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$ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
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Author:  watchingwatches [ Fri Jul 01, 2016 2:14 am ]
Post subject:  $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
Hey guys,

currently I am really interested in buying a new Colt 44 Automatic (it is still in competition with some TAG Heuer watches though). I noticed that the one with the steel bracelet is about ยง 400 more expensive than the one with the rubber band. I prefer the steel one but is it really worth the upcharge? You can get good steel bracelets for $ 50 (not from Breitling, of course), so I am wondering if I should just buy the rubber version and change the bracelet. Is there any noticeable quality difference or do you pay $ 350 upcharge (in comparison with a third party bracelet) just for the "Breitling" slogan on the wristband..? :? Experiences/opinions welcome!

Best regards,
w4w
Author:  Matt93 [ Fri Jul 01, 2016 3:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
Have you tried them in person? If not I'd suggest you see how they feel on your wrist & make your decision from there. In my experience there is a big difference between a Breitling bracelet and some $50 option but you need to decide for yourself.
Author:  Nealywheelie [ Fri Jul 01, 2016 5:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
Tantamount to 'heresy' IMO, you should never put a non OEM bracelet on a Breitling watch, it's just wrong, wrong, wrong. :twisted:
Author:  Driver8 [ Fri Jul 01, 2016 5:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
Personally I'd say you're getting a hell of a lot more than just a Breitling slogan when you buy an OEM bracelet. For starters it will fit the case properly as no aftermarket bracelet will have the correct end-links to match the contours of the case between the lugs. And secondly (IMHO) Breitling make some of the best quality watch bracelets in the world....and I've owned a few different brands over the years.

To me the old phrase "don't spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar" always springs to mind.
Author:  Helderberg [ Fri Jul 01, 2016 6:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
I have to agree with those that have already replied. For me, there is not a better bracelet made for a watch than a Breitling. The only after market strap i would put on my watches are quality rubber and or leather. That said I think Matt gave you the best advice in trying on the watch and if you do not see the bracelet as a worthwhile investment than you can make an informed decision from there.
Good luck, Frank.
Author:  watchingwatches [ Fri Jul 01, 2016 7:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
Thank you guys very much, I'll try it in person and think I'll take the one with the original steel bracelet then. :)
Author:  natesen [ Fri Jul 01, 2016 8:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
Agree with the others, I have lots of aftermarket leather straps, but never steel. The bracelets fit the watch perfectly and are very well engineered. I think you will agree once its on your wrist.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
Author:  Watch nut [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 3:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
Most $50 bracelets feel like a piece of junk, Breitlings steel bracelets are above and beyond, and very comfortable. That's my opinion. I have a retail jewelry store and sell the cheap tinny sounding $50 metal bracelets. The $400 up charge is worth every penny
Author:  wessa [ Sun Jul 03, 2016 7:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
Don't complain too much.
If it was a Navitimer you would be looking at around $1,500 premium for the Navi bracelet.
Having said that a Navitimer bracelet is at least on par quality wise with Tiffany or Cartier Stainless Steel pieces and these are priced at crazy levels in comparison.
Author:  tyrantblade [ Sun Jul 03, 2016 8:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
Ive got an Avenger II Seawolf and can honestly say the same as everyone else, Breitlings bracelets are top notch, a $50 generic bracelet wont do the watch justice
Author:  Sniper [ Sun Jul 03, 2016 9:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
I've owned my share of Breitlings and Breitling steel bracelets are superior to those $50 bracelets. Actually I would Compare the quality of their bracelets to top brands. Breitling makes some of the finest bracelets on the market of any watch brand regardless of price. They feel like silk on the wrist and finished beautifully. Now I don't mind wearing an aftermarket leather strap with a genuine Breitling buckle as many aftermarket straps are very high quality for much less money. The same can't be said about their steel bracelets!. Definitely worth the extra cost.
Author:  watchingwatches [ Mon Jul 04, 2016 12:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
Thank you very much guys!
Author:  coltstrong [ Tue Jul 05, 2016 8:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
I would highly reccomend buying the bracelet at purchase of a watch since you get a discount on the bracelet that way.

The steel bracelet is one of the best in the businsess. I think Rolex is better at gold bracelets imho...
Author:  SubColt86 [ Thu Jul 07, 2016 10:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: $ 400 surcharge for steel bracelet? (Colt 44 Automatic)
The Pro 3 bracelet on the colt is amazingly comfortable. It is definitely worth the extra $400! When you're buying a watch of this magnitude, why would you skimp on something as important as the bracelet?
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