Why This Watch Matters Can you name another 38mm chronograph with a 24-hour reverse panda dial? Breitling went all in for this Top Time, with amazing results. The Full Story Obviously, chronographs have always played a very important role in the company’s history, and this Top Time sums up Breitling’s strengths very well. It's important to remember that Breitling was one of first, if not the very first, to offer contrasting sub-registers on a black dial, as it emphasized the legibility of the chronograph complication. The 24-hour dial is certainly not a novelty for Breitling after a cosmonaut who was wearing the Navitimer suggested this configuration. With the large 38mm case, this Top Time reference 824 truly offers the very best Breitling's production in the 1960s. The Fine Print Maker: BreitlingModel: Top TimeReference: 824Year: circa 1969Case No: 1277105Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 38mm diameter; 12.5mm thicknessSapphire Crystal: NoLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Manual wound chronograph caliber Venus 178 Bracelet/Strap: Black leather racing strapLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Top Time is in excellent condition, with a perfect dial and a sharp case. The lugs are angular and the caseback still shows the serial number, two signs that the case was not polished before. The white handset is correct for the reference 824, as is the red seconds hand. The chronograph works properly, and the crown is signed. In short, this is a rare Top Time in top shape.
