The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I'll be picking up my very first Breitling (Super Avenger) tomorrow on a speed bracelet. I would like the flexibility to change out the bracelet for a leather strap, and although Ive used the SEARCH function extensively to find out how it's done, I haven't been able to find what size strap will work, and fit my wrist. I believe the answer is 24mm, but what do the other numbers denote, for instance here... 110/90?My wrist size is 7" http://www.panatime.com/2424bllegafo.html

Anyone have any recommendations or experience using third party straps? Panatime? Do I also need to order extra pins?

Thank you!

Matt

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OK, first of all your SA will be coming on the Pro II bracelet not the Speed bracelet as that is a Bentley model bracelet and it doesn't quite fit the SA (I know 'cause I tried it once!).

In terms of other strap options, yes you will need a strap that is 24mm wide. The other numbers (110/90) are the length of the two halves of the strap in mm.

To change the strap yourself you'll need a Bergeon 6767F strap changing tool, and a little care when using it to avoid lug scratches.

Panatime make some very cost effective straps, you DEFINITELY get what you pay for. There are reports of somewhat dodgy quality on the net, but as I say, if you pay peanuts you can't expect the same quaility as something costing many times more. personally I think Breitlings look infinitely better on OEM straps but you pay a premium for them.

You are definitely advised to order additional spring bars with the strap, as the bars used for bracelets are slightly thinner. If you use bracelet spring bars on a leather strap they are more likely to cut into the leather more, so reducing the life of the strap.

Hope that helps.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Thank you for the advice! It's much appreciated

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To add, the short piece length determines where the buckle position would be on your wrist. For your 7" wrist, a 90mm short strap will prob bring the buckle closer to the lugs, instead of center on your wrist. If you prefer a more "symmetrical" look instead (with buckle in the center of your wrist), you prob need a 75mm or 80mm short piece length. This is personal preference -- for instance, many Panerai wearer likes to see the buckle (many uses rare, historic, or unique "pig" buckles), so would prefer this buckle position, as you'll see it each time you look at the watch.

The long piece length determines how much "tail" you have. Usually 115mm is standard. I like LONG tail which comes close to the opposite lugs of the watch, and so uses 150mm or even longer. Obviously type & thickness of the straps will also affect the effects of these lengths on your wrist. Thinner n dressier straps (like some crocs n snakes skin) generally look better with more conservative lengths (80/120 maybe), Calfs with medium lengths (80/130), and thick ammo straps look better with the longer lengths (90/150) -- (again, these are lengths for "standard" wrists of about 7").

For my 6-3/4" wrist, a 90/170 ammo strap allows me to see the dial, the tail, and the buckle -- all at the same time with one glance.

Hope this helps

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a few Pams...

That is very helpful, thank you for the info. I'm trying to learn as much as possible, and most of this is new to me.

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