Breitling Launches A Top Time Trio Paying Tribute To The Aston Martin DB5 – Fratello Watches

Breitling has announced a series of limited-edition Top Time B01 Chronograph models celebrating the Aston Martin DB5. These three motoring-inspired chronographs feature a cushion-shaped case with subtle Art Deco grooves in each corner. Combined with pump pushers, the design delivers a distinct 1960s character, making the connection to Aston Martin’s legendary British grand tourer feel entirely appropriate.

The collection consists of three variants — an all-steel model, a steel version with a platinum bezel, and a higher-end edition in full 18K red gold. The steel model pairs a silver dial with contrasting black “squircle” sub-dials, while the second combines a black dial with a high-polished platinum bezel. The top-of-the-line 18k red gold version features a black onyx dial framed by gold details throughout. Across all three models, a wooden rehaut references the steering wheel of the classic DB5.

Since Breitling assumed control of the Aston Martin partnership earlier this year, we’ve only seen one collaborative watch. That was the titanium Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Formula One Team. Limited to 1,959 pieces, it has already sold out and now commands a premium on the secondary market. Our own Lex questioned whether 1,959 pieces truly constituted a meaningful limitation, but market demand appears to have answered that. Given the success of that release, it’s no surprise Breitling has returned with another Aston Martin collaboration. This time, the focus shifts from Formula One to the brand’s far more celebrated road cars, specifically the iconic DB5.

Breitling and Aston Martin

There’s no escaping the fact that Aston Martin’s 2026 Formula One campaign has been a disappointment so far. The AMR26, driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, has spent most of the season near the back of the field. The team’s lone point came during the controversial Monaco Grand Prix, where a series of pit-lane speeding penalties later came under scrutiny due to calibration issues with the detection system. Whether that ultimately altered the outcome is debatable, but the result did little to mask Aston Martin’s struggles. Shifting attention to the company’s rich road-car heritage may be the safer bet until the Formula One program finds some momentum.

This partnership also isn’t Breitling’s first venture into motorsport. The brand enjoyed a lengthy partnership with Bentley, even appearing prominently on the winning Bentley Speed 8’s livery at Le Mans in 2003. The Aston Martin relationship extends further, encompassing both the road-car division and the Formula One team. Looking back to the 1963 DB5 feels like an obvious place to begin. A silver birch DB5 became famous as James Bond’s gadget-filled car in Goldfinger (1964) and Thunderball (1965). The latter is especially relevant to Breitling, which also enjoyed notable screen time in the Sean Connery classic.

Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5

In Thunderball, James Bond wears a modified Breitling Top Time fitted with a Geiger counter by Q Branch. It became the first true gadget watch in the Bond franchise rather than simply serving as a personal timepiece. In the same film, SPECTRE operative Angelo Palazzi wears a Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 after assuming the identity of a murdered pilot. Officially, Breitling makes no connection between these new watches and the Bond films. Even so, it’s difficult not to think about Thunderball when both the DB5 and the Breitling Top Time share such memorable screen time.

The new models use a 41mm cushion-shaped case with a 13.8mm profile. Due to both the increased dimensions and broader metal surfaces, they will inevitably wear larger than last year’s 38mm limited editions. The pump pushers add further visual presence. Despite that, the watches remain comfortably wearable, even if they lack the compact charm of the original 36mm Top Time ref. 2002 models from the 1960s.

The dial layout looks refreshingly clean. Twin chronograph counters sit symmetrically at 6 and 9 o’clock, while the absence of a date window preserves balance. The squircle-shaped sub-dials mirror the form of the case itself. Both steel models adopt a restrained aesthetic with sunray silver or black dials and concentric-grooved black counters. The platinum-bezel version introduces additional shine but stops short of feeling flashy. Equally pleasing is the absence of bright accent colors, which helps preserve the understated elegance associated with the DB5. Baton hands and indexes complete the package, with discreet Super-LumiNova inserts providing low-light visibility.

Old and gold

The tachymeter rehaut with a wooden inlay is where my enthusiasm begins to cool. This wooden rehaut feels like an unnecessary flourish. Printing “Aston Martin DB5” around the tachymeter already makes the connection clear. Adding a wood-effect insert pushes things a little too far and distracts from an otherwise excellent dial design. I would’ve preferred a simple contrasting rehaut similar to last year’s Martini Racing limited edition.

The gold model handles the concept more successfully, though. The warm tones of the wood naturally blend with the fixed gold bezel and surrounding details. Applied gold indexes, gold hands, and gold-framed sub-dials complement the black onyx dial, which marks the first time Breitling has used this natural stone. Limited to 250 pieces, the watch feels appropriately decadent. In many ways, it reflects what the DB5 represents today — an expensive, highly collectible luxury item. The steel models, by contrast, better capture the grand-touring spirit the DB5 embodied when it debuted in the early 1960s.

All three watches use Breitling’s COSC-certified B01 automatic caliber. The movement operates at 4 Hz and delivers a 70-hour power reserve. Through the case back’s sapphire display, owners can view a specially engraved rotor. The silver-dial steel model receives a rhodium-plated rotor, while the platinum-bezel and full-gold versions feature 18K red gold rotors engraved with Aston Martin’s winged logo.

The all-steel model is limited to 1,022 pieces, while production drops to 315 examples for the platinum-bezel variant and 250 pieces for the gold edition. Interestingly, only the highest-end model features individual numbering on the case back. An example might read “001/250.” The other two follow Breitling’s usual approach, stating only “One of 315” or “One of 1022.”

Final specs, thoughts, and pricing

Each model arrives on a hand-colored gradient calfskin strap with a beige lining that evokes classic luxury-car upholstery. The all-steel and steel/platinum versions feature steel folding clasps, while the red gold edition receives a matching gold buckle. Water resistance stands at 100 meters despite the non-screw-down crown. Realistically, though, these feel more at home behind the wheel than in the water.

Of the three, I’d choose the silver-dial steel model without hesitation. I’d also swap the supplied strap for a black perforated racing strap to lean further into the automotive theme. My biggest wish, however, would be for a future version without the wooden rehaut. Better still, I’d love to see Breitling revisit last year’s more compact 38mm dimensions.

Pricing starts at €10,500 / US$11,400 / £8,650 for the silver-dial steel model, rises to €16,500 / US$18,600 / £14,400 for the platinum-bezel edition, and reaches €40,500 / US$41,500 / £35,100 for the 250-piece gold model with black onyx dial. Which would you choose? Let us know in the comments, and head to Breitling’s website for more information.

Watch specifications