Breitling & Aston Martin Unveil Top Time DB5 Tribute
Introduced in 1963, the Aston Martin DB5 became one of the world's most iconic on-screen cars. It embodies British culture, design and innovation, and it cemented Aston Martin's place as one of Britain's most desirable luxury brands. Breitling and Aston Martin now bring that shared legacy to the wrist with the Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5, a new watch collection released in three distinct limited editions.
In the 1960s, Breitling created the Top Time as an unconventional chronograph for a new, youthful and speed-driven audience. Sean Connery wore a Top Time ref. 2002 alongside the Aston Martin DB5 in Thunderball (1965), and the pairing created a defining moment in design history. That watch became the first Q-modified timepiece to feature in the James Bond series, and it marked a chapter where speed and style spoke the same language.
This new collection reinterprets that moment through material and form. Wood-inlayed details, hand-coloured gradient leather straps and refined dial designs echo the interiors of the Aston Martin DB5. Together, they create a watch that captures the feel of sitting behind the wheel of Aston Martin's classic grand tourer.
"The Aston Martin DB5 is one of those rare designs that never fades. It still feels as relevant today as it did in the 1960s," says Georges Kern, CEO of House of Brands (Universal Genève, Breitling, and Gallet). "With this Top Time, we capture that sense of timeless style."
Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin, adds: "These editions represent something truly distinct from anything we've created before. The collaboration with Breitling brought together two brands with a shared appreciation for timeless design, craftsmanship, and innovation, allowing us to exchange ideas in a way that felt both natural and ambitious. Inspired by the enduring elegance of the Aston Martin DB5 and our shared heritage of iconic design, the watch captures a balance of beauty, precision, and performance. Every detail has been carefully considered to reflect the character and authenticity synonymous with both brands. The result is a watch that feels contemporary today, yet timeless for generations to come."
The Top Time Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 draws inspiration from the car's timeless elegance. It unites two design legacies: the tactile richness of Aston Martin's interiors and the modern-retro codes of the Top Time. The cushion-shaped case, grooved corners and mushroom pushers recall the distinctive profile of the 1960s chronograph, while the "squircle" subdials mirror the look of classic car dashboard gauges.
A wooden inner ring takes its cue from the DB5's steering wheel, and the hand-coloured gradient leather strap reflects the depth and tone of fine automotive upholstery. These details combine to create a watch shaped with genuine attention to craftsmanship.
"This chronograph blends form with true function," says Breitling's Head of Product Design, Pablo Widmer. "As with the Aston Martin DB5, its beauty lies in its lines, materials, and finishings."
Breitling offers the collection in three editions. The stainless steel version, with a silver dial, is limited to 1,022 pieces and offers a balanced take that sits closest in spirit to the original Top Time ref. 2002. The steel-and-platinum edition features a black lacquered dial, limited to 315 pieces. It introduces contrast and depth, with the platinum bezel adding weight and presence against the high-gloss black surface. The 18k red gold edition, limited to 250 individually numbered pieces, delivers an even more elevated expression: its dial is cut from natural onyx, marking Breitling's first use of the stone and revealing a unique depth and lustre. Across all three editions, the design details translate the Aston Martin DB5's interior craftsmanship into a contemporary chronograph.
At the heart of the watch sits the Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01, a COSC-certified chronograph movement built for precision and reliability. Its column-wheel architecture and vertical clutch ensure smooth, accurate operation, while a 70-hour power reserve supports extended wear. The open sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the movement, finished with a dedicated Aston Martin-engraved rotor in rhodium-plated or 18k red gold, depending on the version. Each edition pairs this performance with a design language rooted in one of the most recognisable cars ever made.
The Top Time Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 revisits a moment when two distinct approaches to design aligned: one shaped by performance and proportion, the other by precision and form. Together, they continue to stand as markers of style that stand the test of time.
