The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2022 - Issue 32

bitewatches In 1963, the Bonneville switched to unit con- struction, making it lighter, stiffer and more compact, thus pulling more power out of the motorbike. At the same time, the battery/coil ignition replaced the magneto-style ignition. The early ‘70s saw the Triumph 650 models receive a new frame that held the oil inside its backbone instead of a separate oil tank. However, it was not well received as the back- bone drainpipe only filled the oil halfway due to foaming problems, creating an inadequate oil supply. Further changes included a five-speed trans- mission upgrade in 1972, a designation to T140 with an increased 750 cc engine, and a new ten-bolt cylinder head and front disc brakes in 1973. Subsequent improvements saw a new rear disc brake in 1976, and the limited edition notable Triumph T140VJ Bonneville Silver Ju- bilee was introduced the following year. New cylinder heads and an improved Amal MKII carburettor were fitted in 1978, followed by an electronic ignition the year after. In 1979, Triumph made the classic more unique with the T140D Bonneville Special featuring Lester alloy wheels, siamese exhaust and a black-out engine. It also had negative-ground electrics and a new alternator with a re-de- signed timing cover. The start of the next dec- ade unveiled the ES model, the first to feature an electric starter, followed by the Executive model with hard bags. The rear brake calliper was moved above the rear swing arm. Today, specialist motorcycle firm Meister Engi- neering based in Geneva, Switzerland, trans- forms classic motorbikes such as the Triumph Bonneville T100 M-E 68 and 78 into unique machinery. Both models have a similar look, but the M-E 68 has a shortened seat to align with the proportion of the bike, Firestone tyres to give it an authentic vintage look, and black painted rims to make it look more harmonious. The M-E 78 has a longer wheelbase with tan seating and silver fairing. Thanks to their reputable work, Swiss watch- maker Raymond Weil commissioned Meister to customise the classic T120 and named it Triumph T120 Raymond Weil M-E 107. The watchmaker’s name depicted in rose gold foil is adorned on the fuel tank, inspiring the tex- ture of the 43.5 mm bronze case and the two counters gracing the dial on the Freelancer Chronograph Bi-Compax timepiece. Its sym- metrical bi-compax layout features a 30-min- ute chronograph counter and a small seconds display. Additionally, the tachometer and pulsometer scales engraved on the motorcycle tank cap are replicated on the Freelancer Chronograph Bi-Compax's satin-finished ceramic bezel in- sert and flange. The tachymeter scale on the bezel determines the speed of a motorbike or vehicle over a known distance. The bronze- toned flange representing the pulsometer scale allows the wearer to choose the heart rate of an individual. The vintage-inspired timepiece is available in a bronze case, limited to 300 pieces, with red and orange accents and a bronze and titanium case with blue accents. Its black smoked dial is influenced by the motorbike’s gradient effect paint that confers an exciting display with light tones at the centre of the dial and assumes a darker shade near the edge. The rich brown calf leather strap with contrasting stitching and a bronze folding clasp is inspired by the motor- bike’s leather-clad seat. The golden hour and minute hands are gener- ously proportioned in conjunction with the ap- plied indexes. Whilst the hour track is snailed, the indicators and indexes feature luminescent treatment, augmenting readability in restricted light. The colour of the central chronograph hand, the 30-minute register hand and the nu- merals on the pulsometer are all presented in orange shades. You’ll find the date display positioned at 6 o’clock, contributing to the overall symmetry of the dial. The date disc presented in black matches the dial colour that plays wonderfully with shades, depths and textures. At the back, the caseback is presented in titanium PVD stainless and powered with a calibre RW5030 movement visible through the exhibition case- back. The watch is also fitted with a W-shaped skeleton oscillating weight, with reference to the founders’ surname. The Freelancer Chronograph Bi-Compax and other Raymond Weil models are available on- line and in participating retailers. https://raymond-weil.co.uk