Key Points
- Breitling created three limited-edition chronographs inspired by the iconic Aston Martin DB5.
- Each watch features design elements reflecting the DB5’s dashboard, steering wheel, and upholstery.
- All models use Breitling’s Caliber 01 movement, reinforcing Aston Martin’s luxury brand prestige.
Aston Martin has become the fan-favorite luxury performance brand in recent years. We’ve seen Bugatti’s watch and Bentley‘s collaboration with Boodles to make bespoke bejeweled interiors; now it’s Aston’s turn. Created with Swiss watchmaker Breitling, the new Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 celebrates one of the most iconic grand tourers ever built.
As Aston Martin continues to steal the spotlight from rivals like Ferrari with halo models such as the V12-powered Vanquish, the company is proving its appeal extends far beyond the showroom.
Inspired By An Automotive Icon
Aston Martin
Aston Martin
Aston Martin
The new Top Time takes inspiration from the Aston Martin DB5, the legendary grand tourer that debuted in 1963 and became one of the world’s most recognizable movie cars. Breitling says the watch also pays tribute to the original Top Time chronograph, famously worn by Sean Connery in the 1965 James Bond film Thunderball alongside the DB5. Several design details draw directly from the classic Aston Martin’s cabin. A wooden inner ring echoes the DB5’s steering wheel, while the hand-finished gradient leather straps take inspiration from the car’s upholstery. Even the rounded square subdials mirror the look of the DB5’s dashboard instruments.
Three Limited Editions
Aston Martin
Aston Martin
Aston Martin
Breitling will offer the watch in three exclusive versions. The stainless steel model is limited to 1,022 examples, while the steel-and-platinum variant with its black lacquer dial is capped at 315 pieces. Sitting at the top of the lineup is an 18-karat red gold edition featuring a natural onyx dial, with production limited to just 250 individually numbered watches. According to Breitling, this marks the first time the company has incorporated onyx into one of its dials.
Craftsmanship Beneath The Surface
Aston Martin
Aston Martin
Aston Martin
Every version is powered by Breitling’s in-house Caliber 01 automatic chronograph movement. The COSC-certified mechanism features a column-wheel architecture, a vertical clutch, and a 70-hour power reserve. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, complete with a specially engraved Aston Martin rotor. Much like the DB5 that inspired it, the new Breitling has a timeless design and precision engineering, making it a fitting collectible for both watch enthusiasts and Aston Martin fans. This watch further reinforces Aston Martin’s growing status as the pinnacle luxury performance brand.
About the author
Marnus Moolman
News Editor, Autoblog