*Unpolished* 1960s Breitling Top Time Chronograph Gold Plate (Ref. 810) "Mk. II" Silver Dial

While Breitling is probably best known for aviation-related watches like the iconic Navitimer, the brand was actually founded in 1884, almost 20 years before the Wright brothers ever took their first flight. Leon Breitling's first watches were of the pocket variety, as was de rigueur of the time, before the brand transitioned into wristwatches in 1914—and released one of the first wrist-worn chronographs just a year later.

Fast-forward a few decades, and in 1964, Breitling released the Top Time. Designed to be the watch for the "next generation", it catered to the younger and more rebellious demographic of the 1960s, and at a lower price point than their more specialized timepieces.

The 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.

This particular ref. 810 features an unpolished gold-plated case with classic pushers and a striking "panda" dial—all the trimmings of a classic chronograph, but with the renegade attitude that could only come from the 60s.