Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Breitling Colt Automatic reference A17035 perfectly encapsulates the robust, purpose-built aesthetic that defined Breitling's tool watches in the late twentieth century. Boasting a striking deep blue dial and the brand's signature rider-tab bezel, this timepiece was engineered for legibility and durability under extreme conditions. The combination of its highly legible Arabic numerals, substantial stainless steel case, and impressive water resistance rating makes it a versatile companion for both serious diving and daily wear. Its enduring design language remains as appealing today as it was upon its release, offering collectors a fantastic opportunity to acquire a classic Breitling sports watch in exceptional condition. Brand: Breitling Model: Colt Automatic Reference Number: A17035 Serial Number: 10082 Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2824-2 Dial: Matte deep blue dial with applied Arabic numerals, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1990 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with normal signs of wear. Movement has been recently serviced and performs smoothly. Dial and Hands The matte deep blue dial is in exceptionally clean condition, presenting a rich, even color without any visible spotting, discoloration, or moisture damage. It features prominent applied silver-tone Arabic numerals that provide excellent contrast and legibility, complemented by a crisp white printed minute track along the outer perimeter. The applied Breitling winged logo at twelve o'clock adds a touch of refined detail. Luminous square plots are positioned at the outer edge of the hour markers, showing a consistent and attractive creamy ivory hue. The broad, luminous sword-style hands and the lollipop sweep seconds hand match the dial's lume plots perfectly. The date aperture at three o'clock features a clean white date wheel with crisp black typography. The entire dial and hand set remains remarkably well-preserved, reflecting careful ownership and preserving a highly attractive visual presence. Case and Crystal The 40 mm stainless steel case displays a rugged yet refined profile, featuring polished case flanks and crown guards that contrast handsomely with the brushed finish of the unidirectional ratcheting bezel. The signature Breitling bezel is equipped with polished rider tabs at the quarter hours and engraved minute markings, showing honest, light surface scratches and scuffs consistent with normal use. The screw-down crown, proudly bearing the Breitling 'B' logo, operates smoothly within the protective crown guards. The solid screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Breitling logo, reference, and serial numbers, remaining highly legible and sharp. The flat crystal is clean and free of any deep scratches or chips, providing an unobstructed view of the stunning blue dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is a robust and reliable automatic movement, based on the proven ETA 2824-2 caliber, as clearly indicated by the stamp beneath the balance wheel. The movement features a beautifully finished rotor signed with the Breitling script and "MANUFACTURE EN SUISSE 25 JEWELS." The movement architecture is clean, with the perlage and brushed finishes presenting beautifully. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a deviation of +7 to +10 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome blue leather strap featuring white contrast stitching that perfectly complements the dial. The strap is secured by a polished stainless steel pin buckle featuring the raised Breitling winged anchor logo. The leather shows light signs of wear but remains supple and highly wearable. Condition This Breitling is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial and hands are pristine, while the case and bezel show only minor, honest handling marks and light surface scratches typical of a tool watch from this era. The engravings on the caseback remain sharp and well-defined. The overall aesthetic is highly attractive, showcasing a well-cared-for timepiece that retains its rugged charm and functionality. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 40 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This Colt Automatic represents a fantastic entry point into the world of neo-vintage Breitling. Its distinctive design, reliable mechanical heart, and striking blue colorway make it a standout piece for any collector seeking a versatile and durable sports watch with undeniable character. History Originally introduced in the 1980s as a robust military watch, the Breitling Colt collection quickly evolved into one of the brand's most accessible and popular lines. Designed with durability, functionality, and extreme readability in mind, the Colt inherited many design cues from the flagship Chronomat and Aerospace models, most notably the iconic rider-tab bezel designed to protect the crystal and facilitate use with gloves. Over the decades, the Colt has remained a staple of the Breitling catalog, celebrated for its no-nonsense approach to watchmaking and its enduring appeal among aviation and diving enthusiasts alike. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: BRE-BAA-0001