Since 1884, Breitling has been forging its own path in the realm of watchmaking with robust pilot’s watches, trusty divers, and plenty of boundary-pushing ideas along the way. With over 290 boutiques spanning the globe, this is a brand that knows how to balance its storied past with a fresh, forward-thinking attitude, making it a serious contender for anyone looking to elevate their wrist game.
Over time, the brand has shifted gears to become a modern, inclusive, and sustainability-focused luxury name while holding onto its unmistakable heritage. Today, Breitling showcases that reputation in a bold new way, welcoming actor Austin Butler as its latest ambassador and the face of the new ‘Top Time B31’ collection.
Butler, known for roles that demand bold character work and serious dedication, fits right in with Breitling’s can-do spirit. His debut in the latest ‘Top Time B31’ campaign marks a fresh chapter for both the brand and its new star recruit.
When Butler talks about his partnership with Breitling, he makes it clear this isn’t just another celebrity endorsement. “Breitling, for me, is about adventure and pushing the limits of what’s possible,” he says. “The Top Time speaks to the way I’ve always wanted to live my life: free and ready to rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a thrill to be part of the squad.” It’s that sense of jumping into the unknown that lines up perfectly with Breitling’s approach to watchmaking and living life on your ownterms.
Breitling CEO Georges Kern recalls seeing that same drive on the set, “I spent time with Austin on the campaign and was blown away by his dedication and attention to detail. He cares about getting everything just right—something we relate to at Breitling.”
Although it borrows its name from a 1960s favorite, the ‘Top Time B31’ isn’t just a retro re-issue. Back then, the original Top Time was a bold, playful chronograph that popped up on the wrists of motorsport racers, movie stars, and even secret agents (James Bond wore one in Thunderball). Today’s ‘Top Time B31’ stays true to that offbeat attitude, but comes as a time-only watch—no stopwatch, just pure timekeeping.
Its 38 mm case is perfectly sized for everyday wear. The dial comes in three crisp color options: white on blue, black on green, or sky blue on white. An orange seconds hand injects a punch of contrast, and you’ll spot a magnified date window with easy-to-read clarity. Instead of a tachymeter ring, there’s a rehaut that highlights the minutes and seconds, paying subtle tribute to the chronograph heritage.
Beyond its design, the watch is deliberately slim, with tapered lugs and a two-tiered crystal that hugs the wrist. You can pair it with a perforated leather strap (a nod to its racing roots) or a three-row stainless-steel bracelet featuring Breitling’s signature asymmetric center link. Throw it on your wrist for a day on the move, and you’ll notice the kind of comfort that makes it hard to take off.
Inside the new Breitling ‘Top Time B31’ is something the brand is immensely proud of: the Caliber B31. Four years in the making, it’s Breitling’s first in-house three-hand movement. The skeletonized bidirectional oscillating weight and free-sprung balance wheel improve precision and reliability while offering a 78-hour power reserve that means you can set it down all weekend and pick it up Monday without missing a beat.
Look through the open caseback and you’ll see the movement’s finishing touches, like Geneva stripes and perlage. The Caliber B31 is also COSC-certified (which ensures top-notch accuracy) and tested to the extreme, simulating more than a decade of daily wear and tear. Plus, there’s a five-year warranty to back it all up.
Breitling has been moving toward producing all its movements in-house, and the B31 is a big step along that path. By taking tighter control of its manufacturing, the brand keeps an eye on quality and reliability.
The company is on a mission to be more sustainable and transparent, from responsibly sourced materials to better packaging and traceability efforts. And that’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking spirit that brings us back to Austin Butler. As he steps up as an ambassador, he represents a new era of ambition and boundary-pushing for Breitling in a nod to where the brand has been and, more importantly, where it’s headed.
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