The Breitling Colt Chronograph, reference A13388, is a watch built to be used that also happens to wear well. It sits in Breitling's Colt line, the brand's more rugged, tool-focused range, and it makes no secret of the aviation background Breitling is known for. A 44mm steel chronograph with a no-nonsense bezel, it is the kind of watch people buy to actually wear, not to lock away.
What makes it distinctive
The A13388 is built around a stainless steel case that houses the Breitling Caliber 13, a self-winding chronograph movement certified as a chronometer by COSC. The bezel is the giveaway detail. It is a unidirectional ratcheted bezel with Breitling's four rider tabs, easy to grip and easy to read, and a direct nod to the timing tasks the watch was designed for.
The dial
The dial is where the Colt earns its keep. It was offered in a few colors over the years, including black, blue, and silver, with three subdials for the chronograph and a date window worked in. It is a busy layout that still reads cleanly at a glance, and it sits under sapphire crystal, so it resists scratches and stays clear.
Movement and performance
Inside is the Breitling Caliber 13, an automatic chronograph movement built on the workhorse Valjoux 7750 and certified as a chronometer by COSC. That base is a good thing. The 7750 has kept time in serious chronographs for decades. It is robust, any competent watchmaker can service it, and it holds a power reserve of roughly 42 hours. Nothing exotic here, just a movement that works and keeps working.
Bracelet or strap
The A13388 turns up on two very different setups. There is the steel Pilot bracelet, which dresses the watch up and suits daily wear, and there is the Diver Pro rubber strap, which leans into the sportier side and holds up well in and around water. Which one you want mostly comes down to how you plan to wear it. The bracelet is more versatile, the rubber is more rugged.
What to look for when buying
If you are shopping for an A13388, a few things are worth checking before you commit.
- Confirm the reference and serial numbers, and ask for any original Breitling paperwork.
- Look at the movement's condition and timekeeping, not just the outside of the case.
- Check the bracelet or strap and the clasp for stretch and wear.
- Buy from a reputable dealer or a certified pre-owned seller, so authenticity is not left to guesswork.
For buyers around Arlington and the rest of Northern Virginia, that last point is the easy part. Seeing the watch in person, with someone who can walk you through the movement and the condition, beats trusting a set of photos from a stranger. You can also see our current listings on Chrono24.
Worth having
The Breitling Colt Chronograph A13388 is not the flashiest watch Breitling makes, and that is the appeal. It is a tough, legible, COSC-certified chronograph on a proven movement, the sort of watch that holds up to real use and still looks the part. For an aviation enthusiast, a diver, or anyone who just wants a capable everyday chronograph, it is an easy one to live with.
We carry certified pre-owned Breitling watches, the Colt Chronograph included. Have a look at our Breitling collection to see what is in stock.
