Colt GMT

[Adam]

Hey guys,

I am thinking about maybe getting a Colt GMT for christmas. I love the look of the watch and I am looking to add a gmt to the collection, what are your thoughts on it, anyone have one?

[Ben]

I don't own one of these, but I agree with you. It's a very handsome watch. Every Breitling I've handled is beautifully made with excellent fit and finish. I'm sure this one is no different.

I couldn't find any specific info on Breitling's caliber B32, but I am assuming that it's their enhanced version of the ETA 2892-2A - an excellent movement. Can't go wrong with that.

Breitling's watches have a very distinctive look to them, IMHO, and make great additions to a collection if you don't already have one. I think you should go for it! ;D

-Ben

[sb127]

Breitling makes some nice watches. I am DEFINITELY no expert on Breitling, but wouldn't mind owning one someday. The Colt GMT would be a nice companion to the 2254.50.

Maybe Chip will chime in here with some words of wisdom. ;D

[comatox]

If I would buy a Colt model, the GMT would be my choice.
It has a movement that is based on the ETA 2824, which is an older, thicker but solid and proven movement.
Of course, it is COSC certified.

I don't know if you had a chance to see the watch in person yet, but those are some things that kept me away from it:

1. While it's a 40mm watch (it is a bit smaller than a Seamaster GMT) due to the 500m water resistance it has a thick case, with a very small dial. That makes the watch look really small.

2. The ETA 2824 it's a thicker movement, and that translates into a thicker watch, that is not large enough from a diameter stand point to match the thickness.

3. The Colt line is perceived as the entry level Breitling, kinda like the AirKing is for Rolex. That means it will be tougher to sell if you should decide to do so later.

4. It's very very shiny.


Over all, I still like that watch. I never care for the resale value when I buy a new watch, simply because I buy it for me.
The ETA 2824, while not all that respected in the WIS community, is a very solid, robust and accurate movement that should serve you for a lifetime. Personally, I don't care what the WIS say about a movement. Just cause it's not "fancy" enough it's not a good reason for me to reject it. Simple is good. Simple is reliable.

You should be able to pick one up for about 1500 or so. I believe that it retails for about 2200, and 30% off is pretty common.
If you decide to buy from a reputable brick and mortar jeweler, do not settle for less than a 20% discount.


Also, you may want to look at a SuperOcean Professional. It costs a few dollars less, it's tougher, and it has applied Breitling logo on the dial. Also, it will be easier to unload if you should ever decide to do so.

[Adam]

Thanks for all of the replies


Sam,

I think anything would look good next to the 2254.50 ;D


Chip,

thanks for all of the info. You know your Breitlings, are there any watches you dont know a lot about ;D I will definitly take all of that into consideration, I have a couple of months to decide.

I have seen the watch, but have not tried it on. Actually I have never seen the new larger model only the 38mm one, this is why I never really liked it, but now that it is 40.5 I think it might be different.


I love the looks of the watch, the movement is the same as in the SMP's so I would be happy with that. The only thing that concerns me is the case size, I will have to try one on. As far as pleasing the WIS communnity, I dont think that will ever happen with a watch I own ;D I dont plan to ever buy a watch that could be sold to finance a house

Anyway I am looking for a GMT around $1500, and I have always loved breitlings, so this first came to mind.

[Adam]

I wish breitling made more GMT's a superocean Gmt would be awesome (maybe chip can cook one up for me ;D)

I have to say that breitlings website is by far the best I have seen.

[comatox]

If that watch speaks to you then go ahead and buy it! By all means. :-)

I noticed that you wrote that "it has the same movement as the SMP".
That is not accurate.
The Breitling is a modified COSC certified ETA2824 (see below)



which can be had for as little as $50
and the Omega uses a HIGHLY modified COSC certified ETA2892-A2.

Below is a pic of a ETA2892-A2 that is used as the base for the Omega 1120 used in the SMPs.

[Adam]

Chip,

In my 2005 wristwatch annual it says the colt has the caliber 32 then in parenthesis it says base ETA 2893-2.

I guess this might be a typo, we will have to research it further.

BTW, where did you get the pics of the 1120? very nice, I have been looking for some of those.

adam

[comatox]

That's a pic of the ETA movement and not the 1120.
John has some pics on his seamaster refference page.

[jasman]

I got my Colt GMT this summer and l just love it. I agree compared to the Auto, Quartz and Chrono (which are all 38mm cases) this one is a lot more substantial watch, although there is a lot of talk and some pictures of the Colt 2 which is supposed to be about 40 mm case size as well. I have yet to see one in person.

Yes it is very shiny and because of that, I tend to wear it only under a long sleeved shirt, I'm too afraid to scratch the bracelet, although I was thinking if that becomes a problem, I'd put a leather strap on it.

By the way, I do not think the movement on this watch is a 2824 (since it has a GMT hand) I thought the 2824 is a 3 hand movement with a calendar (date).

He's mine

[martynjc]

Bit of extra info that may be useful in your decision. I was looking at both Omega and Breitling for a GMT and ended up getting the Omega - mainly for the following reason:

The GMT hand (that rotates once every 24hrs - the small third hand) on the Omega moves independently of the hour/minute/second hands unless you hack the movement. The hour hand's position can be changed (in hour increments) *without* stopping the minute and second hands - this allows you to display the local time with the hour/minute/second hands without affecting accuracy ie hacking the time. The GMT hand shows GMT or 'home' time.

On the other hand the Breitling does the reverse - you can move the GMT independently of the hour/minute/second hand, but if you attempt to change the hour hand this hacks the movement, so you have to reset the time. In other words you use the GMT hand to display the local time and your hour/minute/second hands display the GMT time - which seems back to front.

So I went in the end with the Omega GMT co-axial.

The Breitling is useful if you want to show times in other countries on the GMT hand - the Omega is useful for traveling where you want to show the local time on h/m/s hands and home time on GMT without having to reset your watch.

I like the look of the Breitling Colt GMT new model - but functionality it just didn't do it for me.