Breitling - Reference: 810 - Top Time 'Long Playing' - Reverse Panda Chronograph - c.1960s

A stylish and sporting 1960s Breitling 810 Top Time, Mark 2, Reverse Panda Dial, Chronograph with Breitling leather strap in navy blue and Breitling signed pin buckle. 

The Breitling reference 810 Top Time 'Long Playing'(referring to the 12 hour sub-dial at 6 o'clock, perfectly suited to timing events of longer durations), was introduced in 1964 bringing a “simple, sporty” design to the market. One of the most endearing aspects of this watch is its size, at 38mm diameter, the 810’s were larger than most counterparts from other brands at the time, namely the Heuer Carrera which weighs in at just 36mm in comparison. The lug width is also substantial at 19mm which adds some real aesthetic weight to the Top Time and makes for a thoroughly modern-looking watch despite an age of over 50 years!

This watch showcases its size well on the wrist and the large domed acrylic crystal contributes to the semblance of mass as well. The chamfering on the case and lugs enable the light to play delightfully across the surfaces of the watch, making it a most appealing everyday wearer. 

"It is an affordable chronograph with simple yet elegant lines and exceptional quality and precision – the perfect watch for young men and women interested in sports and technology. The name of this collection – Top Time – is deliberately kept short, catchy, and English to underline the modern design of the collection and the energy of the time period." Breitling

What’s On Offer 

The Breitling Top Time 810 is a textbook racing chronograph with its typical three-register layout and printed outer tachymeter scale. The pristine silver ridged registers really pop against the well-preserved black dial and showcase the elegant hands with black enamel inserts perfectly. The hour marker Tritium lume is also in remarkable condition and is in keeping with the sporting aesthetic.

This watch is in full working order and keeps good time. There are no notable blemishes to speak of and just some slight fading to the white printing on some, but not all the outer tachymeter scale! 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Black - reverse panda 

Crystal: Plexi

Bracelet: Breitling Leather Strap and buckle - in Navy 

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement type: Mechanical hand wound

Calibre: Venus 178

Jewels: 17

Waterproof: n/a

Power reserve: 52 hrs Approx.

Purchase details

Condition: Superb - 9/10

Model Reference: 810 Top Time

Date of issue: 1960s

Guarantee: 12 Months by VWS

Dimensions

Width: 38mm

Lug width: 19mm

Lug height (lug to lug): 47mm

Wrist size: Adjustable