This Breitling Top Time Mustang review looks at a 41mm steel chronograph with a green dial, black squircle sub-dials, and a Mustang pony emblem at 12 o’clock. Inside is Breitling’s in-house B01 automatic movement. A brown leather strap finishes the look. Our pre-owned watch includes its box and papers, and the price is $4,845. See the Breitling Top Time Mustang at Precision Watches.
The Top Time is a 1960s idea. The Mustang edition brings it back with color and car-culture style. This review covers the history, the design, the movement, and who should buy it.
What Is the Breitling Top Time Mustang?
It is a retro chronograph inspired by the first-generation Ford Mustang, which Ford built from 1964 to 1974. The dial uses the car’s racing green and carries its pony emblem. Orange and yellow accents on the tachymeter add a hint of vintage dashboard color.
The Top Time name is older than the car tie-in. Breitling has paired the line with car brands before, and the Mustang edition is the latest example of that approach. It sits apart from the brand’s pilot watches and divers.
A Short History of the Top Time
Breitling began in 1884 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, with Léon Breitling. Our guide to Breitling history covers the full story. The Top Time arrived in the 1960s as an entry-level chronograph. Willy Breitling designed it to capture the spirit of the decade.
The Top Time also had a movie moment. In the 1965 film Thunderball, James Bond receives a Breitling Top Time fitted with a Geiger counter. That scene gave the name lasting recognition.
The modern Top Time updates the 1960s design with a modern movement. The Mustang edition adds the automotive theme on top.
Breitling Top Time Mustang Review: Design and First Impressions
The dial is the main attraction. The green is deep and rich, and the Mustang pony sits at 12 o’clock. Black squircle sub-dials contrast with the green. Their shape resembles old dashboard gauges. Baton numerals keep the layout easy to read.
The tachymeter scale carries orange and yellow accents. A tachymeter measures speed over a set distance, so it suits the car theme well. It also adds a spark of color around the dial.
The case is stainless steel and 41mm wide. The crystal is sapphire, and water resistance is 100m.
The strap is brown leather, which suits a car-inspired watch. Brown leather also ties in with the green dial, and it gives the watch a vintage driving feel.
On the Wrist
At 41mm, the Top Time wears with balance. It has enough presence for a chronograph. It is also compact enough for most wrists.
The green dial and brown strap also pair well with casual clothes. Denim, a leather jacket, and a plain white shirt all work.
The Movement: Breitling B01
Inside is the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, known as the B01. Breitling introduced this movement in 2009. It is an automatic chronograph with a column wheel, which gives the pushers a smooth, crisp feel. Our page lists it with 47 jewels, and the B01 is known for a power reserve of about 70 hours.
That makes the Top Time more than a style piece. A modern in-house chronograph movement is a real selling point. If you are new to the category, our chronograph watch buying guide explains how chronographs work.
The B01 also powers other Breitling chronographs. Our Breitling Avenger B01 review shows the same movement in a tougher, more tool-like case.
Specs at a Glance
- Brand: Breitling
- Collection: Top Time
- Model: B01 Ford Mustang
- Reference: AB0176
- Case: 41mm stainless steel
- Dial: Green, with a Mustang pony emblem at 12 o’clock and black squircle sub-dials
- Tachymeter accents: Orange and yellow
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Breitling B01, automatic chronograph, 47 jewels
- Power reserve: About 70 hours for the B01 movement
- Water resistance: 100m (330ft)
- Strap: Brown leather
- Condition: Pre-owned
- Box and papers: Yes, both included
Top Time vs Other Breitling Chronographs
Breitling makes several chronograph families. Each one has its own mood.
- Top Time: Retro, colorful, and car-inspired.
- Avenger: Rugged and built for hard use.
- Chronomat: Sporty and bold, with the brand’s classic rider tabs. See our look at the Breitling Chronomat for one version.
Some buyers also weigh Breitling against other major names. Our comparison of Breitling vs Omega breaks down how the two differ in style and focus.
Who Should Buy the Top Time Mustang?
This watch suits several buyers:
- Car fans who like the Mustang theme and the racing details.
- First chronograph buyers who want a serious in-house movement.
- Retro watch lovers who like 1960s style with a modern engine.
- Collectors who want a green dial that stands out.
It is not a dive watch or a dress watch. Treat it as a stylish daily chronograph.
Pre-Owned Breitling Top Time at Precision Watches
We have this Breitling Top Time pre-owned at Precision Watches. It comes with its box and papers. The price is $4,845. You can view the product page for photos and current details, and you can browse more pre-owned Breitling watches while you are there.
Do you own a Breitling already? You can sell your Breitling to us, or trade your watch toward another piece in our collection.
Breitling Top Time Mustang FAQs
What is the Breitling Top Time Mustang?
It is a 41mm steel chronograph with a green dial, inspired by the first-generation Ford Mustang. It carries the pony emblem at 12 o’clock.
What movement is in the Breitling Top Time Mustang?
It uses Breitling’s in-house B01, an automatic chronograph movement with a column wheel.
How big is the Breitling Top Time Mustang?
The case is 41mm wide in stainless steel.
Is the Breitling Top Time Mustang water resistant?
Yes, to 100m (330ft). That suits daily wear and splashes.
How much is the pre-owned Breitling Top Time Mustang?
Our pre-owned watch costs $4,845. It comes with its box and papers.
What strap does it come with?
It comes on a brown leather strap.
