Breitling?s modern take on the decades-old Colt is true to the original, with features that have become hallmarks of the brand. From our archives, here’s a hands-on review of the new-look Breitling Colt.
Breitling revamped its entry-level Colt collection last year with a firm nod to the original series, introduced in the 1980s. Like the Chronomat and the Navitimer, the Colt was conceived as a military watch, with an emphasis on reliability and readability. Its 24-hour scale, aviator-style dial and broad, unidirectional bezel have come to define the unmistakable look of Breitling watches. The new collection is true to the original right down to the movements. Most of the new models contain quartz calibers, which dominated the watch world at the time of the Colt?s debut. We tested the sole mechanical version, with an automatic ETA caliber. An ETA movement was also used in the original series. The Colt has a screw-down crown and a broad, unidirectional bezel.
The new Colt Automatic resembles the Colt Superocean, which debuted in the mid-1990s and remained in the collection for several years. The new Colt replicates the old model?s screwable crown with protectors on both sides, pilot-style Arabic numerals and a broad, unidirectional bezel with engraved notches and raised cursors at the quarter hours. These cursors improve the grip on the bezel, making it easy to rotate even when you?re wearing gloves. They have become a characteristic feature of Breitling watches.
On the...