Watchmaker Breitling has announced Oscar-nominated actor Austin Butler as its new brand ambassador, introducing him as the face of the new Top Time B31 campaign. The latest release marks a shift for the brand, featuring Breitling’s first in-house three-hand movement, the B31.
Mr. Butler, known for his electrifying performances in Elvis, Dune 2, and The Bikeriders, steps into the role with a statement that aligns his career choices with the spirit of the collection. “Breitling, for me, is about adventure and pushing the limits of what’s possible. 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,” the actor said in the announcement.
Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling praised the actor’s involvement in the campaign. “I spent time with Austin on the campaign set and was blown away by his dedication and attention to detail. He cares about getting everything just right, something we relate to at Breitling,” Mr. Kern stated.
The Top Time collection, originally introduced in the 1960s, was designed to break away from traditional watch aesthetics. Over the years, it gained popularity among motorsport enthusiasts and even made its way into Hollywood, with a modified Top Time appearing in Thunderball (1965). The new B31 model takes a different approach, shifting from the brand’s chronograph heritage to a time-only format.
At 38mm, the Top Time B31 is designed to balance vintage proportions with modern wearability. The introduction of the Caliber B31 movement is a notable development for Breitling, marking its first in-house three-hand movement. The movement features a free-spring balance wheel for precision and a skeletonized bidirectional oscillating weight, visible through the open caseback.
“This is watchmaking distilled to its essentials, pure timekeeping, easy wearability, and distinct character,” Mr. Kern said proudly.
The B31 model is available in three color variations—white on blue, black on green, and sky blue on white. A bright orange seconds hand serves as a design contrast. Customers can choose between a perforated leather strap, reflecting the collection’s racing influence, or a stainless-steel bracelet with Breitling’s asymmetrical center link.
The Caliber B31 movement has undergone extensive durability testing, designed to withstand the equivalent of 16 years of wear, including 100,000 crown winds, 3,456,000 weight turns, and 60,000 shocks at 500 G. It has a 78-hour power reserve and comes with a five-year warranty.
With the launch of the B31, Breitling is continuing its move toward fully in-house movements. The collection represents a step in the brand’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in precision watchmaking while maintaining the design identity that has defined the Top Time series.
