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Micro-Adjustments on Pilot II Bracelet, and Straps
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Author:  SharpEdge [ Thu Aug 28, 2008 5:44 am ]
Post subject:  Micro-Adjustments on Pilot II Bracelet, and Straps
Hi there!

I recently got my first Breitling (in fact, my first watch full stop since a dirt cheap Casio Illuminator type watch I got when I was eight), a Chronomat Evolution. I love it! My only problem is that the bracelet doesn't seem to fit my wrist well. I've currently got it with all the links taken out on one side, and all but one taken out on the other. This is slightly too small for me. But if I add an extra link to the other side, it's too big! I'm hoping that what I think are micro-adjustments on the clasp will solve this problem. What I'd like to know is: how do I adjust them!

Secondly, I'm considering getting a crocodile or leather strap for it. I tried on a Breitling leather one and it felt a bit... cheap (although that might be because it was attached to an airy fairy titanium Breitling, which all felt cheap in my opinion lol!). Maybe it just needs wearing in but are there perhaps some better (or at least cheaper!) leather straps out there? I could put a Breitling buckle on an after market one and that'd do me fine :-) Alternatively, if after market croc straps are a lot cheaper than the (rather pricey) Breitling ones, I'd consider that. I'm looking for dark brown or black. Also, how do you swap straps/bracelets? Would I be able to swap between bracelet for work/evening and strap for exercising/when it's hot?

Thanks!
Author:  anthony777 [ Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:13 am ]
Post subject: 
there is just a springbar in the clasp. find something with a small point and push the spring bar in and adjust accordingly. its very easy to do.
Author:  Driver8 [ Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Micro-Adjustments on Pilot II Bracelet, and Straps
SharpEdge wrote:
Secondly, I'm considering getting a crocodile or leather strap for it. I tried on a Breitling leather one and it felt a bit... cheap (although that might be because it was attached to an airy fairy titanium Breitling, which all felt cheap in my opinion lol!). Maybe it just needs wearing in but are there perhaps some better (or at least cheaper!) leather straps out there? I could put a Breitling buckle on an after market one and that'd do me fine :-) Alternatively, if after market croc straps are a lot cheaper than the (rather pricey) Breitling ones, I'd consider that. I'm looking for dark brown or black. Also, how do you swap straps/bracelets? Would I be able to swap between bracelet for work/evening and strap for exercising/when it's hot?

Hmmmm, I've got to disagree with you on the "Breitling leather strap feeling cheap" comment. In all fairness you will struggle to find any watch straps ANYWHERE that are better than the original equipment Breitling straps. They do need a bit of time to wear in and gain a bit of flexibility, but they are superb quality. (The ti watch may have had something to do with it, but as I say you will be hard pressed to better the OEM stuff).

However, if you really want to go down the cheap aftermarket route, then Banda and Hirsch are cost effective. Try eBay for them firstly. To change the strap you ideally need the correct spring bar removal tool to avoid any costly slips - Bergeon make the best watchmaking tools around, so again try the Bay.

One thing though - you mention using the leather when it's hot or for exercising. To be honest, you are much better off the bracelet when it's hot as leather straps don't like sweat! Sweat considerably reduces the life of leather straps, so if I was you, I'd us the strap for evening or informal wear. However if you aren't going for an expensive Breitling strap maybe shortened strap life-expectancy isn't so much of an issue.
Author:  aleister [ Thu Aug 28, 2008 1:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
I agree with Driver on the straps. Sure, a leather strap feels "less" than the bracelet, but it's not really fair to compare them. If you compare the Breitling leather strap to another leather strap, say from Hirsch, then we're talking... And you won't feel the same way again. :)
Author:  RJRJRJ [ Thu Aug 28, 2008 1:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
I agree that the OEM straps are superior quality to just about any strap available, regardless of price.

As mentioned, the micro adjustment holes just have a regular springbar in there. Just stick something small like a paper clip or something and pop them out and adjust it.
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