1969 Breitling Top Time 2211 Panda
Ref: 2211
Specification
Reference : 2211
Movement : Manually Wound Venus 175
Age : 1961/1970
Specific Age : Circa. 1969/70
Case Size : 39mm
Case Thickness : 12mm
Lug to Lug :Â 41mm
Lugs : 21mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers :Â None
Case Material :Â Stainless Steel
Service History :Â Unknown Service History
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as watch only and comes with no original Breitling box or original Breitling paperwork. This is a used and vintage watch, therefore signs of wear and age will be seen, please refer to the photos. This watch has no service history but is sold in fully functioning and running condition.
The Watch
The Breitling Top Time was first introduced in 1964. It was targeted at professional racers and pilots whose budget couldn’t quite stretch to the likes of the Navitimer and Chronomat. Over the years it has become its own cult classic amongst collectors. Sean Connery as James Bond famously wore one in 1965 for the film Thunderball. Breitling advertised the watches as “Instrument Panels”. The 39mm stainless steel case is cushioned shaped with the pushers and crown on the right side. A domed mineral crystal protects the black dial, Tachymeter track runs along with the inner bezel. White subdials have 60 seconds and 45-minute registers respectively. Tuning fork hands in white and an orange chronograph seconds hand contrast nicely with the black dial. Text is kept to a minimum with Breitling Geneve and Top Time. Inside we have the Manually wound Venus 175. Fitted with a 21mm Tan leather strap.
Personal Note
So much history with the Top-Time range, it is amazing to think this was once the "Affordable" alternative to other models, whilst granted it is still more affordable in most cases than the alternatives, it is still a hugely collectible piece! It has even developed its own cult following, with many collectors I know having multiple variants and slight differences in references.Â