Behold the Breitling Aston DB5 chronograph
Aston and Breitling teamed up earlier this year - there was only one place the collab could begin...
While the 1960s is often held up as a highpoint for all things automotive, it was of course a notable era of innovation across the world as it was finally unshackled from the effects of war. Think Concorde, LEDs, the ATM, Kevlar and so on. Plus, of course, cool watches: Heuer Carrera, Seiko 5 and Bulova Accutron to name but three (it says here). 1964 also saw the launch of the Breitling Top Time, an ‘unconventional’ chronograph ‘created for a new, youthful, speed-driven audience.’ An appearance on Sean Connery’s wrist the year after launch in Thunderball secured the Top Time’s status as one of the most desirable timepieces around.
So with Aston Martin and Breitling having formalised a partnership earlier this year, today’s announcement should come as no surprise whatsoever. With just about every possible drop of heritage goodwill milked from roadgoing DB5s 60-odd years later, now its influence extends to Breitling’s icon. The Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 (just rolls of the tongue, that one) will be offered in three specifications, all promising to deliver ‘a watch that captures the feel of being behind the wheel of Aston Martin’s classic grand tourer.’ Which would be quite some achievement for the Breitling given what it costs compared to an actual DB5…
The association between the two comes from ‘refined dial executions’, wood-inlaid details (including the inner ring like a DB5 steering wheel), and hand coloured leather straps that aim to bring upholstery to mind. All are underpinned by Breitling’s Manufacture Calibre 1, a COSC-certified chronograph movement, here with an Aston Martin-engraved rotor. A 70-hour power reserve means the Top Time tribute will probably suit everyday use better than a DB5.
Interestingly, all three versions of this new watch are being made in different numbers. There’s a stainless steel with silver dial model that evokes the Thunderball spec, of which 1,022 pieces will be made (and which is likely to be the least expensive of the trio). The steel and platinum Top Time will be limited to 315 units, and just 250 individually numbered 18k red gold with onyx dial examples will be made, this the first time that Breitling has used natural onyx.
While prices haven’t been announced for the Top Time Tributes, the Aston Martin link - and limited production - is clearly going to increase what’s asked. A regular Top Time is from about £5k. And a DB5 is from £600k, if you’re interested.
Marek Reichmann said of Aston Martin’s latest: “These editions represent something truly distinct from anything we’ve created before. The collaboration with Breitling brought together two brands with a shared appreciation for timeless design, craftsmanship, and innovation, allowing us to exchange ideas in a way that felt both natural and ambitious… Every detail has been carefully considered to reflect the character and authenticity synonymous with both brands. The result is a watch that feels contemporary today, yet timeless for generations to come.” Which the grandkids will be thrilled to hear as well.
Steel - £8650
Steel & Platinum - £14400
Gold - £35100
It really is time for CarGurus to kindly f*ck off.
Few things are more tragic than MDS (McQueen Delusion Syndrome). I was at this year's Le Mans Classic (spiritual home of deluded middle aged men) and a guy staggered into the beer tent with his mates ribbing him mercilessly. One of them joked that he'd been left alone for five minutes and "fallen into the Gulf jacket trap" - and so he had. His mates expected him to experience full buyer's remorse when he sobered up, which they estimated would be several hours - the poor sod was wrecked
For balance, my deluded purchase this year was some orange driving shoes. And I wasn't even (that) drunk...
Few things are more tragic than MDS (McQueen Delusion Syndrome). I was at this year's Le Mans Classic (spiritual home of deluded middle aged men) and a guy staggered into the beer tent with his mates ribbing him mercilessly. One of them joked that he'd been left alone for five minutes and "fallen into the Gulf jacket trap" - and so he had. His mates expected him to experience full buyer's remorse when he sobered up, which they estimated would be several hours - the poor sod was wrecked
For balance, my deluded purchase this year was some orange driving shoes. And I wasn't even (that) drunk...
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