THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER – Butler, who follows in the footsteps of Breitling ambassadors Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron and Adam Driver, says, “The Top Time speaks to the way I’ve always wanted to live my life: free and ready to rock and roll.”

Austin Butler has a new role as part of the Breitling squad.

The Oscar-nominated actor has joined the Swiss luxury watchmaker family as brand ambassador and the face of the new Top Time B31 piece. “Breitling, for me, is about adventure and pushing the limits of what’s possible,” said the Elvis, Dune 2 and Bikeriders star, who follows in the footsteps of Breitling ambassadors Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron and Adam Driver. “The Top Time speaks to the way I’ve always wanted to live my life: free and ready to rock and roll. It’s a thrill to be part of the squad.”

Said to be four years in the making, the new time-only caliber B31 model features “unique architecture” that incorporates Breitling’s signature components like a free-sprung balance wheel for improved precision and skeletonized bi-directional oscillating weight powering the automatic movement. The 38 mm watch pairs with either a perforated leather strap with contrasting stitching or a three-row stainless-steel bracelet with an asymmetrical center link.

In the campaign, Butler models the leather strap version while wearing a variety of fits including a leather jacket and white t-shirt while sitting on a motorcycle, and an all denim look. He also cradles a guitar in another set-up.

The Hollywood Reporter caught up with Breitling CEO Georges Kern via email to learn more about Butler’s Breitling appointment and what makes this collection so special.

You’ve said you spent some time with Austin Butler on set and were “blown away by his dedication and attention to detail.” What were your interactions like?

Austin Butler is incredibly smart, genuinely kind and effortlessly cool. We had some time to talk during the campaign shoot, and I was struck by how thoughtful he is about his career. He carefully considers his choices, making sure not to move too fast or take on roles that don’t feel right. And, of course, his talent speaks for itself.

He’s also a true professional. The day of our shoot was brutally hot, but he remained focused and committed the entire time. Austin cares deeply about getting everything just right—whether it’s a performance on screen or how he presents himself in a campaign. That level of dedication is something we really relate to at Breitling. But beyond that, we just had a great time together.

This collection is described in press materials as the “most free-spirited.” Why so? And what makes Austin the best face for it?
To understand what makes the Top Time watch so exciting, you have to look at its origins. In the late 1950s, chronographs were falling out of favor; young people saw them as something their grandfathers wore. But chronographs were, and always have been, Breitling’s specialty, and our third-generation founder, Willy Breitling, wasn’t about to let them disappear. He reimagined the category, designing a chronograph like nothing before — bold graphic dials, unconventional case shapes and eye-catching colors. The result was the Top Time, a watch that broke all the rules and perfectly captured the spirit of the era. It became a favorite in fashion magazines, and even made its way onto James Bond’s wrist in Thunderball as the very first Q-modified watch.

Austin Butler is the perfect face for this collection because, like the Top Time, his career has been defined by freedom. He carefully chooses his roles, shapes his characters and collaborates with Hollywood’s best on his own terms. His effortlessly cool, “modern-retro” style blends seamlessly with both the collection and our brand. It’s a perfect match.