Breitling Unveils Trio of Watches Inspired by James Bond's DB5

Breitling has launched a limited-edition series of its Top Time B01 Chronograph that pays homage to the Aston Martin DB5 – the car famously driven by James Bond in the 1960s. The collection, timed to Breitling's new partnership with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team for 2026, channels the spirit of the classic British grand tourer and the wristwatch Sean Connery's Bond wore in Thunderball.

Three distinct models make up the line. The entry-level version, limited to 1,022 pieces, features a stainless steel case, a silver sunray brushed dial with black subdials and a genuine wood inlay, priced at £8,650. A second steel-cased edition adds a platinum fixed bezel and a black lacquered dial, limited to 315 units and priced at £14,400. The flagship gold model, restricted to just 250 examples, comes on a calfskin strap and costs £35,100.

The watches incorporate subtle design cues from the DB5's interior, such as a colour palette evoking the car's wooden steering wheel and the circular gauges originally manufactured for Aston Martin by SMITHS Instruments. The link to Bond lore, while not the main theme of every watch, is unmistakable given the iconic association of the DB5 with the secret agent's gadget-laden cars.

What the Bond Connection and Vintage Aesthetics Mean for Collectors

A Nod to Bond's Gadget Watch

The inspiration for the collection reaches back to the 1960s when Breitling's Top Time chronograph appeared on Connery's wrist in Thunderball. That Bond reference gives the new lineup built-in cultural cachet beyond the automotive collaboration. By referencing both the car and the original watch, Breitling taps a rich vein of nostalgia that appeals to both horological purists and film enthusiasts.

The Collaboration Playbook

Luxury watch-and-car partnerships have become commonplace, from TAG Heuer and Porsche to Richard Mille and McLaren. The Breitling–Aston Martin tie-up follows a familiar model: use a product line to cross-pollinate brand identities and reach affluent consumers who value heritage and engineering. With this collection, Breitling leverages Aston Martin's design language and motorsport credibility while offering collectors a tangible piece of the Bond mystique.