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. 815, appropriately nicknamed "Long Playing," featured the addition of an extra-long mainspring implemented into the Valjoux 7736 manual wind movement, which enabled the power reserve to be an extensive 52hrs. This reference also introduced the 12-hour recorder to the Top Time chronographs.

A true time capsule piece, this elusive Breitling chronograph boasts an oversized 38mm gold-plated case and a stunning silver "panda" dial, and is in absolutely superb condition.

SPECS

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent gold-plated stainless steel case is believed to be unpolished, showing its original case finishing and geometry with only light signs of use. The pump pushers and "Breitling" signed crown remain original to the watch. The pressure-fit case back clearly displays all of the original factory engravings and the case also retains its original movement dust cover. The watch will come supplied on a two-piece black leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The stunning silver sunburst dial is in near-perfect condition, showing only nominal spots and marks from age. The black metallic sub-dials remain clean and untouched as well. The tritium lume plots have taken on a lovely creamy golden coloration, remaining full and round under UV light inspection without degradation. The original tritium hands have aged a shade lighter than the dial and match the overall aesthetic of the watch, under UV light inspection the minute hand exhibits some minor lume loss and remains stable, while the hour hand shows no lume loss or degradation.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is functioning and keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.