Big, light and reliable are the watchwords for the Breitling Colt Skyracer, one of the brand’s pre-BaselWorld releases. The Skyracer follows the usual Breitling standards, including a strong predisposition towards aviation and ultra masculine ruggedness. What’s especially noteworthy here is the use of Breitlight the proprietary and trademarked material the Swiss watchmaker debuted last year in the massive 50mm Avenger Hurricane last year. This model, which bears the same name as the plane that flies Breitling colours in the Red Bull air race, clocks in at 45mm. The watch firm spends its entire release calling the Colt Skyracer a champion and, in its use of Breitlight, it certainly is.

In summary, Breitlight is a composite material that makes the Skyracer lighter than either steel (by 5.8 times) or titanium (3.3 times) but keeps it as tough as either. To reiterate, it isn’t carbon fibre either but a polymer of some kind that Breitling machines and shapes into watch cases. There actually isn’t any information on the actual process yet, which is not unusual when the brand is protecting a proprietary process. Nevertheless, this is the first time the material is appearing in a standard model intended to interest collectors at the entry level so we will seek some clarity from Breitling representatives at BaselWorld 2017.

To return to this model, the Colt Skyracer is part of the most basic range of Breitling watches. Powered by a thermocompensated SuperQuartz movement, the watch is COSC certified. Usefully, it has a battery end-of-life indicator (though not on the dial). This is the kind of utility that most watchmakers don’t include and will no doubt be of great value to Breitling fans. The dial is characterised by its use of both a clever 24-hour scale that allows it to keep the regular utility of a 12-hour scale. Another clever bit of engineering here is the rubber strap, which bears various measurement scales. The strap can actually be easily removed and reattached, making it quite practical to use the straps to measure things, as needed.

Specifications:

Movement Quartz calibre 74, COSC-certified;

Case 45mm Breitlight with unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel

Water resistance Up to 100 meters

Strap Rubber

Price Unavailable