Over the many years, Breitling has burned all kinds of evocative names into the minds of watch fanatics all over the place. The Navitimer, the Superocean, the Aerospace, Breitling for Bentley, and extra have all left marks on the trade, however one among Breitling’s most well-known mid-century product strains has been absent from its present lineup for a lot too lengthy. The Prime Time was one among Breitling’s sportiest, most youth-oriented fashions within the 1960s, serving to to form the sports activities watch panorama throughout a time of monumental design shifts. After years of dormancy Breitling has now revived one of many Prime Time’s most iconic references, the Ref. 2003, for the brand new Breitling Prime Time Restricted Version.
Whereas upsized to a extra trendy 41 mm, the chrome steel case is solidly devoted in kind to the ‘60s authentic. The unadorned slim bezel, easy straight lugs and tall piston pushers are all right here, preserving the ethos of the Prime Time Restricted Version firmly rooted to the unique. Whereas the case is true to the ‘60s in kind, one disadvantage is that it’s additionally extraordinarily devoted to the time interval when it comes to water resistance. Breitling charges this case at solely 30 meters, making certain this sports activities watch needs to be dry climate solely.
The place Breitling’s traditional fashion is absolutely allowed to run free is the dial. The Prime Time Restricted Version revives the traditional Ref. 2003, recognized amongst collectors because the “Zorro dial” for the mask-like look, or the “bow tie” for apparent causes. This stark, dramatic splash of black on white is a refreshing different to the normal panda dial format and serves to make the subdials stand out instantly at first look. One other ‘60s throwback is the usage of an outer decimal scale, quite than the extra typical tachymeter or pulsations scale. Whereas not as dramatic or situationally helpful as a few of these others, the choice to maintain with a decimal monitor maintains the good-looking visible symmetry of an already nicely balanced dial. A technique this new revival units itself other than the unique, nevertheless, is the colourful use of crimson as an accent colour. Whereas the Ref. 2003 additionally shares the crimson accents on the central chronograph seconds and the 30-minute chronograph minutes at three o’clock, the Prime Time Restricted Version takes issues a step additional with vibrant crimson on the central hours and minutes. It’s an intense colour, however in simply the appropriate amount to make the dial pop on the wrist with out changing into overwhelming.
Breitling powers the Prime Time Restricted Version with the Valjoux 7753-based Caliber 23 computerized chronograph motion. Along with a small seconds and 30 minute chronograph, this motion presents COSC licensed chronometer accuracy together with 48 hours of energy reserve and a clean 28,800 bph sweep.
The Breitling Prime Time Restricted Version comes paired with a textured brown nubuck strap in cocoa brown. The softness and textured end play nicely off the classic really feel of the case and dial, however a black rally strap would even be a perfect mixture.
Whereas the Prime Time Restricted Version is a formidable sporty revival for Breitling, this watch additionally serves as a take a look at for Breitling’s new blockchain-based digital verification system. Every Prime Time Restricted Version will probably be paired with a novel blockchain “digital passport,” which can be utilized for every thing from scheduling guarantee service on-line to digitally authenticating every watch. House owners may even promote their Prime Time Restricted Editions by a one-click blockchain transaction system. It’s an attention-grabbing idea, and time will inform if Breitling chooses to roll it out on a bigger scale.
Solely 2,000 examples of the Breitling Prime Time Restricted Version will probably be made, at the moment out there solely on-line by Breitling’s e-commerce platform with availability from licensed sellers upon request later this yr. MSRP for the Prime Time Restricted Version stands at $four,990. For extra info, go to the Breitling web site.
