The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I've just collected my BNIB Blackbird from the AD. (I'll post pics etc once I get chance )
I had it on the strap with deployment but have since swapped it over for a pin buckle strap as the deployment was so uncomfortable I can't wear it!!!
It really digs in on the underside of the clasp, especially the bit where the two metal bits fold over to meet up (it's the bit that the strap threads though nearest the clasp?) I've tried bending and adjusting but to not avail, it's just (IMO) a poorly thought out design compared to other clasps I've used.
Am I alone in this? Do I have a bad example or this par for the course with these deployment clasps?
I also have the Ocean Racer on a deployment but it's a totally different clasp and much more comfortable.
I've now changed my order with the AD (I have a Croc on order) to a pin buckle type in place of the deployment strap.

I love the deployment look but thought when I first saw it that it looked a bit "bulky" on the underside and could be a wrist wrecker!
Seems I was right!!! I'm gutted as I really wanted the deployment but just can't wear it as it is.
Is there another style of Breitling deployment I could try? One that's less "harsh" on the wrists?

Is it just me?

Love the watch though

I think the Breitling deployant is the best on the market as it is infinitely adjustable unlike many others that rely on using holes on the strap in the same way as a tang and buckle.

I'd personally never wear a Breitling strap on anything other than a deployant.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I find the leather/deployant very comfortable so I guess it's each to their own.

You've already said you find the Ocean Racer comfortable so maybe that's an option on your Blackbird.

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Many find the deploy clasp uncomfortable at first (good example Stef) however, keep going on it and adjust it to suit your wrist.
I will never go back to a tang!

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

That was one of my worries before I got my Olympus the other day and I wasn't sure how I was going to like it. I must say that I think it is very comfortable and was quite surprised how easy it was to adjust (mine is almost all the way out). That being said, I still think I would like to try a tang, but it would have to be much better for me to give up the deployment. Also, as far as I know, its either the deployment clasp or tang buckle.

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What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know, it's what we know for sure that just ain't so.

The deployant is amazingly comfortable after the strap is 'worn in'. The Breitling straps are so thick it does take a while for them to soften and shape to the wrist, but like others have said, I'll never go back.

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Breitling Chrono Avenger Black Dial whit Pro II Ti, Diver Pro I
Breitling BlackBird Big Date brushed whit SS Bracelet, brown croco
Breitling BlackBird Blacksteel 528/2000 Whit Dp2 Deployment
Omega Planet Ocean Chrono 9300 Co-axial Ceramic on SS bracelet

I always pre-break in a Breitling strap, particularly croco which is very stiff. I simply place one thumb on the back side and bend the strap around the thumb with the other hand, doing that the entire length of both sides of the strap. Then I gently roll each side, not to tightly, starting at the thin ends. It makes the straps shape to the wrist and fit well from the start.

Just don't be too agressive. On a calf strap you can "split" the finished leather if you bend it too far or too fast. A croco strap can split at one of the natural indentations. So just take it easy and the strap will start out well shaped without reducing wear. And will wear commfortably first time on the wrist.

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SHARKMAN

Good call Sharkman!

I'm trying a black croc on the BB and it is wearing in fine.

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Al

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

Thanks for the replies so far guys .

My problem is not with the croc strap itself (I appreciate that leather and croc take time to "break in") but with the way in which the underside of the deployment clasp digs into the underside of my wrist?
For those having or have had a Breitling deployment you know what I mean by the two flat metal tabs that bend round to meet each other under the clasp (the strap actually threads though under this)? This is the part that just irritates my wrist, not the strap itself?
Will the strap being worn in have any effect on this by making it wear differently to a stiff new strap?

This is not mine, I found this pic on another forum so thanks to the owner.



You see the two "tabs" that bend around to meet each other? The strap threads under this as well as the slot at the end of the clasp. These are the points that irritate my wrist!
Will the strap wearing in reduce this problem of is it a purely clasp issue?
Is there another design Breitling clasp for leather/croc straps?

I am with you on the leather / croc deployant clasp. I will say for me, the croc is not as much an issue as with the calf. Also, I change straps / bracelets often on my Bs. I will say the leather and the croc straps make the watch look totally different. The BB looks much classier on the croc and the SOS looks better on the calf. IMO.

R/

Other than the strap itself being a little bit looser I don't think it will change how the clasp wears, unfortunately. I don't know if Breitling makes any different style clasps, perhaps one of the more experienced members could chime in on this one?

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What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know, it's what we know for sure that just ain't so.

They do not make any other deployant clasps for the leather or croc.

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-RJ

As a fellow owner who doesn't personally find the deployant clasp quite as comfortable as a good fitting pin buckle (as Al mentioned above), you're sure the strap hasn't been fitted the wrong way around?

As you wear it on the wrist and tilt your arm to the left (assuming you wear it on the left) then the Breitling wings logo should be the right way up.

It is possible to fit the strap the wrong way around and that is uncomfortable!

There is one other thing I would say, if the part you mention is digging in the the strap is too tight. There is a very fine line I find between it being too tight and loose enough to turn on the wrist in to an uncomfortable position.

3 of mine have deployant options now (2 croco, one calf) and I'm getting more used to them as they wear in.

Stef

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