Here we have a seldom seen 1964 Breitling Top Time, reference 810 MK 1.1 first execution. This model was produced for just one year and is famous for its 38mm monocoque case design by EPSA. It features the original reverse panda dial variation dial with the black base tone and 3 dished sub-dials in silver. To the exterior is the Tachymetre scale and the hour markers have the original aged Tritium luminous applied. To the right of the case is the original Breitling signed crown, with the chronograph pushers to either side. The case back is solid, aiding water resistance. It is signed with the Breitling name, model specifics and the reference ‘810’. Inside the case is further signed with the Breitling name and the serial number. The movement is the Venus calibre 178 which is a manual wind, column wheel chronograph. It is marked as unadjusted and has the US import code ‘WOG’ which was associated with Wakmann, indicating that it was set for export to the US market. It is in good condition, keeping accurate time with the chronograph functioning well.
The Breitling Top Time was introduced in 1964, one year after the Heuer Carrera, and was produced until 1972. It represented a sportier side to Breitling’s offering, offering a cleaner approach than the more technical Navitimer and Chronomat.
The Top Time Mk 1.1 came with either a Panda, or reverse Panda dial variation. This example has the reverse panda dial which we think is particularly appealing. It has the black base tone with the three silver sub-dials. The exterior of the dial has the Tachymetre scale in white. The minute/second track is detailed and has the 1/5th second graduations. The hour markers are the baton style with the white base tone and applied Tritium luminous paint on top. Below 12 o’clock is the Breitling logo and signing. Above the sub dial at 6 o’clock is the ‘Top Time’ model name. The sub-dials are the silver tone with the dished design and the grained concentric circles. The sub-dial at 9 o’clock displays the constant seconds, with the 12-hour counter at 6 and the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. They have the correct sub-dial hands with the tapered design and black painted finish. The hands are of the correct design with the luminous in-fill. The central second is the correct tapered design. The hands should be white painted which is the only non-factory aspect.
The case is very well sized for a vintage watch, measuring 38mm wide, with a total width of 40.75mm with crown. It has a length of 38mm with a total lug-to-lug measurement of 45.5mm. The lug width is 21mm which is well sized for the case.
The case is formed of Stainless Steel and has the EPSA monocoque design with the solid back and front-loading method. It remains original and is an unpolished example. The case design is simple yet perfectly executed. The bezel has the thin notch around the crystal and the dished edge which meets the main section of the case. The lugs flow organically with the fine chamfers to the tips. The case sides are flat and to the right-hand side is the original Breitling logo crown. Either side are the original polished pushers for the chronograph.
The rear of the case is signed with the Breitling name and the reference ‘810’. It is also signed as ‘Waterproof, Shockprotected, Stainless Steel, Antimagnetic, Swiss’. It has a couple of dents, one by the bottom left lug and one towards the top right.
Inside, the case is signed ‘Breitling Watch Ltd, Swiss’ with the serial number which dates it to 1964.
The movement is the Venus calibre 178 which is a manually wound column wheel chronograph. It is marked with the Breitling name and is signed as ‘Unadjusted’ with the US import code ‘WOG’ which was registered with Wakmann. This indicates that the watch was to be sold in the US market.
The service history is unknown, but is keeping accurate time to within under 10 seconds variation a day and has an amplitude of 290 degrees, with a beat error of 1.6 m/s. The chronograph functions well.
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in good vintage condition. It has some light ageing to the sub-dials, but is a good even tone, with clear signing. The hour markers have the aged Tritium luminous.
Hands:
The hands are all the correct design and are in strong condition with the silver tone. The hour and minute hands have the original luminous in-fill. The hour, minute and chronograph should have the white painted finish.
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is a replacement which is in very good condition.
Crown and pusher:
The crown is original and is in good condition with the defined ‘B’ logo. The pushers are original and are in good condition, functioning well.
Case:
The case is in original, unpolished condition. It has light scratching associated with age and wear.
Caseback:
The case back signing is clear. There are a couple of small dents with close ups included in the images.
Strap:
The watch is presented on a quality leather strap (non-Breitling) with a stainless-steel buckle. It will fit any wrist size.
Movement:
The movement is the Venus calibre 178 which is a manually wound column wheel chronograph. The service history is unknown, but is keeping accurate time to within under 10 seconds variation a day and has an amplitude of 290 degrees, with a beat error of 1.6 m/s. The chronograph functions well.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 38mm
Case width with crown: 40.75mm
Case length: 38mm
Case length lug to lug: 45.5mm
Case Depth: 13.4mm
Lug width: 21mm