Breitling’s Top Time — loaded with retro charms inspired by the sporty chronograph first introduced in the 1960s, has proven its versatility once again with the Deus Limited Edition, the first step in a new partnership with the Australian-based lifestyle brand.The chances are good you’re familiar with the Deus logo; the distinctive shield that adorns the bottom of the Top Time’s dial can be found anywhere there’s cool — from bikes to apparel to boards. Deus — short for Deus Ex Machina (god from the machine), burst onto the cultural scene in 2006 with custom bikes.

The passion started in Sydney and gradually became a global culture centred on a love of the machine. The Top Time is the latest machine to feel the Deus love — though it must be said that the 41mm automatic chronograph is a little smaller than the bobbers and scramblers that are Deus’ more typical fare. But there’s certainly a shared aesthetic vision, as the bold panda dial and colourful tachymeter scale. Look closer, and you’ll notice the lightning bolt-shaped chrono seconds hand, and the Deus motto ‘In benzin veritas’ (in petrol we trust, naturally) and a retro road racer inscribed on the caseback.

This 1500 piece limited edition is only the first leg of the journey Breitling and Deus are taking together. Breitling has also formed a Deus Squad, comprised of competitive surfer Sierra Lerback, French bike engineer and maker Jeremy Tagand and custom surfboard maker Forrest Minchinton. In addition, Breitling is now the official timekeeper of the Deus Swank Rally, a friendly championship event for vintage and modern bikes (as well as anything in between).

Here’s hoping that the adventurous spirit of both Breitling and Deus takes us in some exciting directions.

Technical Specifications

Calibre: Breitling Caliber 23, automatic chronograph, 28,800 a/h, 48 hours of power reserve.
Case and Dial: Stainless steel, 41mm by 14.27mm tal, sapphire crystal, and snapped caseback. Silver dial with contrasting sub-dials.
Strap: Brown racing calfskin strap with pin buckle.