The new Breitling Colt GMT + automatic wrist watch was officially introduced last month at the annual Baselworld 2010 industry event. The watch comes in an easily recognizable 41.3 mm stainless steel case and is equipped with the Breitling caliber 32 COSC-certified caliber, which is based on the ETA 2893-2 movement, which is a GMT version of the omnipresent ETA 2892A2 movement. Tell me about derivative works.

The looks of its steel bezel hints that the timepiece may be used as a diving watch, and justly so, since it is rated for water resistance of whooping 500 meters, even beating some “professional” models.

However, the watch doesn’t look like it was designed primarily for underwater adventures. The water resistance rating in this particular case looks more like a marketing gimmick rather than an honest statement of fact.

I mean, it is somewhat difficult to use the Colt GMT + as a diver’s timekeeper when its bezel seems to be screwed to the case and, even if it is indeed rotating, it is hard to see its readings since the part lacks any amount of luminescent substance whatsoever. Duh.

What I really DO like about this model, is its size. Being only 41.3 mm in diameter, the watch will nicely fit just about any normal wrist. Also, the case seems to be sporting very nice proportions, not looking like a small tin can strapped to your hand.

With its mirror-like polishing, the watch would look extremely cool on a polished stainless steel bracelet, but, unfortunately, Breitling’s designers decided to fit the timepiece with a black rubber strap.

Okay, the strap is more practical and it better suits the image of the “diving watch,” but it partly ruins the impression. Well, I guess the guys from the marketing are to blame.*

As the name implies, besides being a “real” chronometer, the Breitling Colt GMT + also features a second time-zone function. The GMT time is indicated with a second hour hand with distinctive design that makes it hard to confuse the primary and secondary time zone readings.

As you can see on the photos, the inevitable 24-hour scale of the GMT complication has been transferred from the usual inner part of the dial to its outer part, which is just great! Leaving the numerals inside the dial would not only make it look a lot busier, but would also require printing the digits in a smaller font making the watch look as ridiculous as the rest of the Colt family.

All in all, it is a beautiful watch and it will be a nice addition to a collection of financially sound Breitling enthusiast.

*Update: As far as I understood, there will also be a version of the Colt GMT + equipped with Breitling’s Professional bracelet made of stainless steel, so I stand corrected and offer my apologies to the guys from the marketing.

See also: Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph wrist watch

Photos: Breitling

Breitling Colt GMT + diving wrist watch specification

Price range: Around $3500
Movement: Breitling caliber 32 (base ETA 2893-2), automatic, COSC-certified, 21 jewels, Swiss Made
Jewels: 21
Cadence of balance: 28,800 vph
Functions & Complications: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Stainless steel, polished
Bezel material: Stainless steel, polished
Case shape: Round
Transparent case back: No, solid cover
Case size: 41.30 mm
Case height: Approx. 14.00 mm
Dial: Volcano black, Air Force blue, Tungsten grey and Stratus silver
Hands: Steel
Water resistance: 500 meters
Strap: Black rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Solid, engraved

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