While colourful watches might feel like a trend that has only emerged over the last year or so, the team at Breitling has actually been creating thoughtfully toned timepieces for much longer. The most recent addition to Grenchen-based watchmaker’s brightly coloured line-up is the Breitling Top Time Triumph, in partnership with the famed English motorcycle manufacturer.
Regular readers of Boss Hunting will know this isn’t the first automotive-inspired timepiece to leave the Breitling factory, with two special editions last year. The first was with Deus Ex Machina and the second was inspired by classic American muscle cars, with both executed using the classically designed Top Time model.
Featuring an eye-catching icy blue dial colour, this latest special edition is inspired by the classic 1951 Triumph Thunderbird 6T, a beautiful mid-century bike that was originally produced in an ice blue chrome. In the same tone, Triumph has created the modern Speed Twin Breitling Edition motorcycle, which is set to go on sale later this year.
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The specific shade of the Breitling Top Time Triumph might be compelling, but not as compelling as the finishing of the dial. Instead of the typical sunburst brushed batter that radiates from the centre of the dial, Breitling has created a tone-on-tone finish, splitting the dial into quadrants thanks to both vertical and horizontal brushing.
This unusual type of dial finish is guaranteed to play with the light nicely, with the rest of the dial real estate taken up by a pair of squared-off chronograph subdials that feature a snailed pattern, as well as the Breitling logo and Union Jack. Around the circumference of the dial, you’ll find a tachymeter scale for the chronograph – perfect for timing quarter-mile speed on your Triumph.
The polished stainless steel case measures 41mm in diameter and 14.2mm thick, making it a pretty wearable timepiece for most wrists. The chronograph is activated via the pair of polished pump pushers, which are nicely proportioned in relation to the rest of the case, and protecting the dial you’ll find a heavily domed piece of sapphire crystal.
Powering the new Breitling Top Time Triumph is the automatic winding Breitling 23 calibre, which runs at 28,800vph and offers a reliable 48 hours of power reserve.
As you might expect from a timepiece built for the open road, it arrives on a perforated calfskin leather strap that is secured with a steel folding clasp.
It’s an attractive way for Breitling to bring in the new year with their motorcycle collaborator Triumph, and demonstrates exactly what Breitling can do when they get a little creative with dial finishing. In addition to this special edition, Breitling and Triumph have also created a 270-piece limited edition that is only available to those who purchase a Triumph Speed Twin Breitling Edition motorcycle. If you’re in the market for a new bike, it’s more than worth considering.
The Breitling Top Time Triumph is priced at $7,590 and is currently available for purchase.
