Breitling Expands its Top Time B21 Classic Cars Collection
With three new chronographs, each inspired by a unique vintage classic.
Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling has announced an expansion of its Top Time Classic Cars Collection, expressed through three iterations of the Top Time B21 Classic Cars Chronograph Tourbillon, inspired by the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette and Shelby Cobra.
The new model, featuring the Breitling Caliber B21, marks a significant milestone for the brand, acting as the first instance of a tourbillon in the Top Time Collection — developed in collaboration with Manufacture La Joux-Perret.
“We are thrilled to introduce a tourbillon to the Top Time Classic Cars series. There is no better expression of Breitling’s expertise in making precision tool watches that combine functionality with sophistication and style. Like the cars it represents, the Top Time B21 Classic Cars Chronograph Tourbillon is all about its design and its engine,” shared Breitling CEO Georges Kern.
The design of the Top Time Collection, first introduced in the 1960s, was driven by the vision of third-generation founder Willy Breitling. He aimed to create a chronograph that merged style with functionality, different from the traditional tool watches of the era. The collection, known for its modern retro style, features distinctive mushroom chronograph pushers and an up/down dial design. The tourbillon carriage is prominently displayed at 12 o’clock, and the chronograph minute counter at 6 o’clock resembles vintage dashboard gauges.
Each iteration in the collection pays homage to a classic American car, with the Top Time B21 Ford Mustang showcasing a 43-mm bronze case and a green dial, reflecting the colors of the original Ford Mustang (1964-1974), the B21 Shelby Cobra featuring a 44-mm black ceramic case and a blue dial, a tribute to the legendary car created by Le Mans winner Carroll Shelby and last but not least the B21 Chevrolet Corvette, with its 44-mm black ceramic case and walnut burl dial, honoring the iconic 1960s “Sting Ray” Chevy Corvette.
Technical specifications shared across the board include the Breitling Caliber B21, which is a COSC-certified chronometer with a column-wheel-controlled design and a horizontal clutch. It boasts a power reserve of 55 hours and runs at 28,800 a/h (4 hertz). The tourbillon mechanism, a highlight of the watch, improves accuracy by countering the effects of gravity. Additionally, the Top Time B21 Classic Cars Chronograph Tourbillon is water-resistant up to 100 meters and comes with a 5-year warranty, underlining Breitling’s commitment to durability and performance.
All of the watches in the new collection are priced at $54,520 USD each and are available upon request via Breitling’s official site.
