With the 2026 Tour de France about to begin, Breitling has unveiled the Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx, a limited edition chronograph celebrating one of cycling’s greatest legends. Nicknamed “The Cannibal” for his relentless appetite for victory, Eddy Merckx amassed an astonishing 525 professional wins, including five Tour de France titles.
Limited to 525 pieces, the watch pays tribute to that remarkable achievement with a vibrant yellow dial inspired by the iconic “maillot jaune” and combines vintage motorsport styling with Breitling’s flagship in-house chronograph movement.
The Breitling Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx is housed in a stainless-steel case measuring 41mm in diameter, 13.3mm in thickness, and 50.36mm lug-to-lug. Combining polished and brushed finishes, the case preserves the retro-inspired proportions that have made the modern Top Time collection such a success.
Classic mushroom-style chronograph pushers reinforce the vintage character while maintaining the practical functionality expected from a modern sports chronograph.
Turning the watch over reveals a screw-in sapphire exhibition caseback showcasing the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B01. Surrounding the crystal are engravings including “One of 525,” commemorating the total number of professional victories achieved by Eddy Merckx, alongside an “Eddy Merckx Tribute” inscription.
The signed crown provides smooth winding and time-setting while working alongside the chronograph pushers for precise operation. Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, ensuring excellent clarity under all lighting conditions. Water resistance can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet).
The unmistakable highlight of the watch is its bright yellow dial, inspired by the legendary maillot jaune worn by the leader of the Tour de France. The vivid color instantly recalls Merckx’s dominance in cycling’s greatest race while giving the watch a cheerful, energetic personality that perfectly suits the spirit of the Top Time collection.
Contrasting silver “squircle” chronograph registers dominate the display, preserving one of the collection’s signature design elements. A silver tachymeter ring frames the dial, while Eddy Merckx’s signature appears discreetly above 6 o’clock.
Completing the racing theme is a light blue central chronograph seconds hand, which adds an unexpected splash of color against the yellow background.
Applied hour markers and central hands are filled with Super-LumiNova to ensure excellent legibility in low-light conditions.
Black printed markings provide crisp contrast throughout the dial, allowing the chronograph displays and tachymeter scale to remain easy to read despite the vibrant color palette.
Breitling Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx
The “Breitling Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx” (References below) is powered by the self-winding mechanical Breitling Manufacture Caliber B01 with 34 jewels and 28,800 vph (4Hz). This COSC-certified in-house chronograph features a column wheel, vertical clutch, hacking seconds, and manual winding capability. It displays the hours, minutes, small seconds, and chronograph functions including central chronograph seconds and a 30-minute counter. Power reserve can last up to 70 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted on this watch is either a black perforated calfskin leather racing strap secured by a stainless steel folding clasp, or a stainless steel mesh bracelet fitted with a butterfly clasp. Both options complement the vintage-inspired Top Time design, with the perforated leather emphasizing the collection’s retro racing roots while the mesh bracelet offers a more contemporary sporting appearance.
The Breitling Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx is limited to 525 pieces, a direct tribute to the legendary cyclist’s 525 professional victories.
(Ref#: AB01762C1I1X1) - with Leather Strap
MSRP: $8,050.00 USD
(Ref#: AB01762C1I1) - with Mesh Bracelet
MSRP: $8,450.00 USD
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