By Jovan Krstevski
Breitling simply captures what it really feels like to be at the heat of action. With the new addition to the Colt collection which is the fascinating Colt Chronograph Automatic, Breitling reinvents the famed watch collection dramatically from the inside out. Remember that the first Colt was launched in the 1980s and back then, they were simply remarkable simply because of their sturdiness being designed for use by the armed forces. The same thing can be said with the new Colt Chronograph Automatic which is born for some kick-ass practical uses although you can practically groom it by interchanging key parts to fit a specific occasion.
Unlike the previous models, the new Colt banks on the same familiarity with some minor additions, like incorporating additional technology and an improved more advanced officially chronometer-certified mechanical movement. The face of the watch is just amazing and I kind of like the protective reinforcements right from the bezel to the bracelets for a more durable feel. By the way, there are three versions of the watch but they only differ in colors and the straps which can be interchanged at will.
The 44 mm-diameter case is made of polished steel, showcasing an appearance of an elegant watch with essential curves and maximum readability, add to that the luminescence markers. The unidirectional, ratcheted bezel is designed to be multipurpose not just offering durable protection but practical functionality as well, making minutes counting as easy as possible. The two pushers are also made of the same polished steel, with a design that easily hides in the background. I’d really like if the pusher’s end were also grooved in some ways like the crown. On the other hand, the screw-locked crown featuring two gaskets is of course grooved and it’s more useful and beautiful that way than being bald and hard to turn. The screwed in case back is designed to protect the watch from extreme pressures whether from physical abuse or from the extreme forces of water pressure.
The dial is just superb with oversized baton hands for maximum readability and very visible hour-markers too. Breitling really made this one correctly because the sub dials are located where they should be. At the 3 o’clock position is the date function whilst the chronograph functions (1/4th second, 30 minutes, 12 hours) are strategically placed at the 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions. The crystal is a glare proofed sapphire glass which we all know is real hard and comes in very handy when you’re working on the field.
The watch draws power from the COSC certified in-house Caliber Breitling 13 automatic chrono movement (based on Valjoux 7750) capable of providing a minimum of 42 hours power reserve. Designed for the high performance watch segments, the watch is also water resistant up to 200m (660 ft).
What I like about this watch is that you are free to mix and match colors particularly the straps/bracelets which are classified as Leather, Diver Pro, and Ocean Racer or Professional. For more info, please visit breitling.com
Jovan Krstevski – Founder, Proprietor & Executive Editor
Watch collector, aficionado and a Event profile in the Swedish nightlife. He launched Watchgeek back in 2011, which is now known as WristReview and is one of the most widely read watch blogs on the Web. He quotes ’WristReview is a site to help people find, explore, discover and enjoy wristwatches.’ His passion jump started in his early teens, when he was given his first mid-range wristwatch which was an Omega Seamaster. Since then he has always been in love with wristwatches! Besides WristReview, he also writes for a number of publications. P.S. He is also a huge fan of The Man of Steel/Superman. Read his articles here.
