Breitling Colt

Breitling originally developed the Colt collection to meet military demands. The functional design that resulted is still a distinctive feature of the series today. This includes bezel rider tabs at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock. Breitling introduced rider tabs in 1984 with the Chronomat. Watches with rider tabs can also be found in the Aerospace and Avenger series. They function like small grips, helping you turn the bezel more easily. Over the years, the rider tabs have developed into a hallmark of Breitling watches.

When Breitling created a separate model series for the Colt watches in 2011, the rider tabs temporarily disappeared. The bezel was given a simpler design, resembling that of a diving watch. In 2014, the Swiss manufacturer returned to the original design, however, reintroducing both the rider tabs and automatic watches to the series.

Breitling offers a wide variety of watches for men and women within the Colt collection. At 38 mm in diameter, automatic models from the 1990s and early 2000s make particularly nice unisex watches. More recent models are much larger, ranging between 41 and 44 mm in diameter. Every automatic Colt watch has a design inspired by the collection's origins.

The stainless steel watch has domed sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating on both sides. This reduces glare and improves readability. The four rider tabs on the satin-brushed bezel give you a better grip while simultaneously protecting the watch glass from shocks and scratches. The dial is available in black, blue, or silver. You also have the choice between a three-row stainless steel link bracelet and various leather or rubber straps. The caliber Breitling 17, based on the ETA 2824-2 movement, powers the watch. The movement has a 42-hour power reserve, a date display at 3 o'clock, and has been certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

You can purchase a 38-mm Colt Automatic from the 90s for between 1,100 and 1,300 USD, depending on its condition. On the other hand, models of the same size from the turn of the millennium demand between 1,600 and 2,600 USD. Prices for current models, which measure 41 to 44 mm in diameter, range from 2,400 to 2,900 USD.

You can time up to 12 hours using the Colt Chronograph Automatic. The Breitling 13 caliber, based on the Valjoux 7750, ticks away inside this watch. The balance wheel vibrates at a frequency of 28,800 A/h, making it possible to accurately time to within 1/8 of a second. The power reserve lasts at least 42 hours. The chronograph resembles the Colt Automatic. Depending on its year of production, it measures between 41 and 44 mm in diameter. It also has the four characteristic rider tabs and a dial available in black, silver, and blue.

Early editions of this 41-mm chronograph cost around 2,000 USD pre-owned and 3,400 USD never worn. The 44-mm models were produced until 2017 and come in at between 3,600 and 4,100 USD.

One special version comes with a black-coated stainless steel case and black dial. Together with a textile strap, this timepiece pays homage to the series' military roots. It's comparable to another watch from Breitling, the Avenger. Plan to spend around 4,700 USD on this special-edition model.

From 2005 to 2011, Breitling also manufactured a GMT version of the Colt Automatic with a second time zone . Its 24-hour display functioned using an additional central hand. These pieces are powered by the caliber B32, based on the ETA 2893-2. Prices for one of these 40.5-mm Colt GMTs sit between 1,900 and 2,200 USD. The Colt GMT+ is almost one millimeter larger and can cost anywhere from 2,100 to 3,800 USD.

Up to a few years ago, the Colt collection also included quartz watches in addition to automatic watches. These models came in four sizes for both men and women: 33, 36, 41, and 44 mm. In terms of design, these quartz timepieces are similar to the collection's automatic watches. However, Breitling's characteristic rider tabs are missing from every model produced between 2011 and 2014. Since the early 2000s, these watches have been powered by very precise quartz movements, so-called SuperQuartz calibers. These SuperQuartz calibers are ten times more precise than a normal quartz caliber. What's more, they're also thermocompensated, meaning they compensate for temperature fluctuations. A battery power reserve indicator shows you how much energy the battery has left.

Plan to spend around 2,200 USD for a 44-mm never-worn men's model. Pre-owned pieces are usually only marginally less expensive. Meant predominately for women, the 33 and 36-mm models come in at between 2,000 and 2,500 USD, depending on their condition.

The Colt Lady is targeted specifically toward women with its smaller size (36 or 33 mm). Like its larger siblings, the Colt Lady is water resistant to 200 m (656 ft). Its striking bezel is available with diamonds. In addition to black, blue, or silver dials, Breitling also offers a mother-of-pearl dial for this women's watch. Versions with mother-of-pearl dials and diamond indices are particularly valuable. Be sure to have about 5,200 USD on hand for one of these timepieces.

Released in 2017, the Colt Skyracer stands out from the rest of the Colt collection. At 45 mm, it is not only the largest Colt model, but it is also constructed out of an extremely light and durable material: high-tech Breitlight made of composite fibers . A highly precise SuperQuartz movement also powers this watch, namely the Breitling caliber 74, based on the ETA Thermoline 955.652. This timepieces comes on a rubber strap and is water resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft). A pre-owned Skyracer goes for about 1,600 USD. If you're looking for a new version, be prepared to spend an additional 240 USD.

Breitling has been sending all of their movements, including SuperQuartz calibers, to COSC for certification since the early 2000s. The Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests the caliber for precision over a period of a few days. Quartz calibers must meet stricter criteria than the mechanical movements. For COSC certification, quartz movements may deviate from the reference time by no more than 0.07 seconds a day. That's equal to 25.5 seconds a year. In contrast, a standard quartz caliber can reach this deviation in just one month. Breitling's SuperQuartz movements deviate only 15 seconds a year, going above and beyond the COSC requirements.