To understand why this collaboration is much more than a flimsy brand deal, we need to hark back to the early 1960s. In 1963, alongside his tractor company, David Brown introduced the Aston Martin DB5, which quickly established itself as a pinnacle of British culture, engineering, and luxury. Just one year later, Breitling released the Top Time Ref. 2002. It was an unconventional chronograph explicitly created to appeal to a new, youthful, and speed-driven audience.
The paths of these two iconoclastic machines famously crossed on the silver screen in the 1965 film Thunderball. While Breitling might not be the first watch brand you think of with James Bond, the Top Time Ref. 2002 was actually the first watch in the 007 series to be modified by Q Branch. The watch shared the spotlight with the DB5, forging a link between the two brands that has endured for decades.
The new Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 collection embraces its own past while managing to incorporate tactile elements of the DB5’s luxurious interior.
- The Case: The watch features a 41mm cushion-shaped case with grooved corners, complemented by retro “mushroom” chronograph pushers.
- The Subdials: The bicompax layout utilizes “squircle” (squared circle) subdials, meticulously designed to capture the aesthetic of classic automotive dashboard gauges.
- The Rehaut: A distinctive wooden inner ring is inlaid into the tachymeter scale, drawing direct inspiration from the DB5’s iconic wooden steering wheel.
- The Strap: The watch is secured by a brown calfskin leather strap with beige lining, hand-colored to echo the depth, tone, and feel of fine automotive upholstery.
The Mechanical Engine: Caliber 01
In Thunderball, the Top Time Ref. 2002 was equipped with a built-in Geiger counter. Sadly, that is an omission in this reference, but we do get the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01: a self-winding mechanical movement operating at a frequency of 28,800 a/h (4 hertz) and featuring an approximate 70-hour power reserve.
The chronograph is operated using a column-wheel architecture and a vertical clutch, ensuring smooth operation of the 1/4-second chronograph function. As with all movements in Breitling’s current chronograph lineup, the Caliber 01 is a COSC-certified chronometer, ensuring strict precision and reliability.
Visible through an open sapphire-crystal caseback, the movement is finished with a dedicated rotor engraved with Aston Martin iconography. Depending on the model, this rotor is either rhodium-plated or crafted in 18k full gold.
Pricing and Availability
Breitling is offering this tribute in three distinct, limited-production variations to suit different levels of collecting. They are available now at select authorized Breitling retailers.
- Stainless Steel Edition (Ref. AB0178121G1X1): Limited to 1,022 pieces, featuring a sunray brushed silver dial. Retailing at £8,650.
- Steel & Platinum Edition (Ref. PB0178121B1X1): Limited to 315 pieces, featuring a platinum bezel and sunray brushed black lacquered dial. Retailing at £14,400.
- 18k Red Gold Edition (Ref. RB0178131B1X1): Limited to 250 pieces, featuring an 18k 5N red gold case and a natural black onyx dial. Retailing at £35,100.
