Breitling Top Time 815 Valjoux 7736

Breitling was founded in 1884 by engineer Leon Breitling, who ran a factory that manufactured chronographs and other measuring instruments for Swiss watchmakers.

When Leon died in the early 20th century, his son Gaston took over the factory and began manufacturing watch cases that could house even the movement of a watch as a chronograph unit.

This is said to have laid the foundation for the chronograph, and he later developed the Chronomat with a rotating slide rule and the Navitimer, a pilot's watch with an aviation slide rule, among many other masterpieces.

Top Time was first produced in 1964 by the third generation of Breitling's management, Willy Breitling.

It was marketed mainly to young people and was positioned as an entry-level model at a lower price than the flagship models Navitimer and Chronomat.

The Top Time Ref. 2002 was famously worn by 007's Sean Connery in the 1965 Bond film.

Seventeen Top Time models were produced over a period of about 10 years, but they were sadly discontinued in the late 1970s.

Note that a reissue of the watch was announced in 2020.

With its large 38mm stainless steel case and beautiful silver sunburst reverse panda dial, this model will be very accessible, especially to those who are new to vintage watches.

Note that the dials of Ref. 814 and Ref. 815 do not have the Top Time logo.

The movement is the famous Valjoux cal. 7736.

It has 17 jewels, 18,000 vibrations, and was manufactured between 1969 and 1978.

It is equipped with a 60-second counter, a 30-minute counter, and a 12-hour counter, and together with the small seconds, forms a three-eyes chronograph.

The movement is simple, yet highly valued for its durability.

The watch is heavy like a chronograph of 60's and 70's, and it looks massive when you wear it on your wrist.

It is very cool!

This model is a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a genuine vintage chronograph while inheriting Breitling's tradition.

Size

Case diameter 38mm

Condition

In basically good condition.

Currently being overhauled by a craftsman.

Estimated completion date (9/30)

We will upload a photo of the movement at that time.