The Best Entry Level Automatic Luxury Watch? - The Breitling Colt 41 Review (Ref. A1738811)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- One of the most frequently asked requests I get on this channel is a recommendation for a luxury automatic watch around $2000.
My first choices are always the Omega Seamaster, Speedmaster, and offerings from Tudor such as the Heritage Black Bay. However, this watch has made me change my perception of the usual suspects. This military inspired 2014 update of the Colt from Breitling offers a great deal for its price. With the style of an aviation watch, robustness of a diver, and legibility of a field watch, this highly versatile COSC certified automatic could just be the only watch you would ever need!
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I personally own an older Colt with a 38,5mm case and a stunning blue dial, just love it. Great review, thanks for sharing
By far the absolute coolest intro ever!
I think that the case kind of takes away from the tool watch aesthetic... reminds me too much of cheap fashion watches... but the dial is definitely something to behold
This opening... Is a must
i cant decide between the black and white.... i would go with blue but im waiting until i get my grail watch the omega golden eye seamaster. Its such a hard choice! what do you think black or white?
Great video TGV!!
Can we get an update on the war room?
Cheers
Hi Christian, I actually have it scheduled for the week after next, so stay tuned.
Hope you are well, thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry
Sweet! Will be looking forward to it T
Hope you're well also my friend take care
Cheers
Perfect video! Thanks TGV.
Thank you Matt, too kind.
Best regards,
TGV
Hello TGV. Could you possibly check out the Seiko x Sottsass Collaboration watch and give me your opinion on the design please? Thank you. And as always, keep up the amazing videos.
Thank you so much.
I will certainly look into the Seiko, already intrigued.
Best regards,
TGV
I've owned four Breitlings, and their quality is top-notch. I still regret selling my Headwind. They may not be to everyone's taste, but to deny their quality is just silliness. Some of the best bracelets in the business.
Jerry Mathers yeah man, I do the same, and from my large collection is the last which would go for sale
I'm glad there's something to deter you from throwing on another god awful nato! lol
Loved this video. I sell Breitling for Maison Birks in Ottawa, Canada (as well as Cartier, Tag Heuer, Montblanc, and Frederique Constant. I originally came in, and still very much am, as an Omega guy. But after training and getting to know the brand in great detail (and getting to meet a young Ted Schneider) I am very proud to represent it and I purchased a Chronomat GMT myself. Precisely, just like you, I also proudly recommend the Colt as an absolutely amazing entry watch. For now the company is still family owned as you said, their craftsmanship and finishing is extremely high standard, and they certify all watches as Chronometers (actually as the official partners of aviation they like to stipulate that the extreme and strict levels of testing and efficiency required in aviation and airplane engineering/testing, that that is what they want to mirror in their production of watches). The ETA movements are customized to be absolute reliable beasts, and I kind of often feel that if the price is a bit steep for an ETA model then the extra money invested is for the craftsmanship of the rest of the piece itself. The mirror finishes are nice but kind of a headache so I myself prefer the rare brushed models, including the one I own (their brushed finishing is quite pristine I find, you don't really see line streaks as you would on most other brushed timepieces, sort of soft satin finishing really).
One detail that is almost more of a closed circle info that I only found myself exposed to from training (although I think it should be more put out there as general knowledge as it is sort of a big deal), is the fact that Breitling strictly produces and stresses that all their production and parts are 100% Swiss, no corners cut to justify the swiss made label (some models don't even include it to avoid getting too cluttered), so I find that quite great. Also, their crystals are exquisite; the double AR coating is really no joke at Breitling. The only annoying thing is that the top AR layer could get scratched over time and replacing the crystal for the flawless aesthetic purpose is always at extra cost, even after full service/refurbish the crystal isn't refinished or changed (unless cracked/chipped), but is always offered as an additional service. But compared to other outer AR coatings out there with Breitling it is still extremely robust I find. Cute thing from Breitling was when I finished my training they surprised me by sending me this nice rose gold tone Breitling wings lapel pin in a nice little pill shaped Breitling stamped cushion case as a sign of becoming a 'Breitling Captain' haha, has a very nice avionic feel.
If you ever get your hands on reviewing one of the inhouse movements I would love to see that. My watch has the GMT version B04 movement, its extremely robust and looks very beautiful and is ridiculously accurate. I've tested the 70 hour power reserve over a weekend and truly it just keeps going. It also possesses some great convenient tech like the quick date (you can change date whenever even right before midnight, there's no risk to the movement) and the heart cam system for resetting the chrono. Honestly one of my most favourite movements on the market today amongst a couple others. Warranty for 5 years and all Breitling watches come with an electronic e-warranty card since a few years now which is cool I think.
Sorry for the essay, much of my knowledge comes from self study especially from watching your channel, but Breitling is one of the few brands where I had to learn most about it through direct experience on my own and its great to see when we end up matching on many points in the end from your own reviews. Cheers!
Brian Valta Thank you for your comment which I enjoyed reading.
So are you saying you like breitling?!?
I also got that problem with the superior AR coating on my Colt, it scratched , there are like hundreds of minor scraches on the coating...I was wondering if I can polish the glass.
I bought the Superocean 42 last gen ETA 17 and the thing is a super accurate workhorse, sometimes it loses one second a week. Loved it so much that I bought the Heritage 2 42 B20, and completed my collection. Breitling finishes their watches like no other and they're work horse luxury tools that will last forever. Funny enough bought them both at Sherway Birks Toronto
Hello fellow Ontarian
"Once upon a time in the west" that was one awesome movie. Saw it numerous times. Fantastic intro, love it.
Very nice!!
"Harmonica"
It was... may just be my favorite Sergio Leone western as well...Although the Eli Wallach/Clint EastWood combo in The G,B,U was alslo amazing at times.. would have to be between those two
True. Although "Once upon a time in America" is a Leone masterpiece as well. A true gangster/mob movie, magnificent and underrated movie.
once upon/America was great as well, but more so as an EPIC. It didn't quite have the stylistic, sarcastic flavor his westerns had.
There's that turtleneck! You just keep on being you, TGV. Cheers!
Thank you sir! ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
Tuckleberry Finn it is called Garbo
+Alex imd And how do you call the haircut? :-)
Recently got the new 2018 refreshed Breitling Colt 41 with metallic silver dial on leather strap. Amazing watch.
I bought the Colt as my first luxury piece last year and never looked back. The built quality of case and bracelet, the sheer detail of the dial, the weight.... few watches beat it when it comes to bang dor buck. I have since added a Tudor Black Bay and a Speedmaster Reduced to my collection. But I find myself wearing the Colt more than anything because its versatility is hard too match. Looks great with a suit or shorts. Cant recommend it enough
I own the 2011 A17380 model and love it. IMO it's one of the most underrated watches in Breitling's collection. For someone who doesn't want a 46+mm watch but likes the Breitling design and attention to detail with the high polish, this piece works incredibly well.
I see that "unintentional" breitling cap hanging in the top corner haha excellent video man
That intro though, brilliant!
Thank you Paul :D
Best regards,
TGV
my god that intro...
Thank you :D
Best regards,
TGV
Justust watched this video on my 4K TV, OMG, crazy TGV, the Breitling looked like it was in my living room, and I could touch the watch through the tv.
Just bought my son one of these for his 18th Birthday! Its 6 months away but really looking forward to seeing his reaction - I know he'll love it!
@Mojan Rijouna I Know!
How’s that spoiled? He’s turning 18, that’s a suitable gift… He’s becoming a man and 3-4 thousand dollars isn’t ridiculous to imagine for such a gift.
It reminds me of the Yatchmaster
Please do a comparison video with the Sinn 104! They have so much in common and it would help me decide between the two :)
Best greetings.Athough I watch your vlog quite frequently it is my first commentary.Great job on the Colt review, not only because I own one. The price - definitely not 2K. it is about 3,5 grand- for Colt 44 on the bracelet. In fact this is the first time I have seen a Colt on the polished brcelet. They usually come on the brushed ones which are very resistant to scratches. Quite a heavy piece,certainly felt on the wrist. Keep up with the good job. Best greetings
Just got a preowned 38mm Breitling coltOcean white dial auto with the italicized applied "even" numerals. Running spot on. Love it.
I picture a Royal Navy Admiral wearing this. They really pull off the nautical theme well, whether they meant to or not. It is a sum of its parts, there are some things (like the raised bezel quarter markers) that I normally wouldn't like, but the design elements on this watch really come together.
Hi TGV
Charles Bronson MUST have worn a Colt during his spare time. That movie has STYLE in spades.
What a cool watch, and so versatile. A aviator/field/divers watch all in one. And even elegant enough to be worn to formal occasions too.
If I should own only one watch I would certainly consider this. And I would surely recommend it if someone asked me for advice for a single timepiece.
Normally Breitlings seem a little too much "bling-bling" for my taste. (Sorry Tristano; I know that you love your Navitimer. And I surely hope that you will be happy with it for all eternity). But this one is truly very tasteful...
And the quality? You probably don't even have to ask the question with a Breitling😊
the black one is great greetings from Portugal 👌👍
Really surprised by how much I love this watch. Awesome review.
I bought this exact Colt 41, not the plainer newer model. It looks and wears amazing.
@@michaelriera6277 How does it compare to the current 'Avenger' from Breitling?
Very similar to the Avenger but just in smaller proportions and my Colt 41 is entirely brushed so no polished center links like three Avenger. I like the Colt 41 because it has the detailed military dial in blue and the classic Breitling features like rider tabs and off center links all in a smaller package.
What a fun intro!
Looking in to getting the very last model of the colt ( before the line was discontinued ). It’s is very restrained and fully brushed. Exactly what I love
This is my daily, superb superb watchmaking
How does it compare to the current 'Avenger' from Breitling?
Great review TGV. I have the GMT version one before the update in 2014 (they don't make a colt GMT anymore) and it was much higher priced than the now entry level colts at the time I got mine. It has a nicer finishing (same case as the chrnonomat) gorgeous engraved back and movement based on the 2892 instead of the 24. Honestly in my opinion one of the perfect GMTs out there. Also instead of 200 meters water resistance I get 500 meters and all applied markers are mirror finished Arabic numerals. I have a few pictures of it on my instagram @thewatchhipster.
This is the pick of the entire Colt range imo. Very overlooked GMT 500 metre timepiece.
Best review ever of the most beautiful watch (I can afford :-))
This is the one I want. What a magnificent piece. Ive been saving up for the moment. Hopefully this summer.
Did you get it?
Thanks for the review TGV! After Rolex, Breitling is my scond brand to go to in luxury watches class. For my beater watches I get Seikos. I got a Seiko which is an omage (sorry for my spelling) to Breitling and a a looker! :)
I'm sold! I agree with everything in this very detailed review! The new refresh for 2018 addresses some of the concerns. Gone is the hi-polish bling, replaced by a more appropriate brushed finish for a tool watch. Two new awesome face colors are introduced, metallic grey and a silver-white. The dial has been cleaned up, making it less busy.
I like how you give positive AND negatives of watches in your reviews. It’s nice to have a balance. I feel too many reviewers ONLY give positives. There is no perfect watch and I’m glad you take that approach.
Too much high polish for me, but another stellar review none the less.
It fades over time- becomes much more subtle
If you don't like that, buy the A17380, it's the older model and is brushed instead, I've got one coming in 2 weeks, will definitely upload an unboxing video of it.
this is my next watch only in 44! i cant wait!!!!!! how tall are you?
This is my every day aviation professional watch. Became a part of my cockpit instruments. Keeps excellent time, and looks even “excellenter”!
I was going to get a speedy but then you said the quality is not as good as Breitling :(
This is A17313, not A17388
"In fact you would put it on a nato strap" 😂 my God. You know nothing about modern military. We would NOT put it on a nato. Rubber or bracelet all the way.
I never saw anyone use natos in Afghanistan, but you just believe what you want to believe.
Great Review TGV, I've considered this Breitling myself. However your point on the case back was the deal breaker for me!! So the Sea Master 300 won the battle!! Great Stuff! BMJ ENGLAND..
Thank you BMJ, solid choice ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
Entry Level? Uh, no, entry level would be a Frederique Constant dress watch or perhaps a Grand Seiko.
Good choices,
Thanks for watching,
Best regards,
TGV
Agreed. Not an entry level watch. When it's +4000 USD here in Europe then it's not entry level
No drilled lugs is also a big con for us with this particular tool oriented piece. And yes, that high polish finish will be a scratch magnet not to mention will look very dirty and dingy very easily. A solid and respectable choice nonetheless for someone looking for their first luxury Swiss piece. Great video as always, TGV!
Thank you guys, very much appreciated.
Hope you are both well.
Best regards,
TGV
Hey TGV.Loving the vids.The western intro was great.Im considering a seiko prospex Padi any thoughts??similar bezel to skx
Thank you Craig, I hear it is amazing.
I just ordered another Seiko diver myself, you can't beat them for the money!
Enjoy.
Best regards,
TGV
Just bought the new one with the wingless logo absolutely love it
I recently came across a Sinn in this price range that made me wish I were a whole lot classier. I don't think the Sinn 1736 Classic would go with my jeans and t-shirt but oh what a watch.
The 1736 is beautiful and quite frankly a perfect and underrated dress watch.
Great review TGV, almost bought the colt. Look on your Facebook page for my son sporting my SuperOcean 44 with his 3" wrist!
Fonda and Bronson .
This watch is one of the best that I've owned. I have the 44mm model and it sits perfectly on my 6.75" wrists due to the curved lugs just as you mentioned.
No competition the last time I checked TGV holds the ace, the introduction shows the brilliance of this channel. TGV is the yardstick and the Gov'nor is the man behind this fantastic presentation with so much class. Excellent review of the Colt 41.
I enjoyed this review of the Breitling Colt 41. From all that I saw and heard in this video review I'd be proud to own such a watch. The review makes this Breitling wristwatch appetizing. Love its dial and overall symmetry.
Great video and well done review! I decided to pull the trigger on it and your review definitely helped. One correction for you, the weight of 194 grams is actually for the 44mm version. Mine is 150 grams with two links removed, which adds to the comfort that you point out. Thank you for putting the time in to do the review!
I recently purchased this watch and was very pleased with it. As a bush pilot it is robust enough for day to day use (temperature and density changes) while still being a noticeably luxury item. It is a bit of a scratch magnet, however as an entry level It’s not the end of the world. I would much prefer to get full use out of it and send it for a good polish and service every 2 years then have it sat in a draw.
Yeah, umm........ Americans don’t actually like westerns. We only watch some of them for certain actors. Outside of only a few Clint Eastwood westerns, they are pretty much universally hated and unwatchable here. We only watch the funny westerns like Blazing Saddles, A Million Ways to Die in the West, Shanghai Noon, and Back to the Future 3. The real American cowboys we all love are 70’s through 90’s cop movies (Dirty Harry, Top Gun, Bullit, Mission Impossible, Beverly Hills Cop, Schwarzenegger all, Stallone all, Nicholas Cage all, Cruise all etc).....
I have this watch in a quartz version. With rubber black band. Like it quite a lot but mostly it is just in my closet..... I only wear a watch when i go away or to a special occasion )))))
Nice review, how it’s feet on 18,5cm wrist maybe it will be small or not. And which model is better to buy, this one or Longines hydroconquest chronograph new 2018 model with ceramic bezel L3.783.4.96.6
Great video, as usual. Exceptional intro !
I'm not a fan of the bezel on that Breitling, also can't really justify spending 2k on ETA watch. The rest is great and done well.
I wish I'd picked up a watch like this years ago... would have likely avoided flipping dozens of lower end watches until I found what I truly appreciated. Nice video and this is a solid watch to acquire.
Cheers
I have looked everywhere for this watch on the used market. Seems impossible to find in 41mm!😢
"Obviously wouldn't recommend wearing it with formal attire"
Why?
Maybe it’s a little too chunky and tool watch esc?
Anything more than 50m WR is probably not a dress watch
For a while I was skeptical about the idea that the industry might be moving back towards more conservative case diameters, but then Omega answered my prayers and announced a 39.5mm Planet Ocean, so I think you may be on to something!
TGV do a review on breitling avenger 43.5mm on bracelet black or blue dial. They are perfectly designed 👌
Even though it’s considered entry- the Colt is one of my top entries by Breitling.
Beautiful intro!
The Breitling the counts are the one with in house movements. Colt runs with ETA. So... I want to see a chonomat B01, or a Navitamer with the same movement, but not Colt, or others tipes with modified eta...
these pricing differences are bullshit, i am looking now and its around breitling is around $2000+ more for me no matter the model... i am in europe not the US though
My super ocean is one of my favorite pieces I wear everyday
Tried to sell my Breitling M2000 to an Jeweler but he refused to buy it by saying: Breitling is a dying brand and he won't be able to sell it anymore❗ Unbelievable❗The second I heard that I tried to get rid of it as soon as possible. Now I own an 2016 Rolex Submariner 116610 LN and couldn't be happier. 👉It holds its value and...its a freaking Rolex😎
I think the right ref for the 41mm models is A17313 or A17380. The given ref A1738811 is for the 44mm
I just checked the price of the watch online. It's above 3K excluding tax tho. At least what I have seen.
Charles Bronson was so bad ass in the day. Chuck Norris would have met his match! Great vid TVG.
Enjoyed you video I have one it's 20 years old I need to spend €600 on it do you think it's worth it I love the watch
You are very talentet. Good review and intro. Excuse my englisch🤣😊
I would love to have a breitling... I just can't afford one... :/
be keen for you to do a chronomat review
Nice size for a Breitling but that bracelet looks like a scratch magnet to me.
Have always liked this watch but always thought the angled bracelet links was plain weird.
love the Sergio Leone homage
Would this fit a 6.6 inch wrist? (16.8cm)
got a bunch of Rolex....Brietling is just FAR better,
Just got one today and love it
This would look stunning on a rich dark brown leather strap..
By the Way : this Watch was released in 2016, in 14 there was only the 44mm Size.
Also i dont really get your last point about the the overpay cause of the luxery Brand.
Breitling ist outside of the watch world maybe the 2nd best known Brand after Rolex and of course this comes at a cost. Also it costs less than an SMP and less than a half compared to a Submariner (which of course is superior when it comes to the movement and Clasp but in my opinion loses in AR Coating and the Rest of the Bracelet)
Sergio Leone climax are classic, love his western!!!
Iv watched this review 20 times over 4 years. Going to get one of these. I can't decide on 41 or 44mm. Black or blue. 7.6 inch wrist. Any ideas?
If you haven't purchase yet, definitely go with the 44mm. I have the 44mm in the marina blue and have a 7-inch wrist - with your size wrist you will regret getting the 41mm. I have several other watches that are the same size, and this specific watch wears small for a 44mm. IMO, this is the nicest Colt Model. If you go w/ a stainless steel bracelet, the brushed bracelet looks great. this video had the polished. IMO the brushed looks better. You won't regret the purchase... looks much better in person. I would also go with the blue, but the black is nice as well. Good luck!
i want it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i now have it. stupid for breitling to discontinue this model. Looking at the dial i can see that nobody does AR like Breitling
Very nice intro ! I was not aware of breitling entry model, thanks for making the review !
Thank you :D
Glad I could help,
Best regards,
TGV
Hi TGV,
Thanks for the introduction to the Breitling Colt. It has drawn my attention several times now but I wasn't sure about it. I'm glad you mentioned the highly polished case and bracelet as a negative point. As it is a military inspired tool watch, I would prefer a brushed surface with only some wisely chosen polished parts. But overall, as you said, a highly recommendable timepiece.
Best regards,
Claus
Wasn't that a private conversation?
That figures.
So it's all about sponsors? TGV's fans really need to read this, you should post it more prominently.
This watch isn't around 2000 USD. It's 3500.
4200 USD in Europe cause of 20% tax. So it's a shame calling it entry level.
TGV did you forget to show the bezel in operation? I need to hear that click!!!
It's in there! :d
Thank you Adam,
Best regards,
TGV
I've tried one on with a leather strap, very nice.
This model with a white dial or a new model (2018) ?
Once Upon a Time in the West--the best western ever, and made by an Italian. I'm sure you agree.
I could not agree more :D
Thank you Al,
Best regards,
TGV
great intro love it
Thank you :D
Best regards,
TGV
How is the Colt compared to the Sinn 104?
Hey TGV, Do you think I should buy a blue seamaster 300m diver which was made in 2000, 2006 or 2013(Coaxial)? They are three different designs and I do not know which one to buy. Which would you recommend?
fierydaniel125 If I may put my 5 cents in, from what I know the co axial movement is a machine Omega basically has to service themselves, an independent watch maker will not be able to service it for you properly. But that may not be an issue for you if you were going to service through Omega anyway.