*Unpolished* 1968 Breitling Top Time Chronograph (Ref. 810) Mk. II "Gold Plate"

 We all know Breitling for their impressive and collectible chronographs, from the early ref. 806 Navitimers to their more colorful designs of the 70s. The Top-Time was introduced in 1964 by Breitling as the watch for the "next generation", catering to a younger and more rebellious demographic of the 1960s and at a lower price point than their more specialized timepieces, such as the Navitimer. 

The Breitling Top-Time ref. 810 is a beautifully designed and oversized chronograph that boasts a robust 38mm case with thick straight lugs. The ref. 810 was produced in several different case designs throughout its production. The very first case design, or Mk. I case, was a monocoque case by EPSA that was quickly replaced with a snapping back case that carried over to the Mk. II case design. The Mk. I case featured a slimmer profile through the lugs and bezel, whereas the Mk. 2 cases featured much thicker broad lugs. Throughout the lifespan of the Breitling ref. 810, there was a commonality between the two different Breitling 810 cases, however, and that is the workhorse Venus 178 chronograph movement.