Discover the Breitling Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi and Top Time B01 Gino Bartali watches—two limited-edition chronographs celebrating the legacy of Italy’s cycling heroes. With only 750 pieces each, these mechanical masterpieces combine COSC-certified precision, bold vintage styling, and storytelling rooted in sportsmanship and endurance. Featuring the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 movement, unique color palettes inspired by the racers’ jerseys and bikes, and personal touches like engraved signatures and nicknames, these timepieces are wearable tributes to two of cycling’s greatest icons. Learn how Breitling honors the friendship and fierce rivalry of Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali through these heritage-rich chronographs that unite watchmaking and sport. A must for collectors, cycling enthusiasts, and lovers of mechanical beauty, the Top Time B01 Coppi and Bartali are more than watches—they’re moments in motion.
Both watches are more than precision instruments—they’re emotional tokens of an unforgettable era, designed for collectors who value stories as much as style. Let’s explore the exceptional details, rich symbolism, and mechanical brilliance that define these horological tributes.
One iconic moment forever linked them in public memory: during a grueling Tour de France stage, one handed the other a water bottle—captured in an immortal photo. Though debates persist over who offered the bottle, the gesture symbolized something greater—sportsmanship in its purest form.
Both Coppi and Bartali were Breitling ambassadors during their careers. At that time, Breitling was already serving as the official timekeeper for many cycling events across Europe. Now, decades later, the brand returns to its roots in cycling culture with two exquisite watches that celebrate these champions.
Today, the collection reemerges as a blend of vintage flair and modern engineering. With the Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi and Top Time B01 Gino Bartali, Breitling applies that design philosophy to the cycling world, where passion, precision, and endurance are cornerstones of greatness.
The tachymeter scale is emblazoned with “Il Campionissimo,” making every glance at the bezel a salute to Coppi’s greatness. At 6 o’clock, his signature offers a final personal connection.
• Chronograph: 1/4 second with 30-minute counter
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour
• Jewels: 34
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Thickness: 13.3 mm
• Water Resistance: 10 bar / 100 meters
• Strap: Turquoise calfskin leather or stainless steel mesh
• Caseback: Sapphire crystal with “Fausto Coppi Tribute” and “One of 750” engraving on the stainless steel
The Coppi edition is a wearable fusion of aesthetic finesse and mechanical excellence, ideal for those who appreciate stories etched in steel and sapphire.
His nickname, “L’Intramontabile,” is proudly displayed on the tachymeter, while his signature at 6 o’clock anchors the design in legacy.
• Chronograph: 1/4 second with 30-minute counter
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour
• Jewels: 34
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Thickness: 13.3 mm
• Water Resistance: 10 bar
• Strap: Blue calfskin leather or stainless steel mesh
• Caseback: Engraved “Gino Bartali Tribute” and “One of 750” with see-through sapphire window
The Bartali edition doesn’t just tell time—it tells a tale of resistance, righteousness, and relentless determination.
The sapphire crystal casebacks reveal the intricate inner workings—visible proof of the technical mastery behind each tribute. The engravings further personalize the experience, turning each of the 750 pieces into a collector’s heirloom.
With a total product weight of 98 grams and a head weight of around 77 grams, the watches feel substantial yet wearable. Whether mounted on the handlebar of a vintage racing bike or paired with a tailored blazer, these chronographs wear their history proudly.
Every visual detail is deliberate:
• The turquoise subdials on the Coppi watch recall his beloved Bianchi racing bike, a symbol of post-war hope and precision.
• The lightning-bolt seconds hand evokes the electric energy Coppi brought to every race—a flash of brilliance and speed.
• Bartali’s blue and yellow dial references his racing jersey, which came to symbolize loyalty, strength, and his deep moral compass.
• The engraved nicknames—“Il Campionissimo” (Champion of Champions) and “L’Intramontabile” (The Timeless)—aren’t just titles, but emblems of their philosophies. Coppi’s pursuit of peak performance and Bartali’s unwavering endurance both found their voice in these poetic monikers.
Breitling’s choice to feature the cyclists’ signatures at 6 o’clock further personalizes each piece. This subtle inclusion transforms the chronographs into tributes—wearable monuments to men whose stories transcended sport.
By drawing inspiration from the racing colors, tools, and virtues of cycling’s golden era, Breitling taps into a collective nostalgia. These watches aren’t only timekeeping instruments; they are vessels of shared history, crafted to inspire a new generation to value sportsmanship, resilience, and purpose.
From their early days as rivals to their emergence as symbols of unity and friendship, Coppi and Bartali demonstrated what it means to compete fiercely while respecting your opponent. In an era where divisiveness often takes center stage, their legacy—and these watches—remind us of what’s truly timeless.
Their limited production, high-quality movement, and deeply personal storytelling make both editions prime candidates for future collectibility.
“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.”
That personal connection—between the brand and the heroes it honors—sets these watches apart in a crowded marketplace.
With meticulous design, COSC-certified performance, and powerful emotional resonance, these watches remind us that time, like sport, is best measured not just in seconds but in stories.
If you’re looking for a timepiece that honors both heritage and horology, look no further than these exceptional tributes from Breitling.
Keywords: Breitling Top Time B01, Fausto Coppi watch, Gino Bartali watch, Breitling cycling watches, Breitling Caliber 01, limited edition chronographs, COSC certified watches, Top Time Coppi, Top Time Bartali, vintage-inspired watches, Breitling racing chronograph
[photo credits: Breitling / www.breitling.com]
Introduction: When Watches and Wheels Intertwine
In the history of sport, few rivalries are as revered as that between Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali. These two Italian cycling giants not only battled it out on Europe’s most grueling roads but also embodied resilience, patriotism, and camaraderie in a time of war and upheaval. Breitling—a brand long intertwined with the world of high-speed sports—now pays tribute to these national heroes with two limited-edition timepieces: the Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi and the Top Time B01 Gino Bartali.
A Rivalry That United a Nation
In the 1940s, war-weary Italy found heroes not on political podiums, but on bicycle saddles. Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali were fierce rivals, each representing different regions, philosophies, and fan bases. But beneath the competition lay deep mutual respect.
Both Coppi and Bartali were Breitling ambassadors during their careers. At that time, Breitling was already serving as the official timekeeper for many cycling events across Europe. Now, decades later, the brand returns to its roots in cycling culture with two exquisite watches that celebrate these champions.
The Return of a Racing Icon: Breitling Top Time B01
Originally introduced in the 1960s by Willy Breitling, the Top Time collection was designed for a generation obsessed with speed, mobility, and modernity. It was an era defined by motorsports, aviation, and yes—competitive cycling. The Top Time’s bold dials and dynamic proportions were meant to match that spirit.Today, the collection reemerges as a blend of vintage flair and modern engineering. With the Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi and Top Time B01 Gino Bartali, Breitling applies that design philosophy to the cycling world, where passion, precision, and endurance are cornerstones of greatness.
Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi: A Champion in Every Detail
Design Inspired by the Legend
The Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi features a white dial with striking turquoise subdials—colors reminiscent of his iconic Bianchi bicycle. The orange lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand adds visual electricity, nodding to Coppi’s explosive riding style.The tachymeter scale is emblazoned with “Il Campionissimo,” making every glance at the bezel a salute to Coppi’s greatness. At 6 o’clock, his signature offers a final personal connection.
Specifications and Performance
• Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01• Chronograph: 1/4 second with 30-minute counter
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour
• Jewels: 34
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Thickness: 13.3 mm
• Water Resistance: 10 bar / 100 meters
• Strap: Turquoise calfskin leather or stainless steel mesh
• Caseback: Sapphire crystal with “Fausto Coppi Tribute” and “One of 750” engraving on the stainless steel
The Coppi edition is a wearable fusion of aesthetic finesse and mechanical excellence, ideal for those who appreciate stories etched in steel and sapphire.
Top Time B01 Gino Bartali: Heroism in Motion
A Timepiece That Honors Heart and History
The Top Time B01 Gino Bartali channels its namesake’s unshakable resolve. The blue dial and yellow accents recall the jersey Bartali wore during his most memorable victories. This vibrant combination symbolizes not only his athletic feats but also his moral courage—particularly during WWII, when he risked his life to deliver forged identity documents hidden in his bicycle frame.His nickname, “L’Intramontabile,” is proudly displayed on the tachymeter, while his signature at 6 o’clock anchors the design in legacy.
Specifications and Engineering
• Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01• Chronograph: 1/4 second with 30-minute counter
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour
• Jewels: 34
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Thickness: 13.3 mm
• Water Resistance: 10 bar
• Strap: Blue calfskin leather or stainless steel mesh
• Caseback: Engraved “Gino Bartali Tribute” and “One of 750” with see-through sapphire window
Breitling Caliber 01: The Engine of Excellence
At the heart of both models lies Breitling’s in-house Caliber 01, a COSC-certified automatic chronograph movement known for its durability and accuracy. With a robust 70-hour power reserve and 1/4 second timing capability, this movement ensures that each watch is as functional as it is beautiful.
Straps, Comfort, and Customization
Each timepiece offers the choice of a racing-style calfskin leather strap—turquoise for Coppi, blue for Bartali—or a sleek stainless steel mesh bracelet (for a more contemporary look). Both options feature a stainless steel folding clasp, 20 mm lug width, and a balanced fit that suits both casual and formal settings.
Symbolism and Storytelling in Watchmaking
More than any technical feature, it’s the storytelling embedded in the Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali watches that gives them enduring emotional power. Breitling has not merely released a pair of chronographs—it has immortalized an era of sport, friendship, and shared history.Every visual detail is deliberate:
• The turquoise subdials on the Coppi watch recall his beloved Bianchi racing bike, a symbol of post-war hope and precision.
• The lightning-bolt seconds hand evokes the electric energy Coppi brought to every race—a flash of brilliance and speed.
• Bartali’s blue and yellow dial references his racing jersey, which came to symbolize loyalty, strength, and his deep moral compass.
• The engraved nicknames—“Il Campionissimo” (Champion of Champions) and “L’Intramontabile” (The Timeless)—aren’t just titles, but emblems of their philosophies. Coppi’s pursuit of peak performance and Bartali’s unwavering endurance both found their voice in these poetic monikers.
By drawing inspiration from the racing colors, tools, and virtues of cycling’s golden era, Breitling taps into a collective nostalgia. These watches aren’t only timekeeping instruments; they are vessels of shared history, crafted to inspire a new generation to value sportsmanship, resilience, and purpose.
More Than Just Watches: A Story of Human Values
What makes the Breitling Top Time B01 Coppi and Bartali editions truly extraordinary isn’t just the design or mechanics—it’s the story behind them. These watches celebrate a unique intersection of human resilience, athletic greatness, and moral courage.From their early days as rivals to their emergence as symbols of unity and friendship, Coppi and Bartali demonstrated what it means to compete fiercely while respecting your opponent. In an era where divisiveness often takes center stage, their legacy—and these watches—remind us of what’s truly timeless.
Collectibility and Availability
Each model is limited to 750 pieces worldwide, enhancing its exclusivity. Whether you’re a cycling aficionado, a fan of vintage chronographs, or simply someone moved by Coppi and Bartali’s legacy, these watches offer a rare opportunity to own a piece of history.Their limited production, high-quality movement, and deeply personal storytelling make both editions prime candidates for future collectibility.
Georges Kern on the Legacy
Breitling CEO Georges Kern put it best:“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.”
That personal connection—between the brand and the heroes it honors—sets these watches apart in a crowded marketplace.
Conclusion: Timepieces That Ride With the Legends
The Breitling Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi and Top Time B01 Gino Bartali are more than limited-edition chronographs. They are tributes—crafted in steel, sapphire, and spirit—to men who showed the world how to race with heart, dignity, and purpose.With meticulous design, COSC-certified performance, and powerful emotional resonance, these watches remind us that time, like sport, is best measured not just in seconds but in stories.
If you’re looking for a timepiece that honors both heritage and horology, look no further than these exceptional tributes from Breitling.
Keywords: Breitling Top Time B01, Fausto Coppi watch, Gino Bartali watch, Breitling cycling watches, Breitling Caliber 01, limited edition chronographs, COSC certified watches, Top Time Coppi, Top Time Bartali, vintage-inspired watches, Breitling racing chronograph
[photo credits: Breitling / www.breitling.com]
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