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Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1
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Author:  timastyle [ Thu Jan 10, 2013 12:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

I recently purchased my first Breitling (Chronomat 13050.1) and the strap is a bit worn and will need to be replaced. Here a link to the pictures of it:

http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/sho ... 0&format=0

As you can see, it comes with a deployment clasp and while the Breitling straps would be ideal, the price tag is too much at this time (the Mrs. would not appreciate it). I am looking for some recommendations on good aftermarket straps that will fit my watch. I believe that the the straps would need to be 20/18MM, but I'm not 100% certain. I'll know for sure once the watch comes in. In looking online, I found the link below that looks like a nice strap although I dont' know the quality:

http://www.panatime.com/new20gegrshw1.html

What I would also like to know is the difficulty and tools required to replace the straps myself. If it's not terribly difficult and cumbersome, I would like to get multiple bands in different colors to change them out when needed. Any information on this is also appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Author:  Roffensian [ Thu Jan 10, 2013 12:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

Tool of choice is the Bergeon 6767F, very simple to do and this should help - http://www.breitlingsource.com/video_ar ... p%20Change

Author:  timastyle [ Thu Jan 10, 2013 12:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

That seemed simple enough. Thanks for the link and letting me know the tool of choice. Any thoughts on the aftermarket straps?

Author:  nickzac [ Thu Jan 10, 2013 6:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

I love the 6767-F. I think it is better than the more expensive pliers actually,


I just posted this in another thread. IMO, Strapped For Time is the place to go on a budget. They have straps as low as $25 of excellent quality. Kain Heritage also has some very nice stuff in the $80-100 range.
nickzac wrote:
I personally prefer aftermarket straps over anything else. That's because I have a smaller wrist meaning I can get the length that best fits me, and I prefer shark to all other materials. I also favor the large PAM-style Pre-V buckle, which I think is more masculine than other smaller buckles, and I prefer a strap be 22mm all-around to compliment the buckle rather than 22mm at the lugs and 20mm at the buckle (AKA 22-20) or the even more narrow 22-18. (Most production straps will be either 22-20 or 22-18).

I went on a bit of a strap kick because I found many makers I liked and so I figured I would purchase 20-30 straps and sell a few and keep the ones I like most. Thus far, I have been very impressed with overall quality. I have straps from Breitling, StrapSmith, ABP Paris, Stone Creek Straps, Strapped For Time, K-Straps, Kain Heritage (forum sponsor), Vero Squalo (the original by Dirk), and numerous others. Materials range from shark to cow to horse to ostrich to python to lizard to croc/gator to fish to fabric to synthetic. All of the above are exceptional products with unique characteristics, but I would have to say that the Vero Squalo is my personal favorite and I think it is probably the best quality strap money can buy.

If you are on a budget, Strapped For Time makes some OEM-spec Breitling straps that are exceptionally well-made. This strap ( http://www.strappedfortime.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=23 ), made to Breitling's specs (years ago they offered shark) is IMO the best strap you can get for under $50 and it's quality is absolutely exceptional. If you purchased the black model, you could have it re-stitched. They also sell a carbon fiber model I have which I like more than 5 other carbon fiber models I have/have owned (http://www.strappedfortime.com/shop/ite ... itemid=169). And believe it or not, it's the cheapest price out of all of the ones I had/have. You can get the yellow stitch on that.

Author:  timastyle [ Thu Jan 10, 2013 9:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

Thanks for the link nickzac. I'll look into that site. I really like ostrich skin. I have a cash cover and love the the feel of it.

Here's a novice question about tools. Is there really that big of a difference between the 6767-F and other like tools?

Author:  bnewbie [ Fri Jan 11, 2013 4:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

timastyle wrote:
Here's a novice question about tools. Is there really that big of a difference between the 6767-F and other like tools?

I use just a fork, got used to it, but lot of members say that 6767-F is the most convenient tool.

Author:  Roffensian [ Fri Jan 11, 2013 5:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

Bergeon is the best quality and for the price of a 6767F I'm not sure why anyone would go down the cheap route. If you are going to buy a strap changing tool then get the best you can afford and if the absolute best quality is under $20.........

Author:  timastyle [ Fri Jan 11, 2013 9:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

Very good point Roff that the cost isn't much at all and that's not the reason why I asked. I was just a little more curious whether or not there were different types of tools for different watches or are they universal. Again, I'm a complete newbie, so the question is probably a bit silly to you. I would think it's universal, but wanted to make sure.

Author:  Roffensian [ Fri Jan 11, 2013 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

6767comes in S (standard) and F (fine) variants. Get the F and you'll be fine and all other tools are effectively clones with minor variations.

Author:  timastyle [ Fri Jan 11, 2013 9:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

Thanks Roff! I just purchased one online. I appreciate your help.

Author:  nickzac [ Sat Jan 12, 2013 12:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

It's a good call. You can break the 5-10 dollar models the first time you use it, with possible damage to the watch and your hand. I bought 2 spare tips for my 6767-F, and despite hundreds of strap changes, the ends have not needed replacing, which shows they heat treat their metal better than others. You'll be glad you got it.

Author:  superavenger13 [ Fri Feb 15, 2013 10:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

where is the best place to purchase a 6767f in the US? Ebay?

Author:  timastyle [ Fri Feb 15, 2013 10:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

That's where I got mine. EBay that is.

Author:  Roffensian [ Fri Feb 15, 2013 10:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

superavenger13 wrote:
where is the best place to purchase a 6767f in the US? Ebay?


Many members have used these guys - www.mywatchmaker.net

Author:  superavenger13 [ Fri Feb 15, 2013 11:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Strap replacement for Chronomat 13050.1

Thank you.

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