1970s Breitling Top Time “Long Playing” 815 transitional

This Breitling 815 Long Playing is a very special watch. With a large stainless steel 38mm case and a reverse panda dial with a beautiful silver sunburst finish, it is a very attractive piece with a very cool collectibility factor.

Breitling was amongst one of the top chronograph producers and this 815 was the successor to the previous 810 Top Time. Released in the 70’s, this was a classic sports watch that was nicknamed “Long Playing” by collectors due to its unusually long power reserve. The 52-hour power reserve was achieved by using a longer mainspring.

The particular 815 example is a transitional model as it still features the ‘Top Time’ text on the dial and an 810 engraving on the caseback. The mention “Top Time” was usually present on the 810 models, who feature a Venus movement. It is extremely rare to find these models with a “Top Time” dial that fits on a Valjoux movement.

This Breitling is powered by a Valjoux 7730, a common movement used for chronographs in the 70’s.