Breitling and Triumph Motorcycles have once again teamed up to create two new Chronomat B01 42 Triumph, with one model being dedicated to the Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition motorcycle.
This will be the third collaboration between the luxury watchmaker and the motorcycle manufacturer. As part of this latest partnership stride, the two manufacturers will release two timepieces from Breitling and a special edition motorcycle from Triumph Motorcycles. Breitling’s release is firstly the Chronomat B01 42 Triumph, and with every purchase of the new Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition motorcycle, Breitling will also give the owners the privilege of acquiring the Chronomat B01 Triumph Owners Exclusive timepiece.
The previous collaboration between the two brands saw Breitling release the Top Time Triumph, a beautiful ice-blue dial watch with a base model of the Breitling Top Time. As you’d expect, the watch was referenced to a Triumph motorcycle, which in this case was the Triumph Thunderbird 6T motorcycle from 1951, echoing a similar shade of blue found on the dial of the watch.
Triumph Motorcycles was first established in 1902, and the brand celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2022. For more than three decades, the brand produced motorcycles based in Hinckley, Leicestershire. They have produced bikes that perfectly blend authentic design, character, charisma, and performance. They state that “more than 84,985 motorcycles were delivered in the calendar year 2023, and more than 800 dealers across the world in 2024; Triumph is the largest British motorcycle manufacturer.”
The two new creations from Breitling both share the base watch model of the Chronomat. The history of the Chronomat is that it was originally designed for the Italian aerobatics team Frecce Tricolori in 1993. The watch was released during the time of the Quartz Crisis, and it was the spirit of bold innovation of releasing a mechanical chronograph during this period that is the perfect fit for this latest collaboration with Triumph Motorcycles, who had their own pioneering role in the world of motorcycles.
“The Chronomat and the Speed Triple 1200 RR exemplify our joint devotion to the highest standards of design and performance. With Triumph, we share a rugged spirit that combines artistry with adventure.”
Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling.
Breitling X Triumph Chronomat B01 42 Triumph
The standard Chronomat B01 42 Triumph has a titanium case, and bezel with elements such as chronograph pushers, crown, and bezel ratchet finished in 18k red gold. I personally like the two-tone colour scheme for this collection, not just for the aesthetics but also because it references Triumph’s gold colour tones.
The dial is anthracite coloured with a sunburst finish, complimented nicely by the contrasting black chronograph counters. To match the 18k red gold finish on the case and bezel, Breitling has given the hour indices and hands, including hands on the counters, a healthy dose of 18k red gold as well. This not only lets these elements stand out against the anthracite dial but also achieves a well-balanced aesthetic look.
Breitling x Triumph Chronomat B01 42 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR
Like the standard model in this latest collaboration, the case and bezel are once again two-tone, being a mixture of titanium and 18k red gold. The main difference between the two models is that this special edition gets a carbon dial, created to mirror the high-octane aesthetics of the limited-edition motorcycle. The aesthetic look of this dial is in contrast to the standard Chronomat B01 42 Triumph, as the chronograph counters are now done in anthracite.
Both variations come with a brown leather strap with a folding clasp. However, the standard Chronomat B01 42 Triumph model gets a perforated leather strap, which perfectly fits the occasion as it is a “racing/ driving” inspired strap design.
Both versions also get Breitling’s Manufacture Calibre 01 movement. This self-winding mechanical movement allows for approximately 70 hours of power reserve while beating at a high rate of frequency of 28,800 VpH, allowing for a high level of accuracy. The movement functions the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock and the 1/4 of a second counter at 9 o’clock. Both models come with an open case back, which shows the beautifully finished movement with Côtes de Genève on the movement and winding rotor. The special made-to-order edition, Chronomat B01 42 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR, comes with a distinct engraving on the caseback that matches the individual number inscribed on
the top yoke of the bike, creating a unique set where the watch and motorcycle enrich each other’s story.
Speed Triple 1200 RR Motorcycle
Reflective of the new Breitling Chronomat Triumph timepieces, the new Speed Triple 1200 RR motorcycle is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. When you first look at this motorcycle, your eyes are immediately drawn to all the little details and elements that make it stunning to look at.
The 270 Speed Triple RR roadster is finished in beautiful metallic grey paint, reflecting the dials of the latest Triumph timepieces. It also has multiple hand-painted detailing throughout. The bike features ultra-light carbon fibre parts, a unique high-specification Akrapovič titanium silencer, and a bespoke leather seat with exquisite French stitching.
Breitling has also made its presence known in the details of the bike, from the custom Breitling start screen to the Breitling logo laser-etched onto the machined rear wheel finisher and a distinct gold Breitling badge on the tank. To further enhance the exclusivity of the motorcycle, each model is also individually numbered.
Final Thoughts
Whenever Breitling and Triumph Motorcycles collaborate, I feel that they produce something very special. I’m still quite fond of the Top Time Triumph, and this latest collaboration is no different. Out of the two models, I like the standard Chronomat B01 42 Triumph for its anthracite dial with a sunburst finish, with the black counters standing out subtly amongst the 18k red gold details.
What I also like about this model is the leather strap. I think Breitling should’ve also given the made-to-order exclusive Chronomat B01 42 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR the same perforated strap design as it is racing-inspired, making it the perfect fit for this collaboration.
The standard Breitling X Triumph Chronomat B01 42 Triumph is available to order from either Breitling boutiques, authorised retailers or the brand’s website. The exclusive made-to-order Chronomat B01 42 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR is only available for purchase for those who have bought one of the 270 Speed Triple RR roadsters.
Reference: TB0134101M1X1
Specifications:
- Case Size: 42mm / 50.5mm lug-to-lug
- Case Thickness: 15.10mm
- Case Material: Titanium with 18k red gold elements (bezel, chronograph pushers, crown)
- Dial: Anthracite with black chronograph counters. Triumph logo featured on the central seconds chronograph hand.
- Movement: Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01
- Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Movement: Power Reserve: Approx. 70 hours
- Water Resistance: 200m (20bar)
- Crystal: Cambered sapphire, glareproofed on both sides
- Strap/Bracelet: Brown perforated leather strap with folding clasp.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: A$15,490
Availability: Available through Breitling Boutiques and authorised retailers, or online at Breitling.com.au
Reference: TB01341A1B1P1
Specifications:
- Case Size: 42mm / 50.5mm lug-to-lug
- Case Thickness: 15.10mm
- Case Material: Titanium with 18k red gold elements (bezel, chronograph pushers, crown)
- Dial: Carbon with anthracite chronograph counters. Triumph logo featured on the central seconds chronograph hand.
- Movement: Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01
- Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Movement: Power Reserve: Approx. 70 hours
- Water Resistance: 200m (20bar)
- Crystal: Cambered sapphire, glareproofed on both sides
- Strap/Bracelet: Brown alligator-leather strap with folding clasp.
