Two soulful pieces through which Breitling pays tribute to Coppi and Bartali, one of the most iconic rivalries in the history of Italian cycling.
This summer season, we invite you to explore the emotional power of Swiss precision on two wheels. This double limited edition paying tribute to two cycling legends is more than just a novelty: it’s a love letter to classic cycling and to mechanical beauty turned legend.
The sporting character of the Breitling Top Time B01
The Swiss house Breitling surprises once again with two limited editions of its most charismatic chronograph: the Top Time B01. This time, the spotlight is on two icons of Italian cycling, Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali. These timepieces are more than just watches — they are mechanical tributes to a rivalry that shaped an era, and to a friendship forged on the road.
Rivalry and style: Coppi vs Bartali
Coppi and Bartali were more than cycling rivals — they embodied two distinct views of life. Fausto Coppi, modern and ambitious, became known as “Il Campionissimo”. Gino Bartali, more traditional and humble, was “L’Intramontabile”. Their feats split Italy into passionate camps and inspired generations of cycling fans.
A design that tells a story
The Top Time B01 Coppi and Bartali watches capture the spirit of each cyclist through a vibrant and meaningful color palette:
- Gino Bartali model: deep blue dial with yellow accents and the nickname L’Intramontabile engraved on the tachymeter scale. His signature appears at six o’clock.
- Fausto Coppi model: white dial with turquoise sub-dials, a central lightning-shaped orange hand, and a nod to the iconic “celeste” of his Bianchi bike. The Il Campionissimo inscription completes the piece.
Both editions feature brushed “squircle” sub-dials and fine finishing touches that evoke the shared roads of these two cycling legends.
Technical performance with the heart of a champion
Each model — limited to 750 pieces — is powered by the Breitling B01 manufacture calibre, a COSC-certified automatic chronograph with a 70-hour power reserve, column wheel and vertical clutch.
The 41 mm stainless steel case stays true to the sporty spirit of the original 1960s Top Time. Each piece is available with a perforated leather strap (in blue or turquoise) or a refined Milanese steel bracelet.
A tribute that stands the test of time
The transparent caseback reveals the inner movement and bears a commemorative engraving: “Fausto Coppi Tribute” or “Gino Bartali Tribute”, along with the individual serial number One of 750. A true collector’s piece for lovers of watchmaking infused with emotion and history.
Technical specifications
- Model: Top Time B01 – Limited Editions Fausto Coppi & Gino Bartali
- Movement: Breitling B01 calibre, COSC-certified automatic chronograph
- Power reserve: 70 hours
- Case: Stainless steel, 41 mm, sapphire crystal, water resistance 10 bar
- Dial: Coppi – white with turquoise and orange | Bartali – blue with white and yellow
- Strap: perforated leather or Milanese mesh bracelet
- Availability: Limited edition of 750 pieces per model
- Warranty: 5 years
If you’re passionate about this topic, you may also like to read The new Breitling Superocean Heritage: summer elegance with a surfer’s spirit.
