Hands-on with the Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars Ford Thunderbird Watch

Breitling goes full throttle with an all-new addition to its Top Time Classic Cars series ahead of Watches & Wonders 2023 – the Top Time B01 Classic Cars Ford Thunderbird. The watch joins three re-released models, now all equipped with an in-house movement and configured to a 41mm diameter.

When Breitling released its Top Time Classic Cars series in 2021, it comprised three chronograph models, each one animated by brightly coloured dials that paid homage to iconic American cars of the 1950s and 1960s. The Chevrolet Corvette, Shelby Cobra and Ford Mustang delivered a retro vibe that would create a talking point whether paired with casual attire, a professional outfit, or something more sophisticated at night. Breitling made its collectors aware that although these models were part of the Capsule collection, these three classic chronographs would only be produced for one year. Little did we all know that it wouldn’t be quite so devastating if we couldn’t get our hands on these special models, because Breitling would release some slightly modified versions of these three watches a couple of years later, plus an additional model named the Ford Thunderbird, which we’re covering in more detail today. The new releases house the in-house Breitling Calibre 01 movement, capable of an improved power reserve compared to the ETA movement fitted to the 2021 models.

The evolution of the Breitling Top Time Classic Cars watch series

There’s no arguing that the Top Time Classic Cars watches of 2021 turned heads when they were first launched. In the same way, the new re-released models are just as eye-catching and come with a couple of differences. The new Ford Mustang watch features a deep green dial coupled with black-filled chronograph counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock and a tachymeter scale around the edge executed in vivid orange and yellow accents. The brightly coloured Shelby Cobra watch features a two-counter dial layout. The white-filled sub-dials offer a 30-minute counter and a small seconds function at 3 and 9 o’clock respectively, whilst the Cobra logo resides in between the two, balancing the dial alongside a silver tachymeter scale. This scale features bright red accents that match the central chronograph seconds hand. The former model was slightly smaller than its two siblings but now all Classic Cars watches by Breitling have been brought up to a 41mm diameter.

The new Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars Chevrolet Corvette watch presents the time on a deep red hue with black-filled chronograph sub-counters at 3 and 6 o’clock, fitted with a respective yellow and red hand, whilst the small seconds hand resumes its usual position at 9 o’clock. Yellow and red sections on the black tachymeter scale around the edge bring the entire design to life. These revamped models from 2021 now also feature an exhibition caseback, crafted from scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass. The glass has been adorned with the colours and emblems of the 1950s and 1960s sports cars, adding yet another subtle yet desirable feature to their designs. Whilst admiring this nice detail, you get to watch the movement working behind the glass as it performs to COSC standards, beating at a rate of 28, 800 vibrations per hour and delivering a 70-hour power reserve. Joining this already-popular trio is the Ford Thunderbird – an all-new mode that we’re going to look into in more detail now.

The new Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars Ford Thunderbird watch

The new Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars Ford Thunderbird watch is inspired by the original Ford Thunderbird - the sportier sibling of the Ford Motor Company’s automobile line. It was pursued by George Walker and Louis D. Crusoe as the “true Ford sports car” when it was released in 1954, making its first appearance at the first post-war auto show in Detroit. Carving its own way in the sports car sector, it offered an unusual two-seater design that was both fun and stylish to drive. With an Interceptor V-8 engine and a top speed of more than 100mph, the sports car managed to retain all its classic Ford characteristics and was christened its name by Alden Giberson, who impressed the team working on the car with the memorable name “Thunderbird”.

The new Breitling Top Time B09 Classic Cars Ford Thunderbird watch brings a new colour palette of white and red to the line-up. The clean chronograph face of the watch is classic enough to wear with all wardrobes but its choice of turquoise, red and orange accents for the sub-hands of the three-counter dial certainly sets it aside from the other models in the series. The tachymeter scale around the flange of the dial also features red and orange accents, whilst the turquoise Thunderbird logo at 12 o’clock completes the design perfectly. As with the other three models from the Top Time B01 Classic Cars collection, the Ford Thunderbird watch can be fitted on a perforated leather band or a stylish Ocean Classic bracelet in stainless steel.  In the case of the Ford Thunderbird, the leather band is a deep sporty red colour to match the accents across its white dial. Alternatively, the stainless steel 7-row mesh-style bracelet gives the instrument a more vintage-inspired feel, making it a great option to pair with dressier attire. The bracelet option secures to the underside of the wrist with a butterfly clasp engraved with the Breitling logo. The new Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars Ford Thunderbird watch is powered by the Calibre B01. The self-winding movement is not only manufactured in-house at the brand’s watchmaking facilities in Switzerland but is also COSC-certified and produces a power reserve of 70 hours once fully wound.

If you’d like more information on the new Ford Thunderbird iteration of the re-released Breitling Top Time B01 Classic Cars watch collection, or if you would like to explore the new line, you can visit the collection online here at Jura Watches, or call and speak to a member of our sales team on 01335 453453