Breitling has been in the news a bit recently, leaning more and more on its vintage history in new offerings that have been met with some well-deserved fanfare. Breitling has a lot of history to draw on for modern watches, and we here on the vintage team have been making an effort to track down some solid vintage examples to offer.
Breitling introduced the Top Time in 1964 as an entry-level chronograph, intended to help the brand reach a new buyer demographic. Compared to the classic Navitimer and Chronomat models, the Top Time offered a young and fresh take on the classic chronograph design. In 1965's James Bond "Thunderball," a Breitling Top Time ref. 2002 is the first watch modified by Q. The geiger counter-equipped Top Time is worn by Sean Connery as 007 on a mission to find two NATO atomic bombs that had been stolen by the criminal organization Spectre.
The ref. 2002-33 Top Time we have today features a striking panda dial motif with a nice pop of orange on the central chronograph seconds hand. This example is part of a transitional run of the model. The case appears to be from the late 1960s and the watch was likely assembled around 1972. At 36mm the stainless steel case is a bit larger than standard for the time and wears extremely comfortable today. One of the best features of this Top Time is the thickness, or thinness for that matter. Compared to their modern counterparts, vintage chronographs like this one have a completely different feel on the wrist and present much more subtly. The look is unique and even from across the room present as an interesting vintage watch; there is no mistaking this for a re-edition.
We paired this Top Time with our Bedford strap in light grey to play off the white and black tones of the dial and add some slight dusty texture to the look.
Information:
Reference: 2002-33
Serial: 1261XXX
Circa: 1967
Dial: Tritium - Panda Dial
Hands: Tritium - Lume is in intact aging the same as the dial into a yellow beige.
Bracelet: Tan Hodinkee Strap
Case Size: 36mm x 12.5mm Thickness
Lug Width: 19mm
Case: Stainless Steel
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph
Accessories: None - Watch Only
Crystal: Plexiglass
Bracelet size: 7.5”
Caliber: Breitling signed Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 7733 - Running (-5 s/d 297 amp).
Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition
The case has light wear, especially from being from the 60's. Dial and hands are in great shape with lume intact. The crystal is in great shape as well. Watch is running strong at (-5 s/d 297 amp).
History of Breitling
Breitling, founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Switzerland, has a rich history of innovation in watchmaking. The company quickly established itself as a leader in precision timers and chronographs, introducing significant advancements such as the first wrist-worn chronograph with an independent pusher in 1915. Under the leadership of three generations of the Breitling family, the brand became renowned for its aviation timepieces, launching the iconic Navitimer in 1952. Despite challenges from quartz technology in the 1970s, Breitling adapted and continued to innovate, introducing models like the Chronomat and Aerospace that combined traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
In recent years, Breitling has undergone a strategic repositioning under new ownership and leadership. While honoring its heritage, the brand has embraced modern design, sustainability, and digital innovation. Breitling has restructured its product portfolio around Air, Land, and Sea categories, reintroduced classic collections, and launched eco-friendly initiatives. The company has also ventured into digital realms with blockchain-based watch passports and a subscription service. These efforts have positioned Breitling as a forward-thinking brand that balances its storied past with contemporary consumer needs and values.
