Breitling Celebrates the Aston Martin DB5 With Three Top Time Editions

A Shared Legacy of Speed and Style

Breitling and Aston Martin continue their renewed partnership with a chronograph inspired by one of the most recognizable automobiles ever built. The new Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 pays homage to the legendary British grand tourer that became a cultural icon after appearing alongside Sean Connery in the 1965 James Bond film Thunderball.

In the movie, Bond wore the Breitling Top Time ref. 2002, linking two celebrated designs of the 1960s. The new collection translates that connection into three limited editions that draw inspiration from the craftsmanship and materials found inside the DB5, blending automotive heritage with Breitling’s modern-retro design language and a refined cushion-shaped case.

The three new editions include:

• A stainless steel edition with a silver sunray-brushed dial, limited to 1,022 pieces.
• A stainless steel version with a platinum bezel and glossy black lacquer dial, limited to 315 pieces.
• And an 18-karat red-gold edition limited to 250 individually numbered pieces, featuring Breitling's first dial crafted from natural black onyx.

Wooden Flange Inspired by the DB5 Interior

Rather than relying solely on visual cues, Breitling incorporates genuine wood into the watch. A wooden rehaut recalls the DB5’s handcrafted steering wheel, while the hand-colored brown calfskin strap mirrors the rich tones and character of the car’s leather upholstery. Together, these details create an unmistakably automotive feel without sacrificing the Top Time’s sporty character.

A Vintage-Inspired Case With Modern Mechanics

The stainless-steel or gold case features a cushion-shaped profile, marking Breitling’s return to this distinctive case style after many years. Measuring 41mm by 13.8mm thick, the watches offer 100 meters of water resistance and come fitted with brown calfskin straps secured by folding clasps. Grooved corners, mushroom pushers, and the characteristic two “squircle” subdials further reinforce the vintage aesthetic while evoking the dashboard instruments of the Aston Martin DB5. The steel model pairs a silver dial with contrasting black “squircle” counters, while the second version combines a black dial with a highly polished platinum bezel. The top-of-the-line 18-karat red-gold version features a black onyx dial framed by gold details throughout.

Powering all three models is the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. The automatic chronograph movement features a column wheel and vertical clutch, beats at 4 Hz, and provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve. The sapphire crystal caseback reveals a specially engraved Aston Martin rotor, finished in rhodium or 18-karat red gold depending on the version.

The Breitling Top Time B01 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 is priced at $11,400 in stainless steel and limited to 1,022 pieces. The steel version with a platinum bezel is limited to 315 pieces and priced at $18,600, while the 18-karat red-gold model with a natural onyx dial is limited to 250 individually numbered pieces and priced at $41,500.