Described by one of London’s men’s magazine editors as ‘the coolest man I’ve ever met’, actor Austin Butler has partnered with Swiss watchmakers Breitling as the face of the new Top Time B31 wristwatch. The sleek Top Time range debuts the Caliber B31, the first three-hand manufacture movement designed and developed by Breitling. This, the brand says, gives ‘precision with attitude, proving that a great timepiece isn’t just about keeping time, but making it count’.

It’s this free-spirited perspective that makes a perfect match with the Oscar-nominated actor. Austin Butler’s energy is reflected in his choice of roles – starring asElvis in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic, in Dune: Part Two and The Bikeriders, or in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Whether collaborating with Hollywood royalty, riding his motorbike – taught by his father – or playing guitar, he exudes the carefree confidence that he admires in his screen inspirations like Marlon Brando, James Dean and Steve McQueen. ‘Breitling, for me, is about adventure and pushing the limits of what’s possible,’ Butler says. ‘The Top Time speaks to the way I’ve always wanted to live my life: free and ready to rock’n’roll. It’s a thrill to be part of the squad.’

It’s a timepiece that historically has been a favourite among the Hollywood crowd. Willy Breitling’s bold and unconventional chronograph captured the energy of the maverick in the ’60s, reflecting the decade’s unconventionality and liberation. A new direction from traditional watch design, the Top Time embodied self-expression and was one of the first chronographs designed to appeal to men and women. The stylish timepiece was adopted by motorsports fans, the fashionable and in the film world it was seen decorating the wrist of James Bond, when Sean Connery wore a Q-modified version in 1965’s Thunderball. 

Now, the bold, graphic lines of the new Top Time B31 reimagine that rich legacy as a back-to-basics time-only series, referencing heritage proportions while bringing contemporary design to its 38mm size. Under the bonnet the new movement represents a return to the fundamentals of watchmaking, with robust performance delivered in a modern form, building on the engineering established by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 introduced in 2009. It took four years to develop the automatic B31 calibre which, like all from the manufacture, is a COSC-certified chronometer, which undergoes the equivalent of 16 years’ use in testing. Backed by a five-year warranty, the watch stays powered for around 78 hours off the wrist. 

The Top Time’s slender silhouette hugs the wrist thanks to the tapered lugs and the crystal with two curved tiers, streamlining the profile. On the dial the applied indexes, magnified date aperture and orange seconds hand add detail across three colourways – white on blue, black on green and sky blue on white. In keeping with the original Top Time design which featured a tachymeter scale, the focus is on minutes and seconds in the three-hand format.

Also echoing the collection’s racing roots, the new model is paired with a perforated leather strap with contrasting stitching, or is available on a three-row stainless steel bracelet with an asymmetric centre link – a Breitling signature that gives a sportier feel and adds wrist presence. ‘This is watchmaking distilled to its essentials – pure timekeeping, easy wearability and distinct character,’ Breitling CEO Georges Kern explains. 

It’s that singular style which chimed with Austin Butler, whose fearless approach to his career and craft is what inspired Georges Kern to invite the 33-year-old actor – included in Time magazine’s “100 most influential people in the world” listing in 2023 – to be a Breitling ambassador. ‘I spent time with Austin on the campaign set and was blown away by his dedication and attention to detail,’ Kern adds. ‘He cares about getting everything just right – something we relate to at Breitling.’

Top Time B31 from £4,550; breitling.com