Breitling Top Time Ref. 810 Mk.II Reverse Panda, 1968

Breitling Top Time Ref. 810 Mk.II (c.1968)
Reverse Panda Dial | Manual Wind Chronograph | 38mm Stainless Steel Case

Here’s one for the vintage chronograph purists. The Breitling Top Time Ref. 810 Mk.II, seen here in its striking reverse panda configuration, captures everything we love about 1960s sport watches: sharp design, mechanical soul, and just the right touch of swagger.

This particular example dates to around 1968 and features the distinctive Mk.II dial layout with a matte black base and contrasting silver subdials. It’s a classic “reverse panda” look—arguably the most coveted of the Top Time variants—and it wears its age beautifully. The luminous plots and hands show pleasing signs of age, and the wide-set tachymeter scale framing the dial brings a sense of purpose-built functionality.

At 38mm, the stainless steel case feels spot-on for modern tastes: large enough to make a statement, but still undeniably vintage in profile and proportion. Inside beats the venerable Venus 178 manual wind movement—a tried-and-true calibre found in some of the most iconic chronographs of the era.

The watch is sold as watch only and comes fitted to a brand new third-party black leather strap with contrast stitching—a clean and understated choice that lets the dial do all the talking.

Originally marketed as a chronograph for “young and active professionals,” the Top Time was Breitling’s answer to the rise of lifestyle-driven sport watches. Today, it stands as a cult favourite—favoured by collectors who appreciate its no-nonsense design, historical significance, and frankly, how cool it looks on the wrist.

With just one available and prices for clean Mk.II reverse pandas on the rise, now’s a smart time to jump in. And if it turns out not to be your style? You’ve got 14 days to send it back. But we doubt you’ll want to once it’s strapped on.