Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali united a nation through their professional rivalry and extraordinary real-life friendship. Breitling now launches two vibrant limited edition timepieces honoring the legacy of resilience and achievement of these iconic Italian cyclists.
Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali were not just champions – they were symbols of sportsmanship. In the 1940s and 1950s, their legendary rivalry was matched only by their mutual respect, famously captured in an iconic moment of shared endurance: the passing of a water bottle just before a final effort. Both served as Breitling ambassadors at a time when the brand was the official timekeeper of the greatest cycling races. Fierce competitors yet united by their passion for the sport, they dominated the European circuit, defined an era, and inspired millions.
Timeless inspiration
Breitling, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, honors their legacy with a pair of limited-edition Top Time watches celebrating the lasting influence of Coppi and Bartali on both sport and society. These timeless, modern timepieces feature bold colors inspired by their bicycles and jerseys, bringing their story to life. CEO Georges Kern states: “Coppi and Bartali had one of the greatest rivalries in sports. They pushed each other to new heights. It’s an incredibly inspiring story that these watches bring to life.”
Keeping time side by side: Top Time Coppi & Bartali
The Top Time was launched in the transformative 1960s as Willy Breitling’s bold and unconventional collection of racing watches, designed to capture the era’s love for speed and style. As the spirit of the times evolved, the Top Time appealed to both men and women, earning praise for its dynamic proportions and graphic dials. Decades later, it still embodies that spirit – now with two special editions honoring cycling legends. The Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi features small turquoise subdials on a white dial, with an orange lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand reflecting the colors of Coppi’s bike. The Top Time B01 Gino Bartali showcases a blue dial with yellow accents, inspired by his iconic jersey. Both limited to 750 pieces, the editions bear their nicknames on the tachymeter scale: “Il Campionissimo” (champion of champions) for Coppi and “L’intramontabile” (the timeless one) for Bartali. Their signatures at the 6 o’clock mark add a personal touch. Look closely and you’ll notice a subtle tribute: brushed lines running through the subdials, symbolizing the two champions riding side by side. Each watch is available with a perforated calfskin strap or a stainless-steel mesh bracelet, completing the modern-retro look. The 41 mm chronograph is powered by Breitling’s manufacture caliber 01, COSC-certified for precision and offering a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The ‘squircle’ subdials (not quite square, not quite round) at 9 and 3 o’clock display the running seconds and chronograph minutes, while the mushroom-shaped pushers ensure smooth chronograph operation. A transparent caseback reveals the inner workings of the movement, with the outer ring engraved with “Fausto Coppi tribute” or “Gino Bartali tribute” and “One of 750.” The Top Time B01 Coppi & Bartali, unforgettable in their time and reimagined for ours, celebrates the endurance and friendships forged even amidst the fiercest competition.
