Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali united a nation through their professional rivalry and extraordinary real-life friendship. Now, Breitling unveils two vibrant limited-edition chronographs dedicated to the Italian cyclists’ legacy of resilience and achievement.
Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali weren’t just champions—they were symbols of sportsmanship. In the 1940s, their legendary rivalry was matched only by their respect for each other, famously captured in a moment of shared endurance: passing a water bottle just before the final push. Both were Breitling ambassadors at a time when the brand was the official timekeeper for cycling’s greatest races. Competing fiercely, yet united by their love of the sport, they dominated the European circuit, defined an era, and inspired millions.
Now, Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling honors their legacy with a pair of limited-edition Top Time watches that celebrate Coppi and Bartali’s lasting impact on sports and society. Featuring striking colors inspired by their bikes and jerseys, these timeless modern chronographs bring their story to life.
CEO Georges Kern says, “You can feel the legacy of Coppi and Bartali pulsing through these watches. These two men vied to be the best, while always displaying the utmost grace and integrity. As an avid cyclist, i find this collection to be especially meaningful.”
KEEPING TIME SIDE BY SIDE: TOP TIME COPPI & BARTALI
The Top Time was introduced in the transformative 1960s as Willy Breitling’s bold and unconventional line of racing chronographs, designed to capture the era’s penchant for speed and style. As lifestyles evolved, the Top Time resonated with men and women alike, celebrated for its dynamic proportions and graphic dials. Decades later, it still embodies that spirit—now with two special editions honoring legends of the cycling world.
The Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi features turquoise subdials on a white dial, with an orange lightning-shaped seconds hand echoing the colors of Coppi’s bike. The Top Time B01 Gino Bartali comes in a blue dial with yellow accents, inspired by his memorable jersey.
Both 750-piece limited editions feature their nicknames on the tachymeter scale: “Il Campionissimo” (Champion of Champions) for Coppi and “L’Intramontabile” (The Timeless) for Bartali. Their signatures at six o’clock make the connection even more personal.
Each watch comes with the choice of a racing-themed calfskin strap or a stainless-steel mesh bracelet. The 41 mm chronograph runs on Breitling’s Manufacture Caliber 01, offering COSC-certified precision and a 70-hour power reserve. A transparent caseback reveals the intricate movement, its outer ring engraved with either “Fausto Coppi Tribute” or “Gino Bartali Tribute” and “One of 750.”
Unforgettable in their time, reimagined for ours, the Top Time B01 Coppi & Bartali honor the resilience and friendships forged even in the fiercest competition.
FACTS ABOUT THE WATCH:
TOP TIME B01 FAUSTO COPPI LIMITED EDITIONS
Reference: AB01768A1A1A1, AB01768A1A1X1
Caliber: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B01
Diameter: 30 millimeters
Depth: 7.2 millimeters
Winder: self-winding mechanical, bidirectional with ball bearing
Power reserve: approximately 70 hours
Number of components: 284
Balance frequency: 28,800 a/h or 4 hertz
Chronograph: column-wheel, vertical clutch, 1/4th second and 30-minute
Display: hour, minute, second
Certification: COSC-certified
CASE
Material: stainless steel
Diameter: 41 millimeters
Thickness: 13.30 millimeters
Height (upper lug tip to lower lug tip): 50.4 millimeters
Water resistance: up to 10 bar (100 meters)
Glass: cambered sapphire, glare-proofed on both side
Caseback: screwed steel, sapphire crystal
Crown: non screw-locked, two gaskets
Bezel: fixed
DIAL/HANDS
White and turquoise chronograph counters
Super-LumiNova® luminescent hour and minute hands
STRAP
Turquoise racing-themed calfskin leather strap (20/18 mm) with folding clasp or stainless-steel mesh bracelet with butterfly clasp
FACTS ABOUT THE WATCH:
TOP TIME B01 GINO BARTALI LIMITED EDITIONS
Reference: AB01767A1C1A1, AB01767A1C1X1
Caliber: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B01
Diameter: 30 millimeters
Depth: 7.2 millimeters
Winder: self-winding mechanical, bidirectional with ball bearing
Power reserve: approximately 70 hours
Number of components: 284
Balance frequency: 28,800 a/h or 4 hertz
Chronograph: column-wheel, vertical clutch, 1/4th second and 30-minute
Display: hour, minute, second
Certification: COSC-certified
CASE
Material: stainless steel
Diameter: 41 millimeters
Thickness: 13.30 millimeters
Height (upper lug tip to lower lug tip): 50.4 millimeters
Water resistance: up to 10 bar (100 meters)
Glass: cambered sapphire, glare-proofed on both side
Caseback: screwed steel, sapphire crystal
Crown: non screw-locked, two gaskets
Bezel: fixed
DIAL/HANDS
Blue and white chronograph counters
Super-LumiNova® luminescent hour markers, hour and minute hands
STRAP
Blue racing-themed calfskin leather strap (20/18 mm) with folding clasp or stainless-steel mesh bracelet with butterfly clasp