The Breitling Watch Source Forums

When I first started to get serious about buying my Beitling I was very torn between the bracelet and a few different straps. The bracelet seems so timeless but a bit common (to all watches) lots of stainless. Then it dawned on me you could change things up...not shocking news to any of you I am sure...but it was a revelation to me. No more decisions; get the watch with the bracelet and straps later. Sticker shock ensued. The 160-ish seemed a bit steep for a small hunk of leather, not to mention 300+ for croco AND I still need a clasp; darn that deployant is pretty darn cool.

I checked ebay and see Breitling deployment style straps for roughly $20. I stayed away figuring if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. I bit the bullet and got Breitling gold calf strap, folding clasp and pro diver II. I really liked the idea of a brown croco, but that price tag still stung with the recent purchase of watch and another 6-7 hundred for the calf, clasp and diver. The lure of a cheap strap had me still wondering. I figured for a few bucks I would give it a go and toss it if it seemed like crap when it arrived. Since I was already buying I might as well save on shipping and buy two. I went with blue shark as I knew there was no way I would ever buy a blue calf Breitling strap because the price to times worn would make it very expensive per use.

Well my two cheap straps arrived and I must say they were better than I had expected. Not up to Breitling snuff by any stretch, but if you want to see if you like a particular style/color I think they are a great bargain. The stitching is smaller and not quite as white. It is also just a bit tilted. The padded part near the lugs is not a thick either. I am sure anyone who has spent any time with genuine Breitling straps could tell the differences pretty quickly. Mind you I am not trying to pass the ebay straps off as Breitling, just saying there are differences...but they are by no means an order of magnitude different ($20 vs. 160 or even $400). If you are on the fence, I would not hesitate to get a bargain strap or two. Especially if it was a color you don't see yourself wearing much. Pix below to compare.

Here are my two Breitling straps (Gold/Black) and two non-Breitlings (croco/blue) Thickness of thread used for stitching is probably the most obvious difference.


Another from a different angle


Blue shark on the SF...what do you think? I am not loving the look right off the bat. Maybe it will grow on me.


Off the wrist


Better view of the strap

Not bad at all for a $20 strap.
I think it looks very nice on your SOSF.

rplace: "Cheep Straps"? My black leather isn't "cheep"? Just kiddin!

WHERES THE BLUE OR?

I'm telling you...once you get it and wear it you will never take it off!

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Past: BlackBird, Navi World, SA, Rolex DJII, IWC Yacht Club
Present: CE, DSSD
Future: Changes daily

Cheep? Did I spell it wrong, damn public schools. Where is the spell checker on this forum?

As for the blue OR, I know, I know. It is on the short list. Probably when I make a trip up to see George. I am over due. Off to ebay to hunt for the elusive red OR.

I still like the looks of "your" black strap but that darn floding clasp has spoiled me. Best $240 yet.

ABP

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

I think cheaper straps are good if you want something that you'll use once in a while or to try a different color out as you said. For everyday use I think an Authentic Breitling strap or a higher quality aftermarket strap is the way to go.

I'm not feeling that blue croc on the Fish either, but I'm not really into blue straps anyway. I think the Fish is too tough a looking watch to have a blue strap on it, JMHO.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

btw, i never understood why Breitling discontinued shark straps... the were great, i ad 2-3 all blue with my Chronomat blue dial and bi color and 2 for my Antares black dial bi color, they looked stunning with the shark straps!

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Breitling Antares B10047
Breitling Chronomat B13050
Breitling Chronomat A13050.1 - pilot bracelet
Breitling Chronomat Blackbird A13050.1 - serie spéciale
Breitling Avenger Seawolf E17370
Breitling Chronomat EVO A13356 - pilot bracelet

Every time I look at it on my wrist today, it screams GIRLY to me Hoping that will pass, but not expecting it to. Also it does not match the blue on the fase of the SF as much as I thought it would in the auction picture. The croco on the other hand looks pretty darn nice. Will give it a test drive tomorrow. Once you invest in the Breitling folding claps the after market straps seem free I think the blue shark might be good for a once in a while trip out with my blue suit, under a shirt and coat cuff.

Face it I just need to buy a new, more refined ling for dressing up, not try to make the fish something it is not. OK who is going to break that news to my wife?

That's why I ultimately went with the BB, it can be dressy and sporty, but then I went and bought a PO to cover the sporty. As for telling the wife...when you figure out how to explain the need for multiple watches let me know.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

Buy the Wife/GF a Breitling.

And.......the world is at peace.

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

But 20 pair of black shoes is cool, right!!?? At least my next watch will have different colored (coloured for our CDN friends) face. BTW, love the PO.

If you're really after the girly look, I have a raspberry red hornback strap I'll be willing to ship to you if you cover the shipping.

I'm slightly concerned why you had that strap in the first place?

When I got to five Karen asked me which limb I intended to use (I bought her a Breitling......peace.....)

_________________
Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

I think we all need to see pictures of this raspberry strap!

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Breitling navitimer super constellation LE
Omega Ploprof 1200m
Bremont supermarine
Rolex milgauss GV
Olivant and Botsford 40mm Gold edition

Yes, pix or it did not happen!