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aftermarket bracelet sizing?
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Author:  rabbit [ Sat May 01, 2010 5:48 pm ]
Post subject:  aftermarket bracelet sizing?
Very green member here with first (and probably only) Breitling--late nineties Wings auto non-chronometer 2-tone with croc strap fresh from Amsterdam Ave via eBay. I don't care for straps and this one is in very good condition with script and other markings underside very clear. Dealers are asking for comparable strap half what I gave for the watch. So the thought of substitution of a Pilot bracelet leads to my current difficulty. I can't afford to replace the strap with an authentic Pilot bracelet but I can afford an aftermarket replacement for 50-60$. Unfortunately, those I see on eBay are either 18 or 20mm span and the span between lugs of the watch is 19mm. Am I stuck with the strap? Wouldn't be a tragedy as it isn't going to work with me!!! But I would like to wear the watch occasionally so I can do the "Oh, this old thing?" line for the TAG Heuer watch makes the man geeks.

jack
Author:  Sharkmouth [ Sat May 01, 2010 6:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: aftermarket bracelet sizing?
:welcome:

The Wings is a fine and, imho, criminally overlooked model. If you don't like the leather strap, offer it for sale on here. You should easily recoup the cost of a replacement non-OEM bracelet.

I'd suggest having a look at The Watch Prince. Quality is not great compared to Breitling but very cheap and they do have excellent customer service.

http://www.thewatchprince.com/s.nl/sc.8/category.4452/ctype.SS/SS.4452/.f

Not sure if you'd want your bracelet to say "Seiko" but they do an Oyster style band which would fit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Seiko-super-oyster-BRACELET-strap-19mm-6217-6138-6139-/110427975014 or

http://cgi.ebay.com.my/Seiko-oyster-20mm-19mm-mod-BRACELET-strap-7S26-/120484282931

19mm is a strange size so it won't be easy to find replacements.
Author:  rabbit [ Sun May 02, 2010 10:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: aftermarket bracelet sizing?
Thanks for the thought, Sharkmouth. Financing the Pilot with the strap may be the way. Here's the arithmetic: Watch $775 at the gavel and I think I did OK there as the watch appears to my admittedly lay eye to be high condition (runs, not scratched, dinged, or otherwise degraded finish). Currently a 19mm Breitling Pilot band on eBay @ $525; think I recall seeing a comparable croc strap at $329. Neither number is final bid but suggests that I may have to go to boot for the difference between authentic bracelet and authentic strap. Say, that feller Gil O'Shay did a nice job on those Wings dials!

jack
Author:  rabbit [ Wed May 05, 2010 11:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: aftermarket bracelet sizing?
Both "Watchbarn" (eBay seller) and "Watchtailor" (internet seller) have SS solid link aftermarket "Pilot" bracelets. Anyone here with experience with either? Does the "gold" on the 2-tone hold up? Problem with my Wings is the orphaned 19mm span between lugs. I would have to grind 20 thou off each side of the pin link of a 20mm. I think an 18mm would like like crap. If you have dealt successfully with this problem, I'm interested in your solution.

jack
Author:  rabbit [ Fri May 14, 2010 4:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: aftermarket bracelet sizing?
Equally interested in MY solution. Got the 20mm Chinese "Pilot" copy from Watch Barn (44$). Ground .020" from each side of the end links at each end bracelet and polished with Dremel buff to get it between the lugs. I didn't go for the 2-tone as I think the rider and crown accents are enuf gold. Actually is SS but of course no BREITLING 1884 cum wings. Also doesn't say SEIKO, which is perhaps also a good thing.

jack
Author:  Driver8 [ Fri May 14, 2010 10:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: aftermarket bracelet sizing?
rabbit wrote:
Equally interested in MY solution. Got the 20mm Chinese "Pilot" copy from Watch Barn (44$). Ground .020" from each side of the end links at each end bracelet and polished with Dremel buff to get it between the lugs. I didn't go for the 2-tone as I think the rider and crown accents are enuf gold. Actually is SS but of course no BREITLING 1884 cum wings. Also doesn't say SEIKO, which is perhaps also a good thing.

jack

Congrats on finding a cost effective solution that suits your needs. I'd like to see some pictures of your handiwork actually. :thumbsup:
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