Breitling Top Time Tribute to Cycling Greats

Breitling has recently expanded its Top Time collection, introducing two compelling chronographs that pay tribute to a legendary rivalry and enduring friendship within the world of professional cycling. These new timepieces honor Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, two Italian cyclists whose competitive spirit and mutual respect captivated a nation and left an indelible mark on the sport during the mid-20th century. The watches blend Breitling's historical connection to cycling with contemporary watchmaking prowess.

The story of Breitling itself is interwoven with precision timekeeping and sport. Founded in 1884, the Swiss watchmaker quickly established a reputation for its chronographs and timers, becoming instrumental in the development of the modern wrist chronograph. Beyond aviation, where Breitling cultivated strong ties, the brand also served as the official timekeeper for significant sporting events, including major cycling races, during the era when Coppi and Bartali dominated the roads. This historical context provides a genuine foundation for the new tribute watches.



The Top Time collection, the platform for these new tributes, has its own distinct history within the Breitling catalog. Originally launched in the 1960s under the guidance of Willy Breitling, the Top Time was conceived as a departure from Breitling's more traditional tool watches. It aimed at a younger, style-conscious audience, featuring bold designs, often incorporating racing-inspired elements, and capturing the energetic, freewheeling spirit of the decade. The line embraced unconventional case shapes and graphic dials, making it a hit among both men and women seeking a dynamic chronograph.

Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali represent more than just athletic achievement; they embody the complex nature of rivalry and sportsmanship. Competing fiercely throughout the 1940s and beyond, their duels on the mountainous terrains of the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France became legendary. Yet, their intense professional competition was famously balanced by a deep personal respect, epitomized by the iconic photograph capturing one passing a water bottle to the other during a challenging climb. This moment cemented their status as symbols of endurance and camaraderie amidst fierce competition.

Gino Bartali, known by the resonant nickname "L'Intramontabile" (The Timeless or The Unbeatable), was a formidable champion revered for his climbing prowess and his deeply held convictions. His career spanned tumultuous times, and his legacy extends beyond cycling, recognized for his courageous actions during World War II. His endurance, both on and off the bike, contributed to his enduring legend, making his nickname particularly fitting. As a Breitling ambassador during his peak, his connection to the brand was established decades ago.

Fausto Coppi, Bartali's great rival, earned the moniker "Il Campionissimo" (Champion of Champions). He was a revolutionary figure in cycling, known for his scientific approach to training and diet, his powerful riding style, and his numerous victories that redefined dominance in the sport. Coppi pushed the boundaries of performance, achieving the rare Giro-Tour double multiple times. His association with Breitling, alongside Bartali, underscored the brand's prominent role in the cycling world of that era.



Breitling's decision to honor these two giants of cycling reflects a desire to connect the brand's heritage with compelling human stories. Georges Kern, Breitling's CEO, highlighted this connection, stating, “You can feel the legacy of Coppi and Bartali pulsing through these watches. These two men vied to be the best, while always displaying the utmost grace and integrity. As an avid cyclist, I find this collection to be especially meaningful.” This sentiment underscores the intention to create watches that are not just functional but also carry narrative weight.

The tribute manifests in two distinct limited-edition chronographs: the Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi (Reference AB01768A1A1X1) and the Top Time B01 Gino Bartali (Reference AB01767A1C1X1). Both watches share the same mechanical heart and case structure but are differentiated by unique colorways and dial details directly inspired by the cyclists they honor. They represent a continuation of the modern-retro aesthetic that characterizes the current Top Time collection.

These watches maintain the energetic design language established by the original Top Time models but are executed with modern manufacturing techniques and materials. The designs aim to be vibrant and expressive, reflecting the dynamic personalities of Coppi and Bartali and the high-octane world of mid-century road cycling, updated for contemporary tastes.

Focusing on the Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi, this model presents a striking visual contrast. The main dial is a clean white, providing a bright backdrop for the chronograph functions. The subdials, likely positioned at 3 and 9 o'clock for the chronograph minutes and running seconds respectively (a common layout for the B01 movement, though the provided text doesn't specify layout), are rendered in a bold turquoise color. Adding another splash of color and a nod to Coppi's equipment is the central chronograph seconds hand, shaped like a lightning bolt and finished in orange. These colors directly echo those associated with Coppi's Bianchi bike, creating an immediate visual link.

Further personalizing the Coppi edition, the tachymeter scale, located on the dial's periphery and used for calculating speed, features his nickname "Il Campionissimo." This detail adds a layer of narrative specific to the champion. Additionally, Fausto Coppi's signature is subtly printed on the dial at the six o'clock position, offering a direct and personal connection to the legendary cyclist for the wearer.

The Top Time B01 Gino Bartali offers a different, yet equally evocative, color scheme. This model features a rich blue dial, serving as the primary canvas. Contrasting yellow accents are used, likely for hands, indices, or subdial details, drawing inspiration from the memorable cycling jersey Bartali often wore during his career. This combination of blue and yellow creates a distinct and historically relevant aesthetic for the watch.



Similar to the Coppi model, the Bartali edition incorporates personalized elements on the dial. Its tachymeter scale is inscribed with Bartali's nickname, "L'Intramontabile," celebrating his enduring reputation. Complementing this is Gino Bartali's signature, also placed at the six o'clock position, mirroring the design approach of the Coppi watch and reinforcing the tribute aspect through this personal touch.

Both timepieces are housed in a robust stainless steel case measuring 41mm in diameter. This size offers a contemporary presence on the wrist while remaining versatile. The case thickness is 13.3mm, and the dimension from the tip of the upper lugs to the tip of the lower lugs is 50.36mm, contributing to how the watch sits on the wrist. A fixed stainless steel bezel surrounds the crystal, maintaining a clean look, and the lug width is a standard 20mm, allowing for strap versatility. Water resistance is rated at 10 bars (equivalent to 100 meters), making the watches suitable for everyday wear and exposure to water, though they feature a non screw-locked crown equipped with two gaskets for sealing.

Protecting the dial on both models is a sapphire crystal, known for its superior scratch resistance compared to mineral glass, ensuring clarity and durability over time. Turning the watch over reveals a screwed-in caseback also fitted with a sapphire crystal. This transparent window allows an unobstructed view of the sophisticated mechanics within. The periphery of the caseback's metal ring is engraved with either "Fausto Coppi Tribute" or "Gino Bartali Tribute," along with the crucial limited edition marker "One of 750," confirming the exclusivity of each piece.

At the core of both the Coppi and Bartali tributes beats the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. This is Breitling's flagship in-house chronograph movement, a significant indicator of the brand's watchmaking capabilities. It's a self-winding mechanical movement, meaning it winds itself automatically through the motion of the wearer's wrist. When fully wound, it boasts a substantial power reserve of approximately 70 hours, allowing the watch to keep running for nearly three days off the wrist. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), contributing to the smooth sweep of the seconds hand and the precision of the timekeeping. It incorporates 34 jewels to minimize friction on critical components.

The chronograph function, operated by the pushers flanking the crown, allows for the measurement of elapsed time up to 30 minutes, with a precision of 1/4th of a second, indicated by the central chronograph seconds hand. Crucially, the Breitling 01 movement is a COSC-certified chronometer. This certification from the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres means that each movement has undergone rigorous testing over 15 days in different positions and temperatures to ensure it meets strict accuracy standards (-4/+6 seconds per day). This certification is a hallmark of high-quality Swiss watchmaking.



Breitling offers purchasers a choice between two distinct strap options for each model, catering to different style preferences. The primary option is a racing-themed calfskin leather strap. For the Coppi model, the strap is turquoise, matching the subdials, while the Bartali model comes with a blue strap, coordinating with its dial. These leather straps feature perforations often seen on racing gloves and straps, enhancing the sporty aesthetic. They taper from 20mm at the lugs to 18mm at the buckle and fasten with a stainless steel folding clasp for security and convenience. The approximate total weight of the watch on the leather strap is 98 grams.

Alternatively, buyers can opt for a stainless-steel mesh bracelet, often referred to as a Milanese bracelet. This option provides a different feel and a more metallic look, potentially appealing to those who prefer bracelets over leather. Choosing the mesh bracelet slightly increases the price. The weight of the watch head itself (without strap or bracelet) is approximately 77 grams for the Bartali and 77.5 grams for the Coppi model, indicating the substantiality of the steel case and movement assembly.

The construction of these watches utilizes quality materials chosen for durability and visual appeal. The stainless steel case provides robustness and corrosion resistance. The sapphire crystal ensures lasting clarity of the dial. The calfskin leather straps offer comfort and style, while the optional mesh bracelet presents a different texture and aesthetic. The finishing on the case, dial elements, and the visible movement components through the caseback reflects Breitling's standards for luxury watchmaking, with attention paid to details like the engraved tributes and signatures.

The limited-edition nature of these watches is a significant aspect. With only 750 examples of the Fausto Coppi edition and 750 examples of the Gino Bartali edition being produced worldwide, they possess an inherent exclusivity. This limitation appeals to collectors and enthusiasts who value rarity and the connection to a specific theme or historical figure.

These Top Time models successfully encapsulate the spirit of Coppi and Bartali's legacy – the intense competition, the underlying respect, the vibrant era they defined, and their resilience. The carefully chosen colors, the personalized nicknames and signatures on the dial, and the robust, high-performance mechanics combine to create tributes that resonate with the stories they aim to tell. They serve as reminders of a golden age in cycling and the enduring power of sportsmanship.



The launch of the Top Time B01 Coppi and Bartali editions aligns with Breitling's contemporary brand strategy, which skillfully blends elements of its rich history with modern design sensibilities and technical innovation. The use of the in-house Caliber 01 movement, the modern-retro styling, and the focus on storytelling through partnerships and tributes are all characteristic of Breitling's current direction under Georges Kern.

Regarding availability and cost, both the Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi and the Top Time B01 Gino Bartali are priced at USD 7,700 when configured with the calfskin leather strap. Opting for the stainless steel mesh bracelet increases the price to USD 8,100 for either model. As limited editions, availability is restricted to the 750 pieces produced for each version. Interested buyers would typically find these watches through Breitling boutiques, the official Breitling website, and select authorized retail partners worldwide.

Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi

Case: Stainless steel, 41mm diameter, 13.3mm thickness, 50.36mm height (lug tip to lug tip), 20mm lug width. Screwed-in sapphire crystal caseback, fixed bezel, non screw-locked crown, 10 bars water resistance.

Movement: Breitling 01 (Manufacture), self-winding mechanical. Approx. 70 hrs power reserve, 28,800 v.p.h, 34 jewels. COSC-certified chronograph (1/4 second, 30 minutes).

Dial: White with turquoise subdials. Orange lightning-shaped chronograph seconds hand. Tachymeter scale with "Il Campionissimo". Fausto Coppi signature at 6 o'clock. Sapphire crystal.

Strap: Turquoise calfskin leather (20/18mm) with 18mm stainless steel folding clasp OR Stainless steel mesh bracelet.

Price: USD 7,700 (Strap), USD 8,100 (Bracelet).

Reference Number: AB01768A1A1X1

Notes: Limited edition of 750 pieces. Honors cyclist Fausto Coppi with nickname, signature, and bike-inspired colors. Engraved transparent caseback.



Top Time B01 Gino Bartali

Case: Stainless steel, 41mm diameter, 13.3mm thickness, 50.36mm height (lug tip to lug tip), 20mm lug width. Screwed-in sapphire crystal caseback, fixed bezel, non screw-locked crown, 10 bars water resistance.

Movement: Breitling 01 (Manufacture), self-winding mechanical. Approx. 70 hrs power reserve, 28,800 v.p.h, 34 jewels. COSC-certified chronograph (1/4 second, 30 minutes).

Dial: Blue with yellow accents. Tachymeter scale with "L'Intramontabile". Gino Bartali signature at 6 o'clock. Sapphire crystal.

Strap: Blue calfskin leather (20/18mm) with 18mm stainless steel folding clasp OR Stainless steel mesh bracelet.

Price: USD 7,700 (Strap), USD 8,100 (Bracelet).

Reference Number: AB01767A1C1X1

Notes: Limited edition of 750 pieces. Honors cyclist Gino Bartali with nickname, signature, and jersey-inspired colors. Engraved transparent caseback.