The New Breitling Top Time B31 Measures 38mm

March 25, 2025

Breitling first introduced the Top Time in 1964 as an entry-level chronograph designed to attract a younger, style-conscious audience. Compared to the classic Navitimer and Chronomat models, it offered a young and fresh take on the classic chronograph design. ?The Top Time of old even secured a place in pop culture history when Sean Connery's James Bond sported a modified ref. 2002 in Thunderball the first watch modified by Q. The Top Time was initially released as Breitling's everyday, less "professional" and less "serious" chronograph option. Today, although no longer a chronograph, the new Top Time B31a time-only series of 38mm modelsfits neatly into the concept of an easy "daily wear" watch. Just add a white T-shirt and a pair of blue jeans (see below). The new Top Time B31 ?features a vibrant orange seconds hand and a magnified date aperture, striking a balance between vintage proportions and contemporary design. Available in metallic forest green, a zingy electric blue, or a calm two-tone white and sky blue, the watch can be paired with a stainless steel bracelet or a perforated calfskin strapan obvious nod to classic racing aesthetics.?Inside the watches, you'll find the Caliber B31, Breitling's first three-hand manufacture movement. Developed over four years, this COSC-certified chronometer offers a 78-hour power reserve and a free-sprung balance wheel for superior precisionall visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback.? Last week, I sat on a dimly lit Zoom call at my slightly rickety dining room table with Hollywood star and new Breitling Squad member, Austin Butler. Let's just say his lighting setup was a bit more glamorous than mine. The actorknown for his performances in Elvis, Dune: Part Two, and The Bikeridersis the face of the Top Time B31 campaign, which makes perfect sense to me. Butler exudes effortless cool, remains relevant both on and off the red carpet, and, let's be honest, is currently making all the girls swoon. I had to try hard not to swoon myself during our very lo-fi interaction. A longtime admirer of classic Hollywood style, Butler finds inspiration in icons like Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, James Dean, and Marlon Brando. "Those Steve McQueen shots of him on the motorcycle, and just his whole way of being. You know, the old cars and motorcycles. Racing and living an adventurous life. I love that," he explained. That effortless aura of a smouldering-movie-star-from-the-60s with a laissez-faire attitude that Butler aspires to, also translates into how Butler chooses his watches. "A watch becomes an effortless choice when it seamlessly fits into your everyday life, while others are better suited for special occasions, like pairing with a tuxedo. Each watch has its own personality, like clothing. It's just an extension of personal style and mood."? CEO Georges Kern has a knack for bringing gigantic Hollywood stars into the Breitling fold. Notable movie star Breitling ambassadors include/have included Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, and Adam Driver. And while there are plenty of watch-enthusiasts who may not adore the idea of a glossy celebrity endorsement, Butler provides the perfect pop-culture context for this watch. Candidly speaking this is the brand's Rolex OP competitor.?The departure from the 44mm Pilot's watch calls for a celebrity vehicle that aligns with the simpler and more modern aesthetic of the 38mm Top Time. A young and in-demand Hollywood A-list star will no doubt speak to a younger demographic. Sure, sixty years have passed since the original launch, but the essence of the Top Time remains the same: a sleeker, more design-driven timepiece created for a new, younger audience. The Basics Brand: Breitling Model: Top Time B31Reference Number: AB3113A71C1A1, AB3113A71C1X1, AB3113171L1A1, AB3113171L1X1, AB3113281A1A1, AB3113281A1X1Diameter: 38mmThickness: 10.3mm Case Material: Stainless steel Dial Color: Blue with a white inner ring, green with a black inner ring, and white with a sky-blue inner ringIndexes: Applied Lume: Yes Water Resistance: up to 10 bar (100 meters)Strap/Bracelet: Blue, green and beige racing-themed calfskin leather strap with pin buckle (20/18mm) or stainless-steel bracelet with folding clasp. The Movement Caliber: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B31Functions: hour, minute, second and date window with quick settingDiameter: 28.40 mmThickness: 4.80 mmPower Reserve: 78 hours Winding: self-windingFrequency: 28,800 a/h or 4 hertzChronometer Certified: COSC-certified Pricing & Availability Price: $5,600 (strap), $5,900 (bracelet)Availability: Now Limited Edition: NoFor more, click here.