The Breitling Top Time collection enjoys a long history that spans eras and styles, but it’s always been a representation of the brand’s more relaxed stature, as compared to their professional instrument. In modern guise, the Top Time collection boasts some of Breitling’s most stylish chronographs, and this week we’re getting a look at the next chapter, which is called the B31. With the Top Time B31, Breitling welcomes a new time and date movement architecture called, fittingly enough, the B31, and here it powers three new watches across six references, laying the foundations for more options in Breitling’s non-chronograph portfolio.
Like the Top Time chronographs we’ve seen in recent years (as well as through history), the new B31 collection feels light and colorful in nature. Each of the new references measure 38mm in diameter and a hair over 10mm in thickness, making them largely accessible to a broad section of enthusiasts. The dials offer shades of green and blues in different hues that feel unique to Breitling. This is a brand known for their big personality, for better or worse, so bringing that vibe into the confines of a less complicated watch has its challenges.
Breitling gets a lot of flack for their, at times, handfisted approach to case dimensions, but they show a remarkable sensitivity to the matter with the B31. This is a well considered case with a polished bezel and brushed mid case that come together around angular lugs, providing a muscular presence that will provide character on the wrist, while being easy to wear all day without getting in the way. There aren’t even any crown guards here to muddy the waters.
The dials are offered in deep blue with a contrasting white rehaut; dark green with a matching rehaut; and finally, a white dial with a baby blue rehaut. Each uses a bright red seconds hand for a final bit of color contrast. There is a date placed at three o’clock on the dial, and in what will surely be the most controversial move with this watch, Breitling have placed a cyclops on the crystal to help aid in legibility. There is a slight dome to the crystal, which the cyclops seems to sit directly against, which could look a bit incongruous at some angles. Perhaps we’ll see a dateless variation down the line, which I think would work quite well within this platform.
The B31 gets an exhibition caseback offering a view to the new automatic movement within. This is a COSC certified movement with a healthy 78 hours of reserve on tap, and it gets a decent enough design and finish to merit the open view. The free sprung balance sits under a single arm bridge and everything is clearly visible thanks to the opened oscillating weight.
The new Top Time B31 collection can be had on a three link bracelet, or a leather strap, with prices starting at $5,600 and going up to $5,900 if you opt for the bracelet. Breitling
Oh, and alongside the new watch, Breitling has also announced American actor Austin Butler as a new brand ambassador.
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