock testing. It’s mechanical precision with everyday reliability — and that blend of technical legitimacy and design clarity is exactly the kind of versatility many buyers are looking for today.
Enter: Austin Butler
Of course, no modern watch launch is complete without a new face to match. Breitling has tapped actor Austin Butler — fresh off his Oscar-nominated turn as Elvis Presley — as the latest addition to its brand ambassador “squad.” Butler subtly debuted the watch ahead of its release, wearing a pre-launch edition during Paris Fashion Week — a now-classic play for generating buzz in the watch world.
Star Power Meets Style Cred
“Butler embodies the spirit of Top Time,” said Breitling CEO Georges Kern. “His attention to detail and his commitment to the craft align perfectly with our values.” Butler himself echoed the sentiment: “The Top Time speaks to the way I’ve always wanted to live my life — free and ready to rock ‘n’ roll.”
New Identity, Same DNA
Breitling’s decision to recast the Top Time in this lighter, more accessible role marks a broader strategy shift. Known for being brawny, technical, and aviation-centric, the brand is increasingly making space for more nuanced interpretations of its historical pieces — and opening the door for a wider customer base in the process.
- Case size: 38mm — a nod to vintage proportions and more wrist-friendly design
- Movement: In-house B31, COSC-certified
- Dial options: Includes ice blue, green, and silver, with red-tipped second hand
- Straps: Steel bracelet or leather strap, both interchangeable
- Price: $5,600–$5,900
A Broader Appeal
While brands like Omega and TAG Heuer have long evolved beyond their tool-watch roots, Breitling has held tightly to its aviation heritage. The Top Time B31 feels like a step toward broader versatility — a watch that can dress up or down, suit a collector or a first-time buyer, and still carry the bold Breitling character.
Final Thought: A Timepiece for Now
In an era where the line between sport, dress, and casual watches continues to blur, the Top Time B31 hits a sweet spot. It honors the past while offering a modern interpretation — not through complexity, but through clarity. With a fresh face (in both movement and ambassador) and a vibe that’s more easygoing than ever, Breitling is betting that this Top Time will find its way to more wrists. After all, 50 million Elvis fans — and maybe a few million Austin Butler ones — can’t be wrong.
