Breitling Top Time B21 Classic Cars Tourbillon

The Breitling Top Time stands out as one of the most impressive collections in the Swiss brand's lineup, just by being a vintage chronograph paying tribute to Breitling's history and the world of motoring. A notable manifestation of this tribute is the Breitling Top Time Classic Cars Squad capsule collection introduced in 2021, featuring iconic vehicles from Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, and Shelby Cobra. Now, Breitling is revisiting this concept, giving the watches a performance boost with the new Breitling B21 Top Time Classic Cars Tourbillon.In essence, comparing the new watches to the original capsule collection is like distinguishing between track day versions and concours editions. The originals exuded vibrancy, racing energy, and sported bi-compax or tri-compax displays with steel cases. In contrast, the new ones adopt a darker, more refined aesthetic, showcasing their updated engine with a shiny new tourbillon on display.These watches all come in a case height of 15.4mm, but the black ceramic (Shelby Cobra and Chevrolet Corvette) case measure 44mm in diameter, while the bronze case comes in a smaller 43mm option. The ceramic models have the benefits of light weight and extreme scratch resistance, while the bronze wearers will enjoy the characteristic patina that imbues each model with its own unique traits.On the flipside is a sapphire exhibition caseback that allows a view into the innerworkings of the mechanical movement. It features each model's vehicle brand inscribed along the outer caseback edge, while in the center is an openworked oscillating weight with the “B” logo, plus the reverse side of the tourbillon appears in contrasting 18k gold. 
They come equipped with two piston-style pushers to operate the chronograph functions, which pair well with the motor-sports theme. In between those is a non screw-locked setting-crown, equipped with two gaskets and adorned by the Breitling “B” logo. All topped by a cambered sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides. Water-resistance on all these watches can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet). All these watches have their own themed color that consist of green (Ford Mustang), blue (Shelby Cobra), and the more unusual wooden dial (Chevrolet Corvette). Time is exhibited with applied hour index markers, followed by a printed minutes/seconds rings, while parallel to it is a black outer ring with an elapsed scale track.Our focus is immediately captured by the tourbillon positioned at 12 o'clock. Within it, there is a rotating cage containing a balance wheel, balance spring, and escapement, ensuring continuous motion for the entire assembly.Usually the tourbillon appears on the lower-half of a dial, but Breitiling has opted to put it at the 12 o’clock position, similar to what they did with their 2022 releases. While it might appear to be a subtle change in the arrangement, the shift in the top spot significantly enhances the model's appearance, giving it a distinctive and bold look.There is also a squared-off circular sub-seconds with snailed interior at the 6 o’clock spot. The central hands and hour indices on all these models have been fitted with a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility.

Breitling Top Time B21 Classic Cars Tourbillon

The “Breitling Top Time B21 Classic Cars Tourbillon” (References below) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber B21 with 30 jewels, and 28,800 vph. It was developed in collaboration with the specialty movement maker Manufacture La Joux-Perret. Power reserve can last up to 55 hours, when fully wound.Mounted to the watches is a brown or blue calfskin leather strap with racing-style perforations, secured to the wrist by a stainless-steel folding clasp. For more up to date information visit the official Breitling website here.

Breitling, B21, Chronograph, Tourbillon, Classic Cars, Luxury Watches