Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14

1966 Breitling Top Time Vintage Ref. 2003 Mens Chronograph Watch - Gold Plated

About the Item

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating on other online sites. 1966 BREITLING TOP TIME Vintage Ref. 2003 Mens Chronograph Watch - 18K Gold Plated & Stainless Steel All Original - Elegant Silver Dial - 1 Year Warranty Today's offering showcases a this all- original vintage Breitling Top Time Ref. 2003 from circa 1966. Featuring a clean silver dial, 18K gold-plated case, and stainless steel back, this timepiece is a classic representation of mid-century sport-luxury design. The Top Time line was Breitling's youthful, racing-inspired chronograph family during the 1960s. It even earned pop culture fame when one appeared on the wrist of James Bond in the 1965 film Thunderball. In the movie, Q equips Bond with a modified Top Time featuring a Geiger counter, aiding in his mission to locate stolen nuclear warheads. This cinematic appearance not only emphasized its style and utility, but also cemented its legacy as one of the prominent watches of its time. Breitling reinforced this status with advertisements that emphasized the Top Time's modern aesthetics and precision, targeting the fashionable and adventurous man of the era. One standout ad from 1966 featured bold type and sleek imagery highlighting its clean design and robust performance. The Top Time also holds special significance for motorsport enthusiasts due to its association with Formula 1 legend Jim Clark. Often seen wearing his Breitling Top Time, Clark personified speed, excellence, and quiet confidence. Our Top Time has all of its original parts down to all hands. It is in original condition with a really authentic vintage presence. Its rich silver dial paired with gold baton indices and matching gold hands showcases real elegance. The subtle sunburst finish captures the light beautifully, while the balanced chronograph registers emphasize the chronograph's functional origins. Powering the watch is a Breitling-signed Valjoux 7730. Its 35mm case wears well on a wide range of wrist sizes. Its untouched, original silver dial is in very good condition, with aging to the lacquer in spots that gives it almost a slight two-tone look The body of its gold-plated case has never been polished. The bezel shows gold wear and its has gold wear at its high points. It presents nicely on the wrist. Even its very lightly stamped original serial number is still very clear on the back. One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consisted of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive testing (a $995 value). We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping accurate time. For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment. We also have vintage style distressed leather straps that would pair well with it. Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. Detailed Appraisal: Manufacturer: Breitling Country of origin: Switzerland Serial no.: 1,122,427 Year built: 1966 Model: Ref. 2003 Functions: Hours, Minutes, Chronograph Timing, Subsidiary Seconds Designed for: Men Case material: 18K gold-plated top with stainless steel back Case markings (inside): Breitling Watch Ltd., Swiss Case markings (outside): Breitling, stainless steel, 2003, 1122427 Case condition: 18K gold-plated top with stainless steel back, three-body construction, signed Breitling Dial: Silver, signed Breitling Geneve and Top Time, sunburst finish, luminous gold baton indices, two-register layout, original and untouched Dimensions: 35mm wide (without crown), 42.3mm lug-to-lug Hands: Original gold batons with luminous Movement markings: Breitling Watch Co. Movement type: Valjoux 7730, manual wind, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring Jewels: 17 rubies Band: Leather, fully stitched and padded with unsigned buckle Vintage-style distressed leather or other straps available upon request Width between lugs: 18mm Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers, all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity SKU 10219
  • Creator:
  • Case Material:
  • Strap Material:
    Leather
  • Case Shape:
    Round
  • Movement:
  • Case Dimensions:
    Height: 1.67 in (42.3 mm)Width: 1.38 in (35 mm)
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1966
  • Condition:
    Its rich silver dial paired with gold baton indices and matching gold hands showcases real elegance. The subtle sunburst finish captures the light beautifully, while the balanced chronograph registers emphasize the chronograph's functional origins.
  • Seller Location:
    Suwanee, GA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 102191stDibs: LU4333226491072

More From This Seller

View All
1969 Breitling Top Time Vintage Aviator's Panda Dial Chronograph Watch - SS
By Breitling
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1st...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1966 Tudor (Rolex) Oyster Prince Vintage Mens Ref. 7995 Watch - Stainless Steel
By Tudor
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating on other online sites. 1966 TUDOR (Rolex) OYSTER PRINCE Vintage Mens Ref. 7995 Watch - Stainless Steel Rolex Case & Crown - Gorgeous Original Condition - 1 Year Warranty More and more collectors are becoming acquainted with watches from Rolex's Tudor brand, creations which have become increasingly more collectible. Watches in the Tudor line, apart from the fact that they utilize ebauche movements, are similar to those of Rolex in design and construction. When Rolex launched the Tudor brand in 1945, they strongly intended that the public perception of its quality had to equal that of Rolex. To achieve this lofty aim, until the mid-1990's, Tudor watches featured Rolex cases and crowns, and, until 1971, Rolex bracelets. An advertisement in Britain's Horological Journal in vintage times stated that Tudor's were, "Manufactured under strict Rolex supervision and bear the Rolex label of guarantee." Today's offering showcases this Certified Pre-Owned Tudor Oyster Prince automatic mens watch in gorgeous original condition. We really like its cool mixed Roman and baton dial. Patterned after the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, one of the company's staple and respected models, it possessed the same features and conception - it was thinner and a bit more affordable than its Rolex sibling. Our Oyster Prince has all of its original parts. Its original Rolex Oyster case presents in mint condition with only slight signs of previous polishing. Please note that the area that looks discolored underneath one of the top lugs is just a shadow. The case presents as mint. Its untouched original dial is mint. One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Rolex parts, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value). For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile lizard strap and aftermarket Rolex...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1967 Patek Philippe Vintage Mens Handwound Ref. 2593 Dress Watch - 18K Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1st...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1973 Omega De Ville Dynamic Vintage Large Mens 18K Gold Plated & SS Watch
By Omega
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1st...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

1991 Tudor (Rolex) Prince Oysterdate Vintage Mens Ref. 74000 Watch
By Tudor
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers via other online sites with a 5.0 star rating. 1991 TUDOR (Rolex) PRINCE OYSTERDATE Vintage Mens Ref. 74000 Watch - Stainless Steel Rolex Case, Crown & Bracelet - Gorgeous Original Condition - 1 Year Warranty More and more collectors are becoming acquainted with watches from Rolex's Tudor brand, creations which have become increasingly more collectible. Watches in the Tudor line, apart from the fact that they utilize ebauche movements, are similar to those of Rolex in design and construction. When Rolex launched the Tudor brand in 1945, they strongly intended that the public perception of its quality had to equal that of Rolex. To achieve this lofty aim, until the mid-1990's, Tudor watches featured Rolex cases and crowns, and, until 1971, Rolex bracelets. An advertisement in Britain's Horological Journal in vintage times stated that Tudor's were, "Manufactured under strict Rolex supervision and bear the Rolex label of guarantee." The Prince Oysterdate comes across with a feeling of familiarity to many watch collectors because of its connection to Rolex. While those connections have faded a bit in recent years, this 74000 was birthed at a time when the two brands were bonded together a lot more closely than they are today. Patterned after the Rolex Oysterdate, one of the company's staple models, it is thinner and of course a bit more affordable than its Rolex sibling. However, it has two more desirable features than a Rolex Oysterdate - this Prince Oysterdate has a movement that is automatic, unlike the Rolex, and it has semi quick-setting, also something that Rolex Oysterdate's didn't have. This 74000, which plays sort of a transitional role in what was Tudor's growing independence from Rolex, is indicative of the period when the two giant watch brands functioned as best friends. Today's auction showcases this Connoisseur of Time Certified Pre-Owned Tudor Prince Oysterdate in gorgeous original condition. The watch itself has all of its original parts. Its original Rolex Oyster case presents in gorgeous mint condition with only very slight signs of previous polishing. Its case presents nearly like new. Its untouched original dial is mint with beautifully toned luminous. The original luminous in its hands perfectly matches the pips. As I mentioned, until 1971 Rolex fitted Tudor watches with true Rolex bracelets - the exact same ones that came with their Rolex branded watches. Though this watch would have come with a Tudor bracelet, it has previously been upgraded to a full Rolex bracelet made in 1971, the last year that a Rolex bracelet would have been correct to fit on a Tudor watch. A Master Watchmaker has freshly overhauled the watch, and it has also been examined by our Master Watchmaker who worked for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. It is running exceptionally strong and true, keeping time better than many new Tudors and Rolexes in our testing recording position. For the finishing touch, we have meticulously detailed it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership. Detailed Appraisal: Country of origin: Switzerland Maker: Tudor Model: Prince Oysterdate, Ref. 74000 Serial no.: B353,643 Year built: 1991 Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Semi-Quick Setting Date Designed for: Men Case material: Stainless steel Case markings (outside): Original Oyster Case by Rolex Geneva...
Category

1990s Swiss Tudor Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1951 OMEGA Classic Large Vintage Mens 18K Rose Gold Plated Watch
By Omega
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1st...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

You May Also Like

Breitling Top Time Corvette Men's Watch Ref A25310
By Breitling
Located in Dallas, TX
Breitling Top Time Corvette Men's Watch Ref A25310 - Automatic winding chronograph. Stainless steel case (42 mm). Red dial with black subdial . Black racing calfskin leather strap with Breitling Stainless Steel Deployant buckle. Pre-owned with Breitling box and card. Comes with a Breitling NFT & warranty until 2025 Drawing inspiration from the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Breitling Top Time Corvette Men's Watch Ref A25310
$6,050 Sale Price
29% Off
Free Shipping
Breitling Navitimer Stainless Steel Chronograph Automatic Men's Watch Ref.D30022
By Breitling
Located in New York, NY
This Breitling Navitimer Chronograph Automatic Men's Watch, reference D30022, is a bold expression of vintage aviation heritage and technical mastery. Housed in a robust stainless st...
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Breitling Navitimer Gold-Plated Chronograph Watch 806 with Box and Papers
By Breitling
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Vintage Gold-Plated Breitling Navitimer Chronograph Watch 806 w/ Box and Papers Model: Navitimer Model #806 Gold-Plated Round Case 40 mm in Diameter (43 mm w/ Crown) Lug-to-Lug Dista...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Breitling Vintage Chronograph Pilot Wrist Watch from 1970, Ref 1806, Full Set
By Breitling
Located in Antwerp, BE
Breitling Vintage Chronograph Pilot Wrist Watch from 1970, Ref 1806 Comes with box and warranty ! From 1970 s A rare collectors piece ! Movement: A...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Breitling Chronomat Automatic Men's Watch Ref. B13050.1
By Breitling
Located in New York, NY
This 1990 Breitling Chronomat B13050.1 is a striking example of the brand’s iconic chronograph design, blending rugged performance with refine...
Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Breitling Chrono-Matic 18K Rose Gold Chronograph Mens Watch R14360
By Breitling
Located in Dallas, TX
Breitling Chrono-Matic 18K Rose Gold Chronograph Mens Watch R14360 - Automatic winding chronograph. 18K rose gold case with rotatable slide rule bezel for flight calculations ( 49 mm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Recently Viewed

View All