In trying to research this thing, it's really becoming an enigma to me:
Alittle history, plus what I DO know: This bracelet was optional on the 1986 Navitimer & Cosmonaute Watches - Ref.#'s 81600 & 81610, and maybe some others from this timeframe. It's (obviously) a 3-Link, "Oyster Style" bracelet with non-solid end links. Oddly enough, it has a wetsuit extension; maybe it's a flightsuit extension. Here are the points of curiosity:
- ZERO Reference #'s ANYWHERE! None on ANY of the links, none on the end links, none on the clasp.
- ZERO nomenclature on the clasp except for the Breitling B.
- Should all three links be polished; should all three links be brushed; should just the middle set of links be brushed? A visit to Chrono24 searching for Breitling 81600 and 81610 shows virtually all three variants.
- Additionally, the clasp seems to almost always be brushed - I wonder if this is due to the fact that the clasp suffers normally from the most "scuffing".
I'd really like some knowledgeable answers here Boys. I was lucky enough to source one of these for my 1986 Navitimer (still need the proper end links though). As most of you know, the entire case on this reference is polished. This makes me think that at MINIMUM, the outer sets of links should be polished. My own sense of what would look right would be to have the row of center links brushed, to "tie together" the brushed clasp with the polished case - thoughts? Finally, how would one "refer" to this bracelet, since there are no Ref.#'s anywhere. I look forward to your thoughtful & knowledgeable replies...
