The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I would like ya'lls opinion on this subject as I'm a bit torn on the subject. I've been looking at a few models that come stock on the Rubber strap, but I am having a bit of a time getting my head around the concept of wearing a high end watch on a rubber strap. It just seems to cheapen them on the surface in my minds eye. I tend to lean towards bracelets, in particular the Fighter or Pilot models as they tend to look classier and don't cheapen the look IMO. That being said, I do like the Breitling rubber straps and they do look stylish for rubber. How do they wear or hold up with day to day wearing? I've read a few of the posts here and it appears some of you guys change straps almost as often as you do shoes, is this common practice? I tend to leave em on what I got em on, but reading more here on the subject I may end up getting converted to a cross strapper too . What do ya'll think of the rubber vs. bracelet?

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I've never been the worlds biggest fan of rubber straps, more because the way they feel on the wrist rather than looks.

The folding clasp over the standard pin buckle makes a huge difference to comfort so if you're not totally sold, have a look at the Ocean Racer or Diver ProII with folding clasps.

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I am assuming that is the Deployment buckle correct? I think that would also wear better than the buckle, but then again I don't know. So that would also be another factor if anyone can chime in on that subject I would appreciate it.

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Yep thats the one, although Breitling call it a folding clasp. Same difference Forms a much better arc under the wrist

The Breitling deployment clasp for rubber straps is the best clasp I've worn. Remarkably adjustable and very comfortable. The rubber straps are among the very few that don't act like magnets for lint and dust. They wear clean.

The obvious answer is it isn't an either/or - get a watch on SS and buy a rubber/deploy too. Two completely different looks/watches for the cost of an extra strap.

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SHARKMAN

Yep. Trust me, once you own a Breitling rubber strap on deployment you will no longer think that it cheapens your watch.

i know what you mean, in my (very) limited watch collection (old sieko and new steelfish) i only like watches on bracelets. Dont know why but leather / ruber straps just makes me think "old mans watch" straight away. I dont know why as I have seen some nice watches on leather and they look nice but not sure they are for me. Saying that ive never tried one on. But i am tempted by a hamitlon jazzmaster on leather as my next cheaper addition to my small collection

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Brietling SO SF - Blue Dial

I think certain watches look better on a rubber strap than the bracelet, like the Seawolf or the new Superocean or even the SOH. As far as the Breitling rubber, I don't own one but just playing with it in the store it seems really nice and doesn't look cheap at all, to me anyway.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

if anything, bracelets and leather straps = "old mans watch"

using rubber as a strap is a relatively new trend.

ps.

you have a steelfish........use rubber

true, i think its just my grandpa has a few really really really nice watches and they are all on black leather straps so that blurrs my perception

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Brietling SO SF - Blue Dial

Your Grandpa sounds like a wise man.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

Leather straps on fine watches is considered THE in thing again(if it ever really went out). Truth is bracelets are mostly a younger guy thing.

Now that may just be bullshit, but I needed an intro to say - "old man's watch??" Bite me!

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SHARKMAN

Ocean Racer rubber strap with deployment - a class act! Here is a pic from April 2008, when I decided to get an OR for my Steelfish. Not my pic, but a chap in Hawaii who got one for his Steelfish:
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Not only that, the strap is amazingly comfortable. And you can get polished or brushed.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

Hmm so with that "Old Man's Watch" thing ringing in my head....I have to ask..at what age are you considered and "Old Man"? I may just resemble that remark

And to add to this subject on Breitling Rubber Straps....WTH is the deal with a $400 or so price tag on a fricking rubber strap? That is ludicrous.....I mean yeah they are nice Rubbers, but come on! Sheesh, do they wear it on another part of their anatomy while they are putting it to ya before they sell it to ya? I mean it's not that I don't have the cash for it....it's more of a "You gotta be crazy" factor to pay that much for one. I think I may just have to go with an OEM that is much more reasonably priced than one that says "Breitling" on it. I mean brand loyalty can only go so far, and it's really hard to be loyal when you are bent over taking a pounding like that for a rubber strap.

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