What is the history of the Breitling Top Time range?

Introduced in the 1960s, the Breitling Top Time was designed as an entry-level chronograph targeted at younger consumers seeking an active lifestyle timepiece.

What materials were traditionally used in 1960s chronograph construction?

Timepieces from this era typically featured stainless steel cases, acrylic crystals, manual-wind mechanical movements, and leather straps.

How can an authentic vintage Breitling chronograph be identified?

Authenticity can be verified by inspecting the reference and serial numbers stamped on the case back, checking dial printing accuracy, and confirming correct movement caliber markings.

How can a vintage chronograph watch be styled today?

A vintage chronograph featuring a panda dial offers versatile aesthetics, pairing naturally with tailored menswear, casual knitwear, or leather accessories.

How should a vintage manual-wind watch be maintained?

Keep mechanical timepieces away from water and strong magnetic fields, wind them smoothly without forcing the crown, and arrange mechanical servicing every three to five years.

for sale €3,159 $3,429

£2,700

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Breitling Top Time 2002-33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind Watch – 1969

Name: Breitling Top Time 2002-33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind Watch – 1969
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1211070
Price: 2700 GBP
Availability: InStock

1940 - 1960

For Sale by Chase Hattan Watches

Description

Just arrived back in stock on 28 April, this outstanding Breitling Top Time reference 2002-33 has undergone a complete full service, been fitted with a new leather strap, and received a light sympathetic polish. It is now presented in perfect working order and excellent overall condition — ready to wear and enjoy.

Introduced in 1964, the Top Time was Breitling’s youthful, modern chronograph, offering a fresher alternative to the more technical Navitimer and Chronomat. This silver “panda” dial configuration is one of the most attractive and desirable variants and dates this example to 1969.

Key Details

• Model: Breitling Top Time

• Reference: 2002-33

• Year: 1969

• Case Size: 36mm

• Case Material: Stainless steel

• Dial: Silver panda configuration with contrasting sub-dials

• Crystal: Plexiglass

• Movement: Manual wind chronograph

• Strap: Brand-new generic black leather strap

• Water Resistance: Not guaranteed due to age

Condition Report

Case: Lightly polished and very well preserved with clean lines and balanced wear.

Dial: Excellent vintage condition; crisp, highly legible panda layout.

Hands & Markers: Original and well matched to the dial.

Crystal: Plexiglass clear and presentable.

Strap: Brand-new and unworn leather strap fitted.

Overall: Excellent condition throughout following recent service.

Working Order

Recently fully serviced.

Running perfectly and performing exactly as it should.

Our View

Vintage chronographs like the Top Time have a completely different wrist feel compared to modern pieces — thinner, lighter and far more subtle. This is part of their appeal. The Top Time gained additional fame when a modified example was worn by Sean Connery as James Bond in Thunderball (1965), cementing its cultural significance.

The 2002-33 is particularly desirable for its balanced proportions, beautiful panda dial and classic 1960s chronograph styling. This is not a re-edition — the look and feel are unmistakably vintage, and from across the room it reads as something special. A superb example of one of Breitling’s most charismatic references.

What’s Included

Brand-new leather strap

Full recent service completed

Insured shipping

Physical Dimensions

Height

3.5cm (1.38")

Declaration

Chase Hattan Watches has dated this Vintage Breitling Top Time to the 1960s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1211070

Dealers Internal Reference

CHW6983

Dealers Notes

Our in house watchmaker personally inspects every watch & only once a watch meets our high inspection standards is it ready for sale, All watches are sold with a 12 month guarantee.

Free next day UK delivery, fully insured. Worldwide fast shipping.

Description

“

It is now presented in perfect working order and excellent overall condition — ready to wear and enjoy.

Chase Hattan Watches

fig 1. A vintage 1969 Breitling Top Time wristwatch with a silver panda dial, two black sub-dials, a central red hand, and a black leather strap. — fig 1. Breitling Top Time 2002-33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind Watch – 1969

Introduced in 1964, the Top Time was Breitling’s youthful, modern chronograph, offering a fresher alternative to the more technical Navitimer and Chronomat. This silver “panda” dial configuration is one of the most attractive and desirable variants and dates this example to 1969.

fig 2. A vintage 1969 Breitling Top Time wristwatch with a silver panda dial, two black sub-dials, a central red hand, and a black leather strap. — fig 2. Breitling Top Time 2002-33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind Watch – 1969

Key Details

• Model: Breitling Top Time

• Reference: 2002-33

• Year: 1969

• Case Size: 36mm

• Case Material: Stainless steel

• Dial: Silver panda configuration with contrasting sub-dials

• Crystal: Plexiglass

fig 3. A vintage 1969 Breitling Top Time wristwatch with a silver panda dial, two black sub-dials, a central red hand, and a black leather strap. — fig 3. Breitling Top Time 2002-33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind Watch – 1969

• Movement: Manual wind chronograph

• Strap: Brand-new generic black leather strap

• Water Resistance: Not guaranteed due to age

Condition Report

Case: Lightly polished and very well preserved with clean lines and balanced wear.

fig 4. A vintage 1969 Breitling Top Time wristwatch with a silver panda dial, two black sub-dials, a central red hand, and a black leather strap. — fig 4. Breitling Top Time 2002-33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind Watch – 1969

Dial: Excellent vintage condition; crisp, highly legible panda layout.

Hands & Markers: Original and well matched to the dial.

Crystal: Plexiglass clear and presentable.

Strap: Brand-new and unworn leather strap fitted.

fig 5. A vintage 1969 Breitling Top Time wristwatch with a silver panda dial, two black sub-dials, a central red hand, and a black leather strap. — fig 5. Breitling Top Time 2002-33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind Watch – 1969

Overall: Excellent condition throughout following recent service.

Working Order

Recently fully serviced.

Running perfectly and performing exactly as it should.

Our View

Vintage chronographs like the Top Time have a completely different wrist feel compared to modern pieces — thinner, lighter and far more subtle. This is part of their appeal. The Top Time gained additional fame when a modified example was worn by Sean Connery as James Bond in Thunderball (1965), cementing its cultural significance.

fig 6. A vintage 1969 Breitling Top Time wristwatch with a silver panda dial, two black sub-dials, a central red hand, and a black leather strap. — fig 6. Breitling Top Time 2002-33 – Panda Dial – 36mm – Manual Wind Watch – 1969

The 2002-33 is particularly desirable for its balanced proportions, beautiful panda dial and classic 1960s chronograph styling. This is not a re-edition — the look and feel are unmistakably vintage, and from across the room it reads as something special. A superb example of one of Breitling’s most charismatic references.

What’s Included

Brand-new leather strap

Full recent service completed

Insured shipping