Legends in Motion: Breitling’s Top Time Releases Honour Italian Cyclists Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali

Italian cyclists Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali are regarded as towering figures in the history of cycling, embodying not only athletic excellence but also the cultural and political divides of their time. Bartali, a national hero before World War II, was celebrated for his grit and endurance; he won the Tour de France in 1938 and again in 1948. In contrast, Coppi, younger and more modern in style and attitude, rose to prominence after the war, becoming a symbol of innovation and change. Their rivalry in the late 1940s captivated the sports world, splitting fans into "Bartalisti" and "Coppiani". Yet, despite their differences, both cyclists represented resilience, passion, and the indomitable spirit of Italy. Their legacies remain deeply woven into the fabric of Italian sports and identity. Honouring these heroes, Breitling has unveiled two 750-piece limited-edition Top Time chronographs — Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi Limited Edition and Top Time B01 Gino Bartali Limited Edition. 

Coppi and Bartali's rivalry began during the 1940 Giro d'Italia,  when the two were still on the same team, Legnano. Bartali was the captain, while Coppi, only 20 years old, was a part of his support team. However, when Gino fell behind on one leg, Fausto did not stop to wait for him, as suggested by his teammates. The two men's roles were reversed; when Coppi was about to withdraw due to bad cramps while crossing the Alps, Bartali convinced him to not give up by tossing snow on him to cool him down. Coppi went on to win the Giro d'Italia, but Bartali had to wait six years, until the end of World War II, for his next victory.

Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi

This 41 mm watch has a stainless steel case, lugs, two mushroom chronograph pushers at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock, and a crown at 3 o’clock. It features turquoise subdials at 3 o’clock for the 30-minute marking and at 9 o’clock for the hour marking on a white dial; an orange lightning-shaped seconds hand echoes the colours of Coppi’s bike. This model has white hour, minute hands with Super-LumiNova® luminescent coating, and also features “Il Campionissimo” (Champion of Champions) on the tachymeter scale, representing Coppi’s nickname, and his signature at 6 o’clock. 

Top Time B01 Gino Bartali 

This 41 mm watch has a stainless steel case, lugs, two mushroom chronograph pushers at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock, and a crown at 3 o’clock. It features white subdials at 3 o’clock for the 30-minute marking and at 9 o’clock for the hour marking on a blue dial, with the yellow lightning-shaped seconds hand representing Bartali’s jersey. This model has white hour, minute hands with Super-LumiNova® luminescent coating; one can spot “L’Intramontabile” (The Timeless) on the tachymeter scale, signifying Bartali’s nickname, and his signature at 6 o’clock.

Both models are powered by Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 movement with a 70-hour power reserve. Also, there are brushed lines running through the subdials, symbolising the two champions riding side by side. Turning each watch showcases the sapphire open caseback with a stainless steel oscillating weight and its outer ring engraved with either “Fausto Coppi Tribute” or “Gino Bartali Tribute” and “One of 750”. These COSC-certified watches are finished either on a dial-matching calfskin leather strap or a stainless-steel mesh bracelet with a butterfly clasp.