The 2010 Colt GMT + was officially introduced at the annual Baselworld 2010 trade show. The sporty three-hander 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. Now, tell me about “derivative works.”
The looks of its steel bezel hints that the timepiece may be used as a diving tool, and justly so since it is rated for water resistance of whooping 500 meters, even beating some “professional” models.
However, the Colt GMT + 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 DO like about this model, is its size. Being only 41.3 mm in diameter, the case will nicely fit just about any normal wrist. Also, the case is sporting nice proportions, not looking like a small tin can that is 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 “desk-diver,” but it partly ruins the overall 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 is indicated with a second hour-hand with a distinctive design that makes it hard to confuse the primary and secondary time zone readings.
You can see in the photos that 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 dial 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 a 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: IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph in Gold and Platinum
Photos: Breitling
Breitling Colt GMT + specification
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: Stainless steel, polished
Shape: Round
Transparent case back: No, solid cover
Size: 41.30 mm x 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