Like many other Breitling models of recent years, the Colt Skyracer sports a military-inspired, all-black “stealth” look. Its 45-mm case is constructed of Breitlight, a a high-tech alloy that Breitling says is four times lighter than titanium but significantly harder. Among its other listed attributes are exceptional resistance to scratches, traction, and corrosion; thermal stability; and antimagnetic and non-allergenic properties, in addition to being warmer to the touch than other metals and, aesthetically, having a somewhat mottled surface texture. The case is water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet); it has a rubber-moulded, screw-down crown and a protruding bezel gasket protecting the domed, glareproofed sapphire crystal.
The “Volcano black” dial of this non-chronograph timekeeper is designed for maximum legibility, with big, white luminescent hands and hour numerals providing stark contrast with the black background, along with red accents that impart a cockpit instrument panel look. In keeping with this model’s military-use history, the dial also features a 24-hour timekeeping scale. The unidirectional ratcheting bezel is equipped with rider tabs for ease of use and is etched with a 60-minute scale. The date appears in a window at 3 o’clock.
The engine in the Breitling Colt Skyracer is Caliber 74, a thermocompensated “SuperQuartz” movement, 10 times more accurate than a standard quartz watch movement, equipped with a battery end-of-life indicator, and — like Breitling’s array of mechanical movements — certified as a chronometer by the Swiss testing agency COSC. Like the dial and bezel, the black rubber strap, made specially for the Skyracer model, features useful indications for aviators — relief measurement scales for 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 on the top (12 o’clock) strap section, and for centimeters and inches on the bottom (6 o’clock) section. Breitling’s removable fastening system enables the wearer to quickly and easily remove each section to use for measurements and just as smoothly re-attach it to the case.
Priced at $2,000 — and named for the high-performance MXS-R “Skyracer” aircraft flown by the Breitling Racing Team’s rising star aerobatics pilot Mike Brageot in the Red Bull Championship — the Breitling Colt Skyracer is clearly intended as an accessible, entry-level timepiece for aviation enthusiasts and other adrenaline junkies of all stripes. Here’s a wrist shot taken at Baselworld.
Nice watch. Purchased one for my son. The rubber strap failed within 1 month with light use. The attachment point is to light and prone to ripping. While a second strap was sent to us by Breitling we expect the same issue to occur due to the design. My son has since been able to fit a NATO strap.
I was liking this as I was reading it. And then I saw it wasn’t an automatic…. (sigh).
It may not be an automatic mechanical, but being a high end quartz, COSC certified and accurate within 10 seconds per year, makes it a pretty cool watch in my book.
Wonder where could it be purchased for the most convenient price?
Very cool!
When will they be available on the UK?
How much in sterling.