Thrilling Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Is A Tribute To Aston Martin DB5
Breitling and Aston Martin have long shared a passion for precision engineering, timeless design and performance, but their latest collaboration reaches even further back into popular culture.
The new Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 celebrates one of Britain’s greatest automotive icons. More than simply another co-branded release, it revisits a moment from the mid-1960s when two legends unexpectedly appeared together on screen. In Thunderball (1965), Sean Connery’s James Bond wore a Breitling Top Time while driving the Aston Martin DB5, creating an enduring association between two symbols of style, speed and innovation.
Today, Breitling reunites them in a collection of three limited editions inspired by the craftsmanship and character of Aston Martin’s most celebrated grand tourer.
Inspired by an Icon
Rather than relying on obvious branding, Breitling has taken a more considered approach. The design language borrows subtle cues from the DB5 itself, translating the car’s elegant interior into wristwatch form.
The 41mm cushion-shaped case recalls the original Top Time of the 1960s, while the distinctive rounded-square (‘squircle’) subdials evoke classic dashboard instruments. A wooden rehaut ring references the DB5’s beautifully crafted steering wheel, and the hand-finished brown leather strap mirrors the rich upholstery found inside the legendary sports car. The result is a chronograph that feels authentically connected to Aston Martin without becoming overly nostalgic.
Three Distinct Characters
Collectors can choose from three interpretations, each with its own personality. The stainless steel model, limited to 1,022 pieces, pairs a silver dial with contrasting black subdials, echoing the clean aesthetic of the original Top Time. A second edition, limited to 315 examples, combines a stainless steel case with a platinum bezel and glossy black dial, delivering a more contemporary and purposeful appearance.
At the top of the range sits the 18-carat red gold version. Produced in just 250 individually numbered pieces, it introduces a striking natural onyx dial, the first time Breitling has incorporated the gemstone into one of its watches. The deep black surface contrasts beautifully with the warm gold case, creating the most luxurious expression of the collection.
Performance Beneath the Surface
Powering every model is Breitling’s in-house Manufacture Calibre 01, one of the company’s most respected chronograph movements.
COSC-certified for accuracy, the self-winding calibre features a column wheel and vertical clutch for crisp chronograph operation, while its impressive 70-hour power reserve ensures the watch is ready after a weekend off the wrist.
Turn the watch over and the sapphire crystal caseback reveals the movement, complete with a specially engraved Aston Martin rotor, providing another discreet nod to the collaboration.
A Collaboration That Makes Sense
There is no shortage of automotive-themed watches, but few collaborations feel as authentic as this one. Both Breitling and Aston Martin emerged during the golden age of mechanical innovation, and both continue to celebrate craftsmanship as much as performance.
Rather than overwhelming the design with logos or racing references, the Top Time Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 succeeds through thoughtful detailing and restrained execution. It captures the spirit of the original DB5 while remaining unmistakably a Breitling.
For enthusiasts of fine watchmaking, classic British motoring or simply great design, this is a collaboration that deserves more than a passing glance.
Technical Specifications:
Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5
Stainless Steel
Limited Edition: 1,022 pieces
Reference: AB0178121G1X1
Case
- Material: Stainless steel
- Diameter: 41mm
- Thickness: 13.8mm
- Lug-to-lug: 47.9mm
- Water resistance: 100 metres (10 bar)
- Bezel: Fixed
- Crystal: Cambered sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides
- Caseback: Screwed sapphire crystal exhibition caseback
- Crown: Non-screw-locked with twin gaskets
Dial
- Sunray silver dial
- Black concentric chronograph subdials with polished rhodium-coated rings
- Wooden rehaut inspired by the Aston Martin DB5 steering wheel
- Super-LumiNova® hands and minute track
Movement
- Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01
- Self-winding mechanical chronograph
- COSC-certified chronometer
- Column wheel with vertical clutch
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
- Power reserve: Approximately 70 hours
- Components: 284
Strap
- Brown calfskin leather strap
- Beige lining
- Folding clasp
Price
- RRP £8,650.00
Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5
Stainless Steel & Platinum
Limited Edition: 315 pieces
Reference: PB0178121B1X1
Case
- Material: Stainless steel with platinum bezel
- Diameter: 41mm
- Thickness: 13.8mm
- Lug-to-lug: 47.9mm
- Water resistance: 100 metres (10 bar)
- Bezel: Fixed platinum
- Crystal: Cambered sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides
- Caseback: Screwed sapphire crystal exhibition caseback
- Crown: Non-screw-locked with twin gaskets
Dial
- Gloss black lacquer dial
- Black concentric chronograph subdials with polished rhodium-coated rings
- Wooden rehaut inspired by the Aston Martin DB5 steering wheel
- Super-LumiNova® hands and minute track
Movement
- Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01
- Self-winding mechanical chronograph
- COSC-certified chronometer
- Column wheel with vertical clutch
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
- Power reserve: Approximately 70 hours
- Components: 284
Strap
- Brown calfskin leather strap
- Beige lining
- Folding clasp
Price
- RRP £14,400.00
Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5
18ct Red Gold
Limited Edition: 250 individually numbered pieces
Reference: RB0178131B1X1
Case
- Material: 18ct 5N red gold
- Diameter: 41mm
- Thickness: 13.8mm
- Lug-to-lug: 47.9mm
- Water resistance: 100 metres (10 bar)
- Bezel: Fixed
- Crystal: Cambered sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides
- Caseback: Screwed sapphire crystal exhibition caseback
- Crown: Non-screw-locked with twin gaskets
Dial
- Natural black onyx dial
- Black onyx chronograph subdials with gold rings
- Wooden rehaut inspired by the Aston Martin DB5 steering wheel
- Super-LumiNova® hands and minute track
Movement
- Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01
- Self-winding mechanical chronograph
- COSC-certified chronometer
- Column wheel with vertical clutch
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
- Power reserve: Approximately 70 hours
- Components: 284
Strap
- Brown calfskin leather strap
- Beige lining
- Folding clasp
Price
RRP £35,100.00
For more information please visit Breitling