BY JOVAN K
The Breitling Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Eddy Merckx Edition serves as a definitive tribute to the most successful rider in the history of professional cycling. Released in July 2026, the watch reinforces Breitling’s growing sub-series of cycling-themed chronographs, celebrating a legendary career marked by 525 professional victories.
Eddy Merckx
The dial is comes in vibrant yellow, a direct reference to the Maillot Jaune (Yellow Jersey) worn by the leader of the Tour de France. The choice is particularly resonant given Merckx’s record of 96 days spent in the yellow jersey, a feat that remains unsurpassed.
The number 525 serves as the thematic anchor for the release: the edition is strictly limited to 525 pieces, with each caseback individually engraved with “One of 525” to commemorate every one of his career wins.
The watch retains the classic Top Time aesthetic, characterized by its classic and clean case. Beneath the sapphire glass, the dial features a tachymeter scale around the perimeter, iconic “squircle” chronograph counters in silver, and, to personalize the tribute, Eddy Merckx’s signature is discreetly placed at the 6 o’clock position.
The watch is designed for functionality and legibility, featuring Super-LumiNova on the hour and minute hands and classic mushroom-style pushers that offer a nostalgic, period-correct feel for a racing chronograph.
Powering the piece is the Manufacture Calibre B01, Breitling’s in-house, COSC-certified self-winding movement. This automatic, column-wheel, vertical-clutch chronograph operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vph), contains 34 jewels, and provides a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire exhibition caseback, which carries the inscription “Eddy Merckx Tribute.”
The steel case measures 41mm x 13.3mm and offering 100 meters of water resistance, the watch is engineered for daily wear. Buyers have the choice between a black perforated calfskin leather strap (AB01762C1I1X1) with folding clasp or a steel mesh bracelet (AB01762C1I1A1), priced at $8,050 and $8,450 respectively. This release further cements the Top Time collection’s status as a serious homage to cycling history, following previous editions dedicated to Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali.
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