Breitling has announced a collaboration with the motorbike manufacturer Triumph and is presenting the Top Time Triumph. The watch has an ice blue dial, which harks back to a historic model. A limited edition motorbike, the Triumph Speed Twin Breitling, is also released. It in turn, features the same ice blue colour and showcases a Breitling lettering on the fuel tank. After the three Top Time Classic Cars models, Breitling is now releasing another special edition dedicated to the world of motoring. The Breitling Top Time Triumph integrates an automatic chronograph movement and appears on a black leather strap in racing style.
The watch comes in the 41 mm Top Time case of stainless steel. It is entirely polished and has elongated angular lugs. To protect the front, a domed sapphire crystal is set into the slender bezel. In addition, the oversized mushroom-shaped pushers on the side control the chronograph. Also located here is the non-screw-down crown with brand logo. As a special reference to the British motorbike brand, a design sketch of Triumph’s two-cylinder in-line “Parallel Twin” engine adorns the solid case back. With a water resistance of up to 30 metres, the Breitling Top Time Triumph should only be worn on land.
The dial of the Breitling Top Time Triumph appears in a rich ice blue inspired by a rare Top Time Ref. 815 from the 1970s. Here, it features a brushed finish that highlights the “Zorro” characteristic (tinted areas around the counters) that is well-known among collectors. At 12 o’clock, there is vintage Breitling lettering here, complemented by the Triumph logo at 6 o’clock. Around the dial is a black ring bearing the tachymeter scale.
However, two main hands indicate the time with the help of black baton indices. To improve readability, both the hands and the white squares on the minute track carry luminous material. The two sub-dials are stepped to achieve visual depth. At 3 o’clock is the chronograph’s 30-minute counter. In contrast, the Breitling Top Time Triumph displays the seconds at 9 o’clock.
Inside the special edition is the Breitling Calibre 23, which is based on the ETA Valjoux 7753 and therefore offers automatic winding using a ball bearing. The maximum power autonomy is approximately 48 hours. With its oscillating pinion, the chronograph uses a rather rare coupling system. However, it is in no way inferior to the conventional horizontal clutch. The COSC chronometer certificate also bears witness to this and further guarantees the corresponding accuracy.
The Breitling appears on a black calfskin strap with a racing styling. Meanwhile, a stainless steel folding clasp secures the watch to the wrist. Unlike the Triumph bike, which is limited to 270 pieces, the accompanying Breitling watch is available without restriction. Buyers of the Triumph Speed Twin Breitling also have the chance to order an “Owner’s Version” of the watch, which then bears the matching motorbike number on the case back. The Breitling Top Time Triumph itself costs 5,290 euros.
