Breitling Top Time 815 Chronograph (1976)

An outstanding example of one of history's finest chronographs. The Breitling Top Time was released in the early 1960s- a clean, simple chronograph in contrast to Breitling's famous line of functional pilot's watches. Breitling's focus on the economic power of the youth steered inspired an elegant, entry-level chronograph in the Top Time. This example, with a serial number dating to 1976, is powered by a manual winding movement. Its silver dial has aged to a creamy patina with two rich brown subdials, remaining in incredible condition.

This version of the Top Time is distinctive in its ambitious design of a gold-plated case with brown subdials, showing how watch brands breached the limits of design in the decade. Presented on a brown alligator embossed strap with a Breitling buckle, this example is a versatile and classic choice.

Its hugely popular counterpart, the Heuer Carrera, was released alongside and found similar success, proving one of Heuer's most iconic timepieces. The legend of the Carrera has since eclipsed that of the Top Time, causing the Top Time to remain largely overlooked and therefore undervalued. A similar Carrera, with a similar 'reverse panda' dial, would see prices as high as four times the price of the Top Time's. Therefore Breitling's Top Time is a perfect investment watch with huge potential demand as re-editions are announced to much fanfare. The 38mm case offers a larger, modern feel as opposed to the conservative 36mm of the Carrera.