Breitling's new watch nods to James Bond's most underrated timepiece

In horological circles, the world’s most famous fictional spy is well known for his association with two top-tier manufacturers like Rolex and Omega. However, deep Fleming fans will be well aware that Agent 007 strapped on more than just Submariners and Seamasters since his debut on the page in 1953’s Casino Royale.

One of the best pieces Bond wears is In the 1965 film adaptation of Thunderball when Q meets 007 in the Bahamas with a Geiger-counter-equipped watch. The model in question? A dual-register Breitling Top Time chronograph ref. 2002 housed in a unique waterproof case. Launched only a year before the film hit theaters, the Top Time collection—with its good looks and no-frills design—was the brand’s way of attracting younger, more cost-conscious buyers into the Breitling fold. The Bond effect was as real then as it is now. While Q’s modded waterproof, Geiger counter-equipped version was just for the movie, Breitling’s appearance in the film boosted the Top Time’s rep amongst both Bond and watch fans.

Now, some 61 years after the debut of Thunderball, these fans are being especially well served by three new Top Time models that celebrate yet another icon of the Bond universe, the Aston Martin DB5. First seen in 1964’s Goldfinger, the DB5 quickly outraced villains into automotive and cinematic legend, cementing its reputation as the quintessentially British car of secret agents everywhere. Its reappearance in Thunderball—where it famously foils a gang of henchmen using a built-in water cannon—further associates it with Breitling’s Top Time as one of the big screen’s coolest-ever props.

The new Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 captures the spirit of both the Bond-worn Top Time as well as his favorite car. Offered in three executions, it’s housed in a cushion-shaped, 100m water-resistant case that’s somewhat reminiscent of the Thunderball watch while tasteful wood-grain inlays echo the DB5’s steering wheel trim. Depending on how fancy you wanna get, you might opt for the stainless steel version with a silver dial, limited to 1,022 pieces; the steel and platinum version with a black lacquered dial, limited to 315 pieces; or an 18K red gold version with an onyx dial, limited to 250 pieces. In a first for Breitling, it made the latter’s dial out of a slice of real onyx. Everybody’s still doing the stone-dial thing!

Regardless of which execution you pick, certain details help bring out the Aston Martin connection: the “squircle”—meaning a combo of square and circle—chronograph subdials inspired by dashboard instruments; the wooden trip that housed the tachymeter scale; the grooved case corners; the brown calfskin leather strap with beige lining and a folding clasp. Even the steel execution feels like an elevated take on a typical complication—especially with the sapphire caseback that allows you to view Breitling’s COSC-certified Manufacture Calibre B01 movement within. Offering smooth column-wheel operation and a 70-hour power reserve, it features an Aston Martin-engraved rotor in rhodium plating or 18K red gold, depending upon the version.

Not everyone can throw down for a classic, $1-million-plus post-War British car like the DB5. But wearing the new Breitling isn't a bad second place.