I have been wearing the Breitling Colt in blue (A17388) for walks for about half a year. This detailed test shows whether the Breitling entry-level watch can step out of the shadow of pilot replica watches such as the Breitling Navitimer…
The Breitling Colt: military watch from a historic pilot’s watch manufacturer
Like so many success stories, Breitling’s began in a small workshop founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in the Swiss Jura to dedicate itself to the production of chronographs and counters, precision instruments for sports, science and industry.
However, Breitling is quickly expanding its focus and has always had a number of historical connections to aviation, for example to the Royal Air Force, which equipped its famous propeller fighters with Breitling on-board chronographs in the 1940s. Even in the post-war period, Breitling equipped many airlines with its on-board chronographs.
Even though a mechanical watch in the cockpit is no longer necessary in today’s digital age, Breitling still maintains its historic pilot’s watch image. Since 2003, Breitling has had its own jet squadron with seven L-39 C Albatross – pictured here with the Hollywood actor, passionate pilot and brand ambassador John Travolta.
Test of the Breitling Colt A17388 blue on a rubber strap with folding clasp
Although Breitling’s diving and military watches may be a little overshadowed by aviator models, such as the classic Breitling Navitimer launched in 1952, the Breitling Colt also has an interesting historical background, as the model was originally designed for the military in the 80s. The Breitling Colt quickly became very popular with average consumers, which is why the model series still exists today.
Interesting: Breitling doesn’t even try to position the Colt in the maritime sector in terms of image. The manufacturer remains true to its line and also promotes the Colt as part of its pilot’s watch image.
Now let’s get to the promised test…
Case, crown and bezel
The similarity of the Breitling Colt A17388, released in 2016, to the no longer available Breitling SuperOcean Steelfish, which I was once able to call my own, cannot be denied.
Nevertheless, the Breitling Colt with the reference no. In my opinion, A17388 is a bit more modern and fresh in design…
But the crucial difference is the following: While the Breitling SuperOcean Steelfish regularly dangled uncomfortably on my wrist due to its height and heavy weight, the Breitling Colt, despite having the same diameter (44mm), is a real miracle of comfort: with a height of only 11mm and a significantly lower weight Although (subjectively) it doesn’t feel quite as high-quality as the heavy Steelfish steel block, it is wonderfully comfortable to wear in everyday life.
The case itself is rather simple, but still quite noticeable due to the many polished surfaces. In contrast to this is the “brand face” of Breitling: the striking, satin-finished bezel, which runs through the entire Breitling collection in this or a similar form:
