Stainless steel chronographs have become somewhat of a novelty in vintage watch collecting. Over the past 20 years, a desire to own one has come very far, from them being considered worthless to selling for over $500,000 if we use Rolex Daytona’s as an example. If we move away from the extremely in demand watches, the prices and desire for these watches have reach a slight plateau, but has been a safe harbour for many when holding value.

Breitling Top Time with Service booklet and international warranty

We recently came across this Breitling Top Time from 1965. It was manufactured in 1965 according to the serial number on the case back of the watch. Interestingly, it only was sold to its first owner in 1970 - we know this because the watch comes with the original papers. The sold stamp indicates its purchase on the 3 March, 1970 in Worcester, England. We can trace the history of the watch back two owners prior to us coming into ownership of it. It was owned in Belgium by a collector who has an extremely large collection of watches, specifically chronographs. He decided to clear our some of his collection in order to fund some travelling he wanted to do before his life got a lot busier. So like all collectors nowadays do, he took to the web to sell it. The watch ended up finding its way across the pond to New York where it was worn very sparingly for two years before we acquired it.

Being that Breitling was one of the biggest watch companies to remain independent before being acquired by CVC Capital Partners in 2017. Being that this watch was pre-acquisition, one could say that is a testimony to the true colours of Breitling. It is as classic as it gets when it comes to vintage stainless steel chronographs. This watch has the potential to be a shining example of Breitling many years down the road when Breitlings acquisition becomes a historical event in their history that we look back at - in a good way or bad.

The watch is in great condition - the ivory dial has some freckles of patina on it with full plump lume plots by the hour markers. Measuring 36mm in diameter, it sits beautifully on the wrist and is quite comfortable with the mesh strap. The lugs are very distinct, and look like bird claws protruding from the case. The crown has the distinct Breitling ‘B’ marked on it. The chronograph runs flawlessly, and the watch keeps great time.

Want to see the watch in our store? Click Here!