Breitling releases Top Time limited edition Aston Martin DB5 tribute watches

Breitling has introduced the Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5, a new collection of three limited-edition watches celebrating one of the most iconic cars in cinema history.

First introduced in 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 became synonymous with British design, innovation, and luxury. It also earned its place in film history through its appearances in the James Bond series.

The new Top Time models also reference another Bond connection. In Thunderball (1965), Sean Connery wore a Breitling Top Time ref. 2002 and also drove an Aston Martin DB5 in the same film. The watch became the first Q-modified timepiece in the Bond series, featuring an oversized Geiger counter created by Q Branch.

According to Breitling, the new collection reinterprets that shared heritage through materials and design inspired by the DB5. Details include a wooden inner ring reminiscent of the car's steering wheel, hand-colored gradient leather straps designed to echo the look of classic automotive upholstery, and dial elements influenced by the DB5's dashboard instruments.

The watches feature a cushion-shaped case with grooved corners and mushroom pushers, reflecting the design of the original 1960s Top Time chronographs. The distinctive "squircle" subdials further reinforce the vintage automotive inspiration.

The Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 is available in three distinct limited editions.
 

Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 - Steel

41mm, stainless steel, sunray brushed silver dial, brown leather strap, £8,650

Limited to 1,022 pieces, the stainless-steel edition pairs a silver-toned dial with a wooden inner bezel and hand-colored gradient leather strap, drawing from the DB5’s handcrafted interior and its most recognizable silver exterior finish.

Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 - Steel / Black Dial

41mm, stainless steel, sunray brushed black lacquered dial, brown leather strap, £14,400

Limited to 315 pieces, this tribute is framed by a platinum bezel and set with a deep black lacquered dial. Around it, a wood-inlaid inner bezel nods to the DB5’s steering wheel, carrying the car’s attention to craft and finishing onto the wrist. 

Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 - Rose Gold

41mm, 18ct rose gold, onyx dial, brown leather strap, £35,100

Individually numbered and limited to 250 pieces, this variant pairs an 18k red-gold case with an onyx dial, a natural stone chosen to match the depth and luster of a DB5 dash. A wooden inner bezel adds a warm material note, while the cushion-shaped case and subdials take their cues from its instrument panel. 

Inside, Breitling’s Caliber 01 reveals itself through the open caseback, wound by a rotor engraved with the Aston Martin logo: steel for the steel edition, 18k red gold for the steel-and-platinum and gold editions.

A COSC-certified chronometer with a weekend-proof 70-hour power reserve.

"The Aston Martin DB5 is one of those rare designs that never fades. It still feels as relevant today as it did in the 1960s," said Georges Kern, CEO of House of Brands (Universal Genève, Breitling, and Gallet). "With this Top Time, we capture that sense of timeless style."

Georges Kern, CEO of House of Brands (Universal Genève, Breitling, and Gallet) with a DB5

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin, described the collaboration as bringing together two brands with a shared appreciation for timeless design, craftsmanship, and innovation. He said the watch reflects the character and authenticity associated with both Breitling and Aston Martin while remaining contemporary and timeless.

Breitling Head of Product Design Pablo Widmer added: "This chronograph blends form with true function. As with the Aston Martin DB5, its beauty lies in its lines, materials, and finishings."

The Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 is now available at Breitling and boutiques worldwide.