THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: BREITLING
MODEL: 810
YEAR: 1972
CASE DIAMETER: 38MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

Breitling introduced the “Top Time” line in 1964, aimed at a younger, more active audience. It marked a departure from the brand’s more technical offerings such as the Navitimer and Chronomat, instead embracing a cleaner and more classic design language. In 1972, the Top Time line was updated with the introduction of the Valjoux 7737 movement. The new reference 815 offered an impressive 52-hour power reserve, earning it the nickname “Long Playing.”

The present example comes from the final stretch of the original ref. 810’s production. As with many vintage chronographs, beauty can be subjective—but this is one of those watches that’s almost impossible to dislike, much like the Heuer Carrera 2447 or early four-digit Daytonas.