Breitling celebrates the rivalry and friendship between Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, two of the greatest cyclists of all time, with two new limited edition Top Time chronographs.
Breitling dedicates two new limited edition Top Time chronographs to the legendary Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali. The two famous Italian cyclists were not only champions, but also symbols of sportsmanship. In the 1940s and 1950s, their legendary rivalry was matched only by their mutual respect, famously immortalised in a famous photo depicting a moment of shared endurance, the passing of a water bottle just before the final sprint.
Both were ambassadors for Breitling at a time when the brand was the official timekeeper of major cycling races. Proud rivals in competition but united by their love of sport, they not only dominated the European circuit, but also defined an era and inspired millions.
Breitling therefore honours their memory with two new Top Time limited editions in tribute to the indelible mark that Coppi and Bartali left on the world of sport and society. On the subject of these new chronographs, Breitling CEO Georges Kern commented: 'Coppi and Bartali were protagonists of one of the greatest rivalries in the world of sport. They pushed each other towards new goals. An incredibly fascinating story, which these watches bring back to life".
Breitling Top Time Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali: limited editions of 750 pieces each
The models differ from each other in a number of details that recall the two samples, as well as in the colour shades chosen.
The Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi It sports turquoise counters on a white dial, with an orange seconds hand in the shape of a lightning bolt, echoing the colours of Coppi's bicycle. The Top Time B01 Gino Bartali, for his part, employs a blue dial with yellow accents, inspired by his unforgettable jersey. Both are protected by a domed, anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Both chronographs, whose production is limited to 750 pieces each, bear the nicknames of the cyclists on the tachymeter scale, namely 'Il Campionissimo' for Coppi and 'L'Intramontabile' for Bartali, while their autograph appears at 6 o'clock. Taking a closer look at the dials, then, one will notice another tribute, represented by the brushed vertical lines running through the counters, symbolising the two champions competing side by side.
Both models are available with either a perforated calfskin strap or a steel bracelet. The 41 mm steel case houses the IWC-manufactured Breitling calibre 01 (28,800 vib/h, 70-hour power reserve, column wheel, vertical coupling), chronometer-certified by the Cosc.
Squircle' counters (neither round nor square) at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock indicate continuous seconds and chrono minutes respectively, while 'mushroom' chrono pushers allow the chronograph functions to be operated. The transparent sapphire glass back reveals the movement, where the outer ring is engraved with the words "Fausto Coppi Tribute" or "Gino Bartali Tribute" as well as the words "One of 750". Water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 10 atmospheres.
Prices7,250 euros (with calfskin strap); 7,650 euros (with steel bracelet).
