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Fanny Zafraka-Themelidis
In 1965’s Thunderball, Sean Connery’s James Bond races away behind the wheel of a Silver Birch Aston Martin DB5. On his wrist is a Breitling Top Time ref. 2002, specially modified by the ingenious Q. It was the first time a James Bond watch had been transformed into a spy gadget, securing its place in both cinematic and watchmaking history. More than sixty years later, Breitling revisits that memorable partnership with a contemporary interpretation of the Top Time chronograph, inspired by the car that became an enduring icon of British motoring.
It is no coincidence that Breitling chose to honour the DB5, a model introduced in 1963. Widely regarded as the most iconic car in film history, the Aston Martin DB5 made its James Bond debut in Goldfinger (1964), when Q presented 007 with a Silver Birch DB5 equipped with an extraordinary arsenal of gadgets: an ejector seat, machine guns hidden behind the indicator lights, a retractable bulletproof rear shield, revolving number plates and a rear smoke screen. Its impact was so profound that the DB5 returned in seven more James Bond films—from Thunderball to No Time To Die—creating a cinematic partnership that has endured for more than six decades. No other automobile has become so closely associated with the world’s most famous secret agent.
The new Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 collection consists of three limited-edition chronographs that celebrate a story which began more than sixty years ago, when two British icons of speed and style shared the silver screen. Rather than simply adding the Aston Martin name to the dial, Breitling’s designers sought to capture the spirit of the DB5 itself.
The signature cushion-shaped case, mushroom pushers and distinctive “squircle” sub-dials—a shape somewhere between a square and a circle—pay homage to 1960s chronographs while subtly echoing the analogue instruments found on the Aston Martin dashboard. Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the wooden inner bezel ring, inspired by the DB5’s classic wooden steering wheel.
Equally evocative is the hand-finished gradient brown leather strap, designed to recall the luxurious leather upholstery of the car’s interior. The result is a contemporary chronograph infused with unmistakable vintage charm and subtle references to Aston Martin’s most celebrated grand tourer.
The Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 collection comprises three limited editions, each measuring 41 mm in diameter. The first is crafted in stainless steel with a silver sunray dial and black sub-dials. Limited to 1,022 pieces, it stays closest to the spirit of the original Top Time from the 1960s. Price: €10,500
The second combines a stainless-steel case with a platinum bezel and a black lacquered dial. Limited to 315 pieces, it adds an extra layer of refinement without compromising the watch’s sporting character. Price: €16,500
The third—and most luxurious—version is crafted in 18K red gold and features a dial made from natural black onyx, a material used by Breitling for the very first time. Its perfectly smooth, jet-black surface creates a striking contrast with the warmth of the gold case, giving the watch an elegant and highly sophisticated appearance. This edition is limited to 250 individually numbered pieces. Price: €40,500
Powering all three models is the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, the brand’s flagship automatic chronograph movement. It features a column wheel, vertical clutch, COSC chronometer certification and offers an impressive 70-hour power reserve. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback is a specially designed rotor engraved with the Aston Martin logo. Depending on the version, it is finished either in rhodium plating or crafted from red gold.
Breitling has introduced several noteworthy Top Time models in recent years, including the Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx , which we recently featured. Over time, the Top Time collection has evolved into Breitling’s most creative platform, and the three new Aston Martin editions are perhaps its most authentic expression yet. Rather than relying on a superficial branding exercise, they celebrate a genuine historical connection that began in 1965 and continues to captivate enthusiasts today. For lovers of fine watches, classic cars and cinema alike, the new Top Time B01 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 is an elegant reminder that true icons—like the Aston Martin DB5 and the Breitling Top Time—never lose their appeal.
The Aston Martin DB5 has appeared in eight James Bond films: Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Casino Royale (2006), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and No Time To Die (2021). No other Aston Martin has enjoyed such a long and enduring relationship with Agent 007.
