Why This Watch Matters

This Breitling chronograph has an attractive panda-style dial with an extra-long 52 hour power reserve and a sub-dial that measures up to 12 elapsed hours, which helped it earn the "Long Playing" nickname.

The Full Story

Breitling's Top Time chronograph was introduced in 1964 as an entry-level chronograph, intended to help the brand reach a new buyer demographic. Compared to the classic Navitimer and Chronomat models, the Top Time offered a young and fresh take on the classic chronograph design.

Most frequently seen in stainless steel cases, like today's watch, the 38mm diameter is compelling for modern collectors. The Breitling ref. 815 first appeared in 1970, and it was among the second generation of Top Time models. This variation has a silver sunburst three-register panda dial design, with sub-dials featuring concentric snailing. The sub-dials also have a slight reflective quality, which shimmers in a soft taupe color under different light conditions, mimicking a tropical patina. While the previous generation of Top Time chronographs, like ref. 810, used a Venus 178 movement, Breitling switched it with the Valjoux 7736 in ref. 815. The new movement allowed for a longer running autonomy of up to 52 hours and the capability to record events up to 12 hours via the six o'clock register. 

The Fine Print

Model: Top Time "Long Playing" chronograph 
Reference: 815
Year: 1973
Case No: 1 415 786
Material: Stainless steel 
Dimensions: 38mm diameter; 13mm thickness 
Crystal: Plexiglass 
Lume: Yes, tritium 
Caliber: Manually wound Valjoux 7736 
Bracelet/Strap:  
 Lug Width: 18m
Box/Papers: No 

What we Love and What You Should Know

This Breitling is in excellent condition. The case is strong with some scratches. The sides of the case have some marks. The writing and case numbers are fully visible on the caseback. The dial is clean. The hour markers and hands have developed some patina. The lume on the hands is slightly lighter than the lume on the dial. The crystal has some light scratches.