First Look Breitling Showcases Its Latest Movement in the Top Time B31 Editions

Breitling introduces three new editions to its renowned Top Time collection, featuring time-and-date-only displays, marking a departure from the collection’s traditional focus on modern chronographs. Originally launched in the 1960s, this sporty timepiece was a significant success for the brand.

As one of the first chronograph watches designed for both men and women, the Top Time now takes a new direction with an innovative design powered by an entirely new movement, the B31 caliber. This evolution reimagines the collection’s legacy, presenting a series that moves away from its chronograph roots while staying true to its unconventional spirit.

At the heart of this collection lies the new B31 caliber, reinforcing Breitling’s commitment to in-house movement development. The brand continues to expand its presence in the industry by acquiring prestigious names with strong horological heritage. This strategy began with Universal Genève, and just a week ago, Breitling acquired Gallet, adding yet another historic brand to its portfolio. Additionally, American actor Austin Butler has joined Breitling as a brand ambassador and the face of the new Top Time B31 edition.

The watch features a classic 38mm case crafted from polished stainless steel, striking a perfect balance between heritage and contemporary design, with a thickness of 10.3mm. It is protected by sapphire crystal on both sides, with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, while offering water resistance up to 100 meters.

The dial is available in three color variations: blue with a white inner ring, green with a black inner ring, and white with a sky-blue inner ring. 

Super-LumiNova coats the hour markers and hour and minute hands, while the seconds hand is finished in Orange. A date window at 3 o’clock features a white background with black numerals across all editions.

The new B31 caliber was developed over four years to ensure enhanced reliability, measuring 28mm x 4.8mm. It builds on the engineering excellence of Breitling’s B01 caliber, which debuted in 2009 as a chronograph movement. 

The B31 features a free-sprung balance wheel for improved precision, along with a bidirectional skeletonized oscillating weight that powers the automatic movement. These components are visible through the transparent case back, showcasing refined finishing touches such as Geneva stripes and perlage decorations.

This new automatic movement further strengthens Breitling’s strategy of developing in-house calibers. While the brand relies on a trusted network of suppliers for component manufacturing, the movement assembly takes place at Breitling’s workshops. As with all Breitling movements, the B31 is COSC-certified as a chronometer.

The caliber also undergoes rigorous testing equivalent to 16 years of use, including 100,000 crown rotations, 3,456,000 oscillations of the rotor, and 60,000 shocks of up to 500G, along with other extreme conditions to ensure its durability. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of up to 78 hours.

The watch is available with perforated leather straps featuring contrast stitching, inspired by the collection’s automotive racing heritage. The straps come in blue, green, and beige to complement the dial colors. Alternatively, a stainless steel bracelet with a distinctive three-link design and an asymmetrical center link, a signature Breitling touch, is also available.

Prices start at AED 21,700 for the leather strap edition and are AED 22,930 for the stainless steel bracelet editions.

For more information visit Breitling’s official website.