The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Why does my 810 Toptime have markers at the 3, 6, and 9 minute markers of the 30 minute register?

I think I read it was something to do with measuring landline telephone timings at those intervals back in the day so that they don't pay too much for phone calls.

Long distance phone calls were billed in 3 minute increments, so several watches had these markers on the dial. There were no plans or deals at that time, so people were careful with timing their calls. Not sure why 3 minutes (why not 5?), but when Bell was the only game in town, they did what they wanted!

It's one of the features I love on the top time. Somehow it makes me feel nostalgic for a time I never lived!


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Here's a 785 with the same markers

I love the fact that Breitling has included these markers on the Transocean chronos, as well. Really adds to the vintage vibe.

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Cheers,
Jim

Thanks, Cruvon. Here is a pic. of the Toptime with a reverse dial.

nice gen. 2 from around '67 I assume, main hands a replacements.

the panda is questionable, btw., is that from "The Book" ?

Gen.1 case from '64/65, Gen. 2 dial and hands, no correct panda Gen. 1 documented.

Yes, from the book. Are the original hands different than what I have on the watch?

Nice watch mate, saw Fred pointed out you have an issue with the hands, see if you can source period correct ones and you should be set!

have any idea where I can source correct hands?

BTW, I recently acquired a really nice Co-pilot 765, probably ’67. This blog has helped me realize the special nature of that watch!

the hands are a nice fit, very hard to find the original ones, for Gen. 2 they are the same as the hands shown on the watch in The Book.

black Top time ref. 824 had hands very similar to the ones on your watch:



congrats on the CP 765, please share pics !

here are the corrrect hands for. Gen. 1 watches:

Great pics and nice watches Fred, I see yours don't have the minute markers, many dial variations on TT's I reckon.

Top Time 810 Gen. 1 dials don't have them, some Gen. 2 do.

here's an in depth thread about the 810/824 dial variations:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=52706&hilit=top+time+dial+variations

Thanks for the info Fred!