First offered around a year ago, the quartz-powered Breitling Colt 33 diver (sic!) gets updated for this year with a wide choice of straps that are crafted from Sahara leather: a natural material that is easy to recognize on first sight thanks to the numerous “dunes” that are embossed on its surface.
Judging by the photo that came with today’s press release, a buyer can now choose from a range of straps of different colors: something that looks like indigo to me, as well as red, white, orange, black, brown, and, yes: pink. The straps are not simply swapped at will but are accompanied by the same color accents on the silver dial.
The hour-markers are painted with colors that match those of the straps and, to make them more readable in darkness, are complemented with tiny squares of Superluminova. The hands are also luminous, although I am not sure whether such a modest portion of lume will be adequate for a watch that is rated for the whole 500 meters of water resistance.
Yes, this tiny monster is not just for show, like it is often the case with watches that are designed for women, but can actually be used as a real tool watch (of course, only in case if you won’t opt-in for a version with a diamond-set bezel) and may be used for serious diving if the lack of even a trace of Superluminova is not an issue for you.
Like it is always the case with Breitling, the timekeeper is powered with a chronometer-grade Caliber B77 SuperQuartz movement.
Based on the well-known ETA Thermoline 965.652, the thermo-compensated (hence the name Thermoline) movement brings you the standard functionality of a three-hander spicing it a little with a date window at 3 hours. The movement is claimed to be around ten times more accurate than a typical quartz engine.
I don’t want to make any comments regarding my opinion on the exterior since it was designed following the same lines as other Colt watches and you either like it or not. It is not deliberately massive, but it doesn’t look too fragile either. Its bezel with the traditional diving scale and a luminous dot at the “00” mark doesn’t look too thick and is easy to grip even with gloved hands.
Currently, the Colt 33 retails at some $3000 depending on the choice of materials and straps. Not sure how much Breitling plans to add to or subtract from the price if the piece is equipped with the Sahara leather strap.
See also: La Grande Classique de Longines L4.241.0.11.2
Photos: Breitling
Breitling Colt 33 specification
Movement: Quartz, caliber Breitling B77 SuperQuartz, base ETA Thermoline 956.652, EOL indicator, COSC-certified chronometer, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 7
Power reserve: 3-4 years
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: Stainless steel
Bezel: Steel (also available with diamonds)
Shape: Round
Size: 33.00 mm
Dial: Silver
Numerals: Arabic, applied
Hour markers: Luminous (red, blue, pink, orange, brown, black or white)
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 500 meters
Strap: Sahara leather straps of different colors on steel tongue buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective on both sides
Back: Solid