Simply say the name “Aston Martin” and the image that likely pops into your mind is the timelessly classy DB5. First introduced in 1963, the DB5 is synonymous with British culture, design, and innovation, along with the James Bond film franchise, it’s the car that established Aston Martin as one of Blighty’s premiere luxury marques.
To honour the DB5’s legacy, Aston Martin has teamed up with leading Swiss watchmaker Breitling to create not one, but three limited edition versions of the Top Time – an unconventional chronograph that also hails from the early ’60s and has a clear link to the DB5 and Bond lore.
In 1965’s Thunderball, a Top Time reference 2002 appeared on Sean Connery’s wrist while he drove the DB5. It was also the first watch in the James Bond series to have been modified by Q.
Dubbed the Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 – yes, it’s a mouthful – this limited-run Breitling features a number of classy touches across its three finishes that honour the iconic car and Bond watch alike.
“This chronograph blends form with true function,” explains Pablo Widmer, head of product design at Breitling.
“As with the Aston Martin DB5, its beauty lies in its lines, materials, and finishings.”
Inspired by the car’s timeless elegance, every detail of the Top Time Tribute to DB5 brings together the tactile richness of Aston Martin interiors and the modern-retro codes of the Top Time.
Its cushion-shaped case, grooved corners, and ‘mushroom’ pushers recall the distinctive profile of the 1960s chronograph, while the ‘squircle’ subdials capture the look of the gauges on a classic car’s dashboard.
Meanwhile, the wooden inner ring draws on the DB5’s steering wheel, while the hand-coloured gradient leather strap reflects the depth and tone of top-tier automotive upholstery.
The three limited edition variants on offer in the Top Time Tribute collection include:
- Stainless steel with a silver dial: Limited to 1022 pieces, offers a balanced take that’s closest in spirit to the original Top Time reference 2002. Priced at A$15,990.
- Steel and platinum with a black lacquered dial: Limited to 315 pieces, introduces contrast and depth, with the platinum bezel adding weight and presence against the high-gloss black surface. Priced at A$24,990.
- 18 karat red gold with onyx dial: Limited to 250 individually numbered pieces, bringing an even more elevated expression. The dial is cut from natural onyx, the first use of the stone by Breitling, revealing a unique depth and lustre. Priced at A$62,990.
Under the hood, so to speak, the Top Time Tribute is powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, a COSC-certified automatic chronograph movement designed for precision and reliability which features a 70-hour power reserve.
Visible through an open sapphire crystal caseback, the movement features a dedicated rotor with Aston Martin engraving, with either rhodium-plated or 18 karat red god finishing depending on the version.
“The Aston Martin DB5 is one of those rare designs that never fades,” adds Georges Kern, CEO of House of Brands which manages Breitling, Universal Genève, and Gallet.
“It still feels as relevant today as it did in the 1960s. With this Top Time, we capture that sense of timeless style.”
