News 
The brand has unveiled two limited editions in tribute to two icons of cycling: Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali. Symbols of resilience and achievement, these athletes brought an entire nation together through their sporting rivalry and deep friendship.
Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali weren’t just champions – they personified sportsmanship. In the 1940s and 1950s, their legendary rivalry was matched only by their respect for each other, famously captured in a moment of shared endurance: passing a water bottle just before the final push. Both were Breitling ambassadors at a time when the brand was the official timekeeper for cycling’s greatest races. Competing fiercely yet united by their love of the sport, they dominated the European circuit, defined an era and inspired millions.
Today, Breitling honours their legacy with a pair of limited-edition Top Time watches that celebrate Coppi and Bartali’s lasting impact on sports and society. Featuring striking colours inspired by their bikes and jerseys, these timeless modern chronographs bring their story to life.
Launched in the 1960s, Top Time was a bold and unconventional collection of racing chronographs, designed to reflect that generation’s passion for speed. As the zeitgeist shifted, the collection resonated with men and women alike, celebrated for its dynamic proportions and graphic dials. Decades later, it still captures that spirit with two special editions celebrating legends of the cycling world:
- The Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi features turquoise subdials on a white dial, with an orange lightning-shaped seconds hand echoing the colours of Coppi’s bike,
- The Top Time B01 Gino Bartali comes in a blue dial with yellow accents, inspired by his memorable jersey.
Both 750-piece limited editions feature their nicknames on the tachymeter scale: “Il Campionissimo” (champion of champions) for Coppi and “L’Intramontabile” (the timeless one) for Bartali. Their signatures at 6 o’clock make the connection even more personal.
Each watch comes with the choice of a perforated calfskin strap or a stainless-steel mesh bracelet to complete the modern-retro look. The 41mm chronograph runs on the Manufacture’s Caliber 01, offering COSC-certified precision and an approximate 70-hour power reserve.
May 01, 2025