Why This Watch Matters The Top Time was designed as a more fashion-oriented chronograph and this example is definitely a success on the wrist, featuring a rare Base 100 scale. The Full Story The Top Time was specifically described as a watch engineered to look as good as it was resilient. In that way, it marked an evolution from the pure tool chronographs that Breitling was previously known for, and allowed the brand to compete with the Carrera line from Heuer. However, the Top Time reference 2002 also offered an innovative monobloc case, which guaranteed a higher water resistance. And some 50 years later, this example has not lost any of its attributes, with a gorgeous sunburst silver dial and a sporty 35mm case. The Fine Print Maker: BreitlingModel: Top TimeReference: 2002Year: Mid-1960sCase No: NAMaterial: Stainless steelDimensions: 35mm diameter; 11mm thicknessSapphire Crystal: NoLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Manual-wound chronograph caliber Valjoux 7730Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Black Calfskin StrapLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know The silver dial has kept its gorgeous sunburst finish, although it shows a small scratch in its middle. It has also lost some of its lume plots, which happens often on this reference; however, the lume on the handset remains full and patinated. The monobloc case shows the expected scuffs throughout but not a single deep scratch, and the engravings on the caseback are still sharp. More importantly, this Top Time comes with the rare Base 100 scale on the periphery, which was only available through a special order to a retailer in the 1960s.
