Breitling Top Time Deus Chronograph Limited Edition
The Breitling Top Time Deus Chronograph Limited Edition is a dual-branded creation, made in collaboration with Australian brand, Deus Ex Machine. While the Swiss marque is clearly very adept at marketing, there is much substance to this latest product. Indeed, the bi-compax chronograph exhibits a wonderful period charm and is very keenly priced.
Shortly after Georges Kern assumed the role of Breitling‘s CEO in 2017, the firm began establishing ‘squads’. These ‘squads’ include ‘Spotlight’, ‘Cinema’, ‘Triathlon’, ‘Aviation Pioneer’, ‘Explorer’ and ‘Surfer’. The squads comprise leading figures from the silver screen, the world of sport as well as courageous types engaged in an array of high-adrenaline pursuits. Each squad member is beautiful, toned and successful in their own field.
The ‘squads’ are a shrewd marketing tool that Kern has skilfully employed, inviting would-be Breitling owners to live vicariously through these picture-perfect individuals. Now there is a new squad, aimed at targeting another niche that hitherto has escaped Kern’s gaze. The ‘Deus Squad’ is made up of thrill-seeking motorcycle riders who yearn for the open road, yearning for care-free moments.
Australian firm, Deus Ex Machine, is known for crafting a varied selection of customised motorcycles. However, since the company was founded in 2006, the brand has gained a cult following with many free spirits purchasing clothing from its extensive range of apparel.
Despite being a former marketing professional, I confess to being a tad cynical about such tactics. In my opinion, it is the product which matters most. Thankfully, the Breitling Top Time Deus Chronograph Limited Edition, a dual-branded creation, is stunning.
The dial is described as ‘silver’, albeit it looks cream-coloured in the brand’s images. It is a bi-compax design, featuring two snailed counters. The shape of the counters is a fusion of circular and square forms imbuing the watch with a retro appearance. The small seconds hand is orange, while the hand on the 30-minute chronograph register is red; this juxtaposing of orange and red hues is repeated throughout. For example, the luminescent hour and minute hands are framed with an orange border and the central chronograph seconds hand resembles a red lightning bolt.
The silver-toned baton-style indexes are comparatively conventional but work beautifully with the other dial elements. The ‘silver’ central dial includes a track marked with black strokes positioned every ½-second. A black tachymeter scale encircles the central dial area and features ¼-second markings. The phrase ‘In Benzin Veritas’ is located between 1 o’clock and 2 o’clock.
At the heart of the watch is the Breitling Caliber 23, an automatic, COSC-certified movement. The 41mm stainless steel case includes a solid caseback engraved with a depiction of ‘a retro-looking motorcyclist in full flight designed by Deus creative director Carby Tuckwell.’ There is a charming retro feel throughout which is reinforced with the standard-fit brown racing-themed calfskin strap.
Limited Edition: 1500 pieces
Price: £4100 (RRP as at 23.2.2021)
The brand’s press release (February 2021)
We’re stoked to announce our partnership with Australian lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina – the inspiration for Breitling’s rugged, retro Top Time Deus, designed for earth-based gods and goddesses who live and love an adventurous life.
As part of this exciting new partnership, Breitling is now also the official timekeeper of the Deus Swank Rally – the epic motorcycle championship celebrating vintage bikes in diverse locations around the world, including Italy, France, Australia, and Bali. But the Top Time Deus Limited Edition isn’t just for bikers, as Breitling CEO Georges Kern points out.
“Bikers, boarders, surfers, digital nomads … this is a timepiece for dynamic people of action, purpose, and style. Our versatile Top Time Deus celebrates having the freedom to explore the world your way, at your pace.”
The people behind Deus Ex Machina share this view. “The Deus philosophy recalls an era before the various pursuits of fun – motorcycling, surfing, skateboarding, whatever – were marketed into fundamentalist factions. All are welcomed under the Deus roof,” says founder Dare Jennings.
Meet the Deus Squad
And anyway, who says you have to pick just one pursuit? Californian Forrest Minchinton, who’s passionate about surfboards as well as motorcycles, is a prime example.
“It’s all about a life well ridden, and if you can stop time while keeping time, all the better,” says Minchinton. He’s part of the triumvirate of Breitling’s new Deus Squad – which also includes Hawaiian competitive surfer Sierra Lerback and French motorcycle engineer and designer Jeremy Tagand.
All three have been involved with Deus Ex Machina for years and are now a part of its rugged and fearless DNA. Breitling is excited to have them on board for the launch of a timepiece that expresses their no-limits approach to life.
Whenever Adventure Beckons
Co-designed with Deus Ex Machina, the Top Time Deus chronograph is a nod to Breitling’s original 1960s edition and a true tribute to the nomad spirit. The first Top Time had a clear mission – suiting the needs of “young and active professionals” with a range of “ultra-modern” chronographs. The retro vibe of today’s edition has an enduring appeal. It’s not about keeping time, but rather expanding it whenever adventure beckons.
Bold yet classy, this new version sports a racing-themed calfskin leather strap. Its silver dial displays yellow and orange details, squircle-shaped chronograph counters, and the Deus logo and its adage “In benzin veritas” – offset in white on its black tachymeter scale. The back of its 41-millimetre stainless-steel case features the iconic Deus artwork of a retro-looking motorcyclist in full flight designed by Deus creative director Carby Tuckwell. It is powered by the Breitling Caliber 23, a COSC- certified chronometer with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
But maybe the quirkiest detail is its chronograph hand in the shape of a lightning bolt. And like lightning, you’ve got to be fast: there are only 1,500 of these available. In its first four weeks, the Top Time Deus will be an online exclusive before hitting Breitling’s global retail network.
Customers who order the watch online at www.breitling.com will also get a stunning limited-edition Deus coffee table book and unique canvas tote bag.
Further reading