In the golden age of post-war cycling, two men captured the heart of a nation. Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali weren’t just athletes—they were emblems of resilience, grace, and competitive fire. Rivals on the road but friends beyond the finish line, their story is etched into cycling lore. Now, Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling pays tribute to this unforgettable duo with two new timepieces: the Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi and the Top Time B01 Gino Bartali. Limited to 750 pieces each, these chronographs celebrate the enduring legacy of two Italian legends who raced not just for glory, but for something greater.
Coppi and Bartali defined an era where sport transcended competition. Their rivalry, reaching its peak in the 1940s, was fierce, but grounded in mutual respect. One of the most iconic moments in cycling history is the image of the two passing a water bottle mid-race—whether Coppi offered it to Bartali or vice versa is still debated, but the gesture remains a symbol of sportsmanship. Together, they brought hope to a country recovering from war, each ride a testament to discipline, endurance, and unity. Both men were also ambassadors for Breitling during a period when the brand was the official timekeeper for elite cycling competitions, further entwining their names with precision and performance.
Enter the Top Time B01 Coppi and Bartali editions—watches that channel the flair and legacy of their namesakes. The Top Time collection itself was born in the 1960s, a decade of speed, rebellion, and bold design. Created by Willy Breitling, it broke the mold of traditional chronographs with graphic dials and dynamic styling. This new tribute extends that spirit while rooting it deeply in cycling heritage.
The Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi features a crisp white dial accented by vibrant turquoise subdials, recalling the distinctive color of Coppi’s Bianchi bike. A bold orange lightning bolt seconds hand adds a flash of energy, evoking the daring nature of “Il Campionissimo”—the Champion of Champions. In contrast, the Top Time B01 Gino Bartali arrives in a deep blue dial, offset with yellow accents that echo his iconic jersey. Nicknamed “L’Intramontabile” (The Timeless), Bartali’s enduring presence is captured in the rich, vintage-inspired tones.
Each 41 mm watch is powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, a COSC-certified movement boasting a 70-hour power reserve. Visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, the intricate mechanism is engraved with either “Fausto Coppi Tribute” or “Gino Bartali Tribute,” alongside the edition number “One of 750.” Further personalization includes each cyclist’s nickname on the tachymeter scale and their signature printed at the 6 o’clock position—a subtle yet powerful reminder of the human story behind the legend.
Collectors can choose between a perforated calfskin leather strap for a sporty finish or a stainless-steel mesh bracelet for vintage elegance. Either way, these watches are more than instruments of time—they’re wearable tributes to two men whose lives were defined by courage, rivalry, and enduring friendship.
As Breitling CEO Georges Kern puts it, “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.”
With the Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, Breitling doesn’t just mark the time—it honors those who made history with every pedal stroke.
