Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph Shelby Cobra

When Breitling launched the Top Time in the early 1960s, it was meant to be a simpler, more affordable alternative to the brand's higher-end pilot's watch offerings. Aimed at consumers 25 and other, it featured clean lines, an oversized 38mm case in steel or gold, and dials in a kaleidoscopic range of colors, including funky “radio” patterns ideal for the fashion-forward young man (or woman).

The modern Top Time is no different. With its uncluttered dial designs and workhorse movement, it's an ideal entry into the Breitling catalog, which features such famous models as the Chronomat and the Navitimer. For those looking for a simpler chronograph devoid of the Navitimer's multiple timing scales, the Top Time is just the ticket. 

This particular Top Time, a Reference AB017623 celebrates the famous Shelby Cobra. Housed in a 41mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, dual pump pushers, and a signed crown, it features a handsome blue sunray dial with the Cobra logo situated at six; an outer multi-color tachymeter scale; a dual-register chronograph with white "squircle" registers; and luminous 'dash' indices. With its bright red accents against a blue and white background, it's a beautiful study in chronograph design, and a cool tribute to one of America's most famous muscle cars. 

Powered by Breitling's B01 automatic chronograph movement and fitted to a brown calfskin leather rallye-style strap with a steel folding buckle, the Breitling Top Time Shelby Cobra is the ideal driving watch — though it should do just fine outside a powerful vehicle, as well! 

Breitling, one of the most illustrious names in the annals of the “tool watch,” was founded by Léon Breitling in 1892. And though the firm is no longer operated by its namesake family, it still produces some of the world’s best pilot’s watches, many of which now feature in-house movements.

The company first started manufacturing wrist chronographs as early as the 1930s. In 1936 they became an official supplier to military forces of the United Kingdom and Canada. While perhaps best known for the Navitimer and Chronomat lines — which were used heavily by pilots of many nations — Breitling also produced scores of other chronograph models that merit consideration, such as the more affordable Top Time and Premier. Dive watches, such as the Super Ocean, are also part of the company’s offerings.

The late 1970s was a turbulent time for the Swiss watch industry, and many storied houses were swept away by the Quartz Crisis. By 1978, Breitling was in trouble due to the illness of its leader, Willy Breitling, and the steep decline in sales that had cut through the entire industry. Unable to keep operations going, the company was liquidated, and parts, toolings and naming rights were sold off.
Between 1979 and 2017, Breitling continued under the ownership of the Schneider family. In 2017 an 80% stake in the firm was sold to a British private equity firm, with the remaining 20% sold in 2018. In 2019, the company released the caliber B01, an in-house, automatic chronograph movement that’s since found its way into the Chronomat and Navitimer collections, bringing the tale of this famed manufacturer full circle.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.