Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43vsBreitling Top Time B01

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 at true scale

Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43

Breitling Top Time B01 at true scale

Top Time B01

Diameter

43mm

41mm

Thickness

14.0mm

13.3mm

lowest

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

70h

70h

MSRP

$9,300

lowest

$23,900

Movement

Breitling B01

Breitling B01

Case

5 specs
Diameter
43mm
41mm
Thickness
13.97mm
13.3mm
Lug Width
23mm
n/a
Material
Stainless Steel
18kt Pink Gold
Finish
Stainless steel
18k red gold

Movement

1 specs
Complications
Chronograph
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$9,300
$23,900
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43

Owners widely appreciate the Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43's readable dial with high contrast, and its cleaner aesthetic due to the lack of a tachymeter. The in-house B01 movement is noted for its smooth column-wheel chronograph operation. Some owners find the watch fits well and offers a refined look, with the bidirectional bezel useful for tracking a second timezone. One owner secured the Mosquito Edition for $6,350 after a discount, with others suggesting a target discount of 20-25% and a price range of $5,600-$6,200. However, one owner wished for applied indices at its price point, considering the value not exceptional compared to other luxury brands. On balance, owners rate the Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 highly for its legible dial and smooth chronograph operation.

Breitling Top Time B01

The Breitling Top Time B01 is widely praised for its handsome, sharply finished chronograph design and the in-house B01 movement, with owners calling it beautiful and a favorite design. Reviewers highlight its compelling design, polished bezel, and domed sapphire crystal for a '60s-sporty feel, complemented by brushed case sides for ruggedness. Owners appreciate the B01 movement's COSC certification, 70-hour power reserve, and the dial's unique features, such as automotive-grade paint chips on the Mustang model or blue dials that change with light. The 41mm case is noted to wear slightly smaller, and the watch offers 100m water resistance. Some owners find the B01 movement justifies the price over older ETA movements, citing better accuracy retention between services and a useful weekend power reserve, though servicing costs are higher. However, one owner expressed concern about a Breitling B01 movement seizing and needing replacement.