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#1374 Vintage Breitling Geneve Top Time Wrist Watch chronograph
$3,500.00
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In-depth breakdown of the vintage Breitling Geneve Top Time chronograph, covering its history, design, movement variations, notable references, and collectibility.
History of the Breitling Top Time
Introduced in the early 1960s, the Breitling Top Time was designed to cater to a younger audience looking for a sporty, modern chronograph at a more affordable price compared to Breitling Navitimer and Chronomat models. Unlike these pilot-oriented watches, the Top Time focused on clean aesthetics, legibility, and affordability while maintaining the high standards of Swiss chronograph design.
Key Historical Points Introduced in 1964, designed as a modern, stylish, and affordable chronograph.
Often featured panda or reverse panda dials with contrasting sub-dials.
Famous for appearing in the James Bond film Thunder ball (1965)a modified Breitling Top Time was used as a Geiger counter.
The Top Time Ref. 810 was one of the largest chronographs at the time (38mm case).
Over time, Breitling experimented with various dial layouts, bi-compax (2-register) and tri-compax (3-register) designs.
Production continued through the 1970s, with later models featuring more angular or cushion-shaped cases.
Design & Aesthetics
The Top Time was designed to be a simpler, more streamlined alternative to Breitling aviation-focused chronographs.
Case
Typically stainless steel, but some models were available in gold-plated or solid gold cases.
Sizes ranged from 36mm to 38mm, which was considered large for the 1960s.
Featured a smooth, polished bezel with a simple, elegant profile.
Early models had pump pushers, while later models featured more robust pusher designs.
Crystal
Plexiglass/acrylic crystal, common in vintage watches from this era.
Dial Layouts
Two-register (bi-compax) or three-register (tri-compax) designs.
Panda (white dial, black sub-dials) and reverse panda (black dial, white sub-dials) variations.
Minute track around the outer rim for precise reading.
Some models included a tachymeter or pulsometer scale for measuring speed or heart rate.
Hands & Markers
Sword-style luminescent hands (earlier models).
Stick or baton markers (depending on the reference).
Luminous tritium dots at the hour markers on some models.
Caseback
Plain snap-on or screw-down caseback, engraved with Breitling Geneve and the reference number.
Movements Used in the Breitling Top Time
Breitling used various manual-winding Swiss chronograph movements in the Top Time collection. These movements were robust, reliable, and designed for affordability compared to column-wheel mechanisms.
1. Venus 188 (1948 1969)
One of the earliest movements used in the Top Time.
Type: Manual-wind, cam-switching chronograph
Jewels: 17
Diameter: 31.0mm
Height: 6.0mm
Power Reserve: ~70 hours
Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)
Chronograph: Two-register, 30-minute counter
Notable Features:
Based on the Venus 175, but with a cam mechanism instead of a column wheel.
More cost-effective and durable compared to earlier column-wheel chronographs.
Used in early Top Time Ref. 2002 models.
2. Valjoux 7730 (1966 1973)
An evolution of the Venus 188 after Venus was acquired by Valjoux.
Type: Manual-wind, cam-switching chronograph
Jewels: 17
Diameter: 31.0mm
Height: 6.0mm
Power Reserve: ~45 hours
Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)
Chronograph: Two-register, 30-minute counter
Notable Features:
Nearly identical to the Venus 188, but with small refinements.
Found in mid-to-late Top Time models from the late 1960s.
3. Valjoux 7733 (1969–1978)
A refined version of the 7730, offering greater reliability and longevity.
Type: Manual-wind, cam-switching chronograph
Jewels: 17
Diameter: 31.0mm
Height: 6.0mm
Power Reserve: ~45 hours
Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)
Chronograph: Two-register, 30-minute counter
Notable Features:
Used in later Top Time models through the 1970s.
Paved the way for the automatic Valjoux 7750 chronograph.
Notable Breitling Top Time References
1. Breitling Top Time Ref. 2002 (1964 “1970s)
36mm stainless steel case.
Two-register chronograph (Venus 188 or Valjoux 7730).
Panda or reverse panda dial.
Tachymeter scale on some models.
2. Breitling Top Time Ref. 810 (1964 1970s)
38mm case (larger than most vintage chronographs).
Three-register chronograph (Venus 178).
More premium version of the Top Time.
Highly sought after by collectors.
3. Breitling Top Time “Thunderball Ref. 2002.3 (1965)
Famous for appearing in Thunderball (1965) as James Bond Geiger counter.
Two-register chronograph.
Extremely rare and valuable.
Original movie prop sold for over $160,000 at auction.
Value & Collectibility
Common Breitling Top Time models (Ref. 2002, 7733): $2,500–$5,000
• Rare references (Ref. 810, rare panda dials): $5,000–$10,000
• James Bond Thunder-ball edition: $15,000 $50,000+ (depending on provenance).
• Condition & originality significantly impact value—original dials, hands, and pushers are key.
Conclusion
The Breitling Genève Top Time is a legendary vintage chronograph with a rich history, stylish design, and reliable movements. Whether you own or are looking to purchase one, it remains a highly collectible watch, especially if it has an original dial, hands, and movement. If you have a specific reference number or need help verifying authenticity, I can assist further!
The Swiss made, shock protected, anti magnetic watch has a 36mm stainless steel case with a smooth bezel and two pushers.
NOTE: Wristband isnt original from what I can see;it’s missing the tachometer/inner dial ring. .. Housed under the plexiglass crystal is a silver dial with luminescent sword type hands and baton hour markers, a minute track around the outer rim and two sub-dials. The watch is powered by a 17-jewel, caliber Venus 188, manual wind movement, with a power reserve of 70-hours. Appraised at much more, will include certificate. listed for Pop in law as he doesn’t use it.. . Please ask any questions if needed prior to purchase, as this item is delicate and prevent from trying to return.. Reasonable offers welcome!
BRANDS: Vénus
The Venus 188 family was a revolutionary cam-switching chronograph movement design introduced in 1948. It was much cheaper to build than column wheel chronograph movements and laid the foundation for today’s ETA/Valjoux 7750, one of the most popular movements ever produced.
The 14 ligne 188 family was introduced in 1950 and augmented in 1953 with the 12.5 ligne Venus 210 family. After Venus was acquired by Valjoux, the 188 design was lightly modified with a mobile stud carrier and re-launched as the Valjoux 7730 in 1966. It was further refined as the Valjoux 7733 before automatic winding was added for the Valjoux 7750.
- First Generation (1948-1969)
- Valjoux (1966-1973)
- Valjoux 7730
- Valjoux 7731 – New balance cock
- Revised Valjoux (1969-1978)
- Valjoux 7733
- Valjoux 7734 – Date
- Valjoux 7736 – Hour Counter
- Valjoux 7737 – Regatta Timer
More detail on the history of Vénus is available in the Grail Watch article, “The Rise of Vénus, Legendary Chronograph Maker“
Venus 188 (1948–1969)
Overview: of the Venus 188 Movement used in this beautiful Brietling chronograph Wrsit Watch.
The Venus 188 is a hand-wound, cam-switching chronograph movement introduced in 1948. It played a crucial role in making chronographs more affordable, as it replaced the more complex column-wheel mechanisms found in earlier high-end chronographs. This design paved the way for future movements like the Valjoux 7730, 7733, and ultimately the ETA/Valjoux 7750.
Specifications:
• Caliber: Venus 188
• Jewels: 17
• Diameter: 31.0mm
• Height: 6.0mm
• Functions: Two-button chronograph (start, stop, reset)
• Complications: Chronograph
• Chronograph Activation: Cam-switching mechanism (more cost-effective and robust compared to column-wheel designs)
• Power Reserve: ~70 hours
• Balance Wheel: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)
• Notable Features:
• Found in mid-tier Swiss chronographs from brands like Breitling, Minerva, and others.
• Considered reliable and robust but not as smooth in actuation as column-wheel chronographs.
• Later became the foundation for the Valjoux 7730.
Conclusion
These Venus and Valjoux movements played a crucial role in the evolution of chronographs. The Venus 188 laid the foundation for modern cam-switching chronographs, while the Venus 199 and 200 introduced additional complications. After Venus was acquired by Valjoux, the 7730 and 7733 continued their legacy and eventually led to the development of the legendary Valjoux 7750.
