The new Breitling Top Time B31: A Classic Rewired for the Now

The Spirit of the ’60s, Reimagined

When Breitling’s Top Time debuted back in the 1960s, it made a clear statement. It wasn’t built for stiff suits or glittering galas. It was meant for the winding road, the city buzz after dark, the spontaneous detour. This was a watch for those who leaned into life with style and a little edge. While many timepieces of that era played it safe with traditional designs, the Top Time stood out: graphic, daring, and unmistakably fresh. Breitling designed it with a younger crowd in mind, the kind more likely to be gripping the wheel of a sports car than a pen in a boardroom. It was never just about tracking hours, it was about what you did with them.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Breitling’s latest iteration, the Top Time B31, keeps that original spark alive. But this isn’t just a retro revival. It’s a meaningful step forward. At the heart of this new model is the brand’s first exclusive three-hand manufacture movement, the Caliber B31. It’s a serious evolution for a collection that has always been about style, movement, and momentum.

A New Movement with Intent

The B31 movement marks a fresh level of in-house watchmaking for Breitling. There’s no excess here, no flashy complications or unnecessary layers. Just a clean, time-only caliber that’s all about purpose. Flip the watch over and the view through the sapphire caseback is rewarding. The movement’s decorative touches, like perlage and Geneva stripes, nod to classic watchmaking, but the overall aesthetic stays clean and contemporary.

That focused simplicity mirrors the soul of the original Top Time. It’s all about getting the details right: shape, function, proportion, and letting those quiet strengths shine. In a world of overengineered gadgets, the B31 stands as a kind of mechanical mindfulness: minimal, tactile, and built to endure.

Heritage Meets the Moment

One of the most satisfying things about the Top Time B31 is how it balances past and present. The 38mm case nods to the dimensions of the original models, a time when watches were lean, functional, and designed to suit anyone, any day. Today, that size hits the sweet spot. Assertive but still wearable, refined without disappearing. The dial design channels vintage car dashboards, echoing the model’s automotive DNA. The layout is crisp, symmetrical, and playful with colour. You get three dial options, each with a distinct personality.

The racing green variant feels like a vintage British roadster on the wrist: elegant, but not too polished. The deep blue version is a versatile chameleon, stylish without being overly safe. Then there’s the two-tone white and sky-blue version, bringing a breezy, youthful vibe that still feels rooted in heritage.

Strap options round out the look. Go with the stainless-steel bracelet for a clean, modern touch, or opt for the perforated calfskin strap, a subtle wink to vintage racing gloves. The leather adds warmth and texture, while the bracelet leans sharper and sportier. Either way, it’s a watch that remembers where it came from but isn’t stuck there.

Evolving on Its Own Terms

The Top Time B31 doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. It’s for people who know what they like and don’t chase trends. It’s expressive, sure, but in a way that’s confident rather than flashy. The kind of piece that becomes second nature, yet still makes you glance twice just because it feels that good. Even as it tips its hat to the free-spirited energy of the ’60s, it’s a watch made for the now.

For a moment when people are looking for things with soul, objects that carry meaning, history, and design that lasts. This isn’t a watch about flexing status. It’s about self-expression. About the kind of thing that becomes part of your everyday rhythm, quietly defining your style. It also speaks to where Breitling’s headed, drawing from the past while investing in the future with moves that matter. The B31 movement isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a statement. And for collectors and newcomers alike, it resonates.

Discover the new Top Time at Watches of Switzerland

Breitling has always known how to mix utility with flair as exemplified by the new Top Time B31, proving they still have the formula. They didn’t reinvent the wheel here. They fine-tuned it, honouring the past without being stuck in it. For those who want more than just a watch, who want a story, a feeling, and a bit of soul wrapped around their wrist, the Top Time B31 delivers. Contact us or book an appointment with one of our experts to find out more about Breitling’s latest Top Time release.