Why This Watch Matters The rare decimeter scale and great proportions of this Top Time make it a great everyday chronograph. The Full Story The Top Time family was launched in the 1960s to attract a new youthful market, hence the catchy name and fashionable look. It was offered in a variety of case sizes, materials, and dials to create choices for everyone. The three-register reference 810 is notable for its large 38mm diameter in a time where most competing chronographs from Heuer and Rolex remained in the 35 - 36mm area. The Top Time was an instant success, and a quick look at the present example explains why. The Fine Print Maker: Breitling Model: Top TimeReference: 810Year: Circa 1966Case No: 1068786Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 38mm diameter; 15mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: TritiumCaliber: Manual-winding chronograph movement Venus 178Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Black Leather Racing StrapLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Breitling Top Time comes with 2 rare features – a blue decimeter scale around its dial, and the Portuguese import mark on its upper left lug. The silver dial has been preserved well; it does not exhibit any noticeable imperfections, except for a few missing lume plots. The handset is in good condition (note a bit of paint loss on the seconds hand), note that it belongs to the Mk2 configuration while the case and dial are Mk1 parts so the hands might be later than the watch. The 38mm case of the reference 810 wears nicely, and the crown is properly signed. Lastly, the Venus 178 movement works well with the chronograph operating smoothly.
