Austin Butler has officially joined the Breitling Squad, stepping into the spotlight as the face of the new Top Time B31—a timepiece that redefines simplicity with swagger. It marks a major moment for the Swiss watchmaker, introducing its first-ever three-hand manufacture movement: the Breitling Caliber B31.
And if anyone can bring that blend of cool and precision to life, it’s Butler. With roles in Elvis, Dune 2, and The Bikeriders, he’s carved out a reputation for intensity, range, and undeniable presence. This makes him the ideal ambassador for Breitling’s most free-spirited collection.
“Breitling, for me, is about adventure and pushing the limits,” says Butler. “The Top Time speaks to the way I’ve always wanted to live my life: free and ready to rock ‘n’ roll.”
A Timepiece with Legacy—and Attitude
Originally launched in the 1960s, the Top Time collection broke away from traditional watch design with bold graphics, clean lines, and a motorsport edge. It was built for those who wanted a watch that felt fast, free, and slightly rebellious. It even earned a cameo on the wrist of James Bond in Thunderball (1965).
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Now, the Top Time B31 carries that energy forward—this time without the chronograph complications. It’s a time-only piece with serious design heritage and engineering firepower, wrapped in a versatile 38 mm case. The look is sleek, minimal, and modern—but unmistakably Breitling.
Expect a thin profile with smooth wrist fit, thanks to tapered lugs and a two-tier curved crystal. It’s available in three sharp colourways—blue dial with white accents, green with black, and sky blue with white. Each has a pop of bright orange from the sweeping seconds hand. You can pair it with a classic racing-inspired perforated leather strap or go bold with a stainless-steel bracelet.
Under the Hood: Meet the Caliber B31
While the face of the Top Time B31 is all about ease and style, the engine driving it is a major technical milestone for Breitling. The Caliber B31 is the brand’s first in-house, time-only automatic movement, and it took four years to build.
It’s compact—measuring 28 mm wide and just 4.8 mm thick—but packs a punch with a 78-hour power reserve and COSC-certified accuracy. The movement is visible through an open caseback, where Geneva stripes and a skeletonised rotor show off the fine mechanics. It also includes Breitling’s signature free-sprung balance wheel for better precision.
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The Caliber B31 is tested to the extremes—over 60,000 shocks, 100,000 crown winds, and more than 3 million weight rotations. This isn’t just built for display. It’s engineered to last.
“This is watchmaking distilled to its essentials—pure timekeeping, easy wearability, and distinct character,” says Breitling CEO Georges Kern.
The Verdict: Simple, Striking and Seriously Well-Built
The new Top Time B31 is a clean break from the chronograph-heavy lineup Breitling fans are used to. But it’s also a welcome one. With its refined form, historic influence, and a serious movement under the dial, it’s a reminder that you don’t need extra complications to make a statement. Add Austin Butler to the mix, and you’ve got a watch that’s not just keeping time—but setting the pace.
**MH Partnership
