The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I'm consdering picking up a Blackbird (current model) or an "old" SuperOcean (2008/2009 model) on an Ocean Racer strap. But the sales lady in my AD couldn't provide all necessary details on the OR. I guess they sell most watches on bracelet or leather strap.

I never had a rubber strap on any of my watches, but I somehow love the concept, and the more tool look that it gives to an already fine looking Breitling. My favourite combo is the black dial brushed Blackbird on black OR, but the blue dial SO on black OR also looks stunning.

What I'm wondering is:

1) Does the OR become uncomfortable in hot weather? I mean does sweat form a lot between the skin and the rubber? Does it help in those cases to increase the length of the strap by one or two notches?

2) If you had both the OR, and another type of rubber strap with no holes, do you reckon the holes actually help to let the skin breathe more? How would you rate the OR against other rubber straps? (being Breitling or another strap manufacturer)

3) Do those holes on the OR large enough so that in bright sunlight the exposed skin "spots" get sun tan, while the rest of the wrist stays "white" ? I know this may sound a very weird question, and quite frankly I never thought of this, but my wife and the sales lady in my AD both brought up this subject as a potential issue with the OR strap.

4) If you had both the OR, and the Diver Pro or Diver Pro II, which one do you reckon is best of those? I guess the wonderful deployant clasp that comes with the OR is now available with the Diver Pro II strap as well, so I'll need to decide which strap to order. AFAIK the classic Diver Pro is now discontinued, so it's not an option anymore.

5) If you have a bracelet and a rubber strap for the same watch, what is your wearing habit? Do you wear the rubber when the temperature is relatively low (non-summer months) only, and you put the bracelet on for the hot months? Or do you wear the rubber strap all year long?

6) When a Breitling watch head is large & heavy (e.g. exceeding 100 grams), on the bracelet the watch is still in balance, since the bracelet is also heavy. But when you put it on a rubber strap, it could become "head heavy". Does it cause any issues, or you simply set the strap length via the OR deployant clasp tight enough to make the watch stay put?

7) Did you ever abandon the rubber "ship" ? In other words, did you ever go back to bracelet after trying to wear a watch on a rubber strap? If so, what was the reason behind your choice?

8) Approx. how long a rubber strap lasts if you never swim with the watch? 2 years? 5 years? 10 years?

9) How do you clean rubber straps? Just wash it with soapy water while the watch case is cleaned, rinse it with fresh water, dry it, and that's it?


Thanks,
Fiery

Good lord , I'm at work and probably going to get fired if the IT spies are on me after digesting that.

1. no. a little bit. yes.
2. yes. equal to the DPII
3. suppose it's possible - this is a chick question
4. get both - the actual strap for the DPII can be had for about $70. The straps can be easily changed in the clasp.
5. if raining - rubber. Othersie it's about use over temp.
6. balanced fine
7. no - wear both for change of pace.
8. don't know
9. just water.

_________________
SHARKMAN

I sweat alot in the summer. My OR moves too much when the sweat forms but thats just me. The holes as far as im concerned are aesthetics. I have my SA on the pro diver1 I like that better but I feel its due the to buckle as opposed to the clasp. You could however use the micro adjuster I guess to make it tighter but i never remember as stupid as it seems. with both watches i always have to pull them up, i just do it more with the OR. Hope this helps.

_________________
Breitling Super Avenger
Breitling SOH 46

Diver Pro II is the most comfortable rubber strap. I prefer it over the OR. Comfort level ddestroys my Bell&Ross rubber (the most uncomfortable strap I have ever worn). AS for cleaning: The steamer at my jeweler takes care of it.

_________________
Breitling Emergency Mission-- Breitling B01--
Chronomatic 24H-- Skyland Blacksteel-- Navitimer World--
Emergency Ti-- Chronomat Evo-- Airwolf-- Skyracer Raven
Bentley GMT-- Motors Speed

Not at all. I've never had any sweat problems with either my DP or OR. When it's warm my wrist swells a bit though, and the micro adjustments in the OR deployant is excellent for that. To change one hole with the DP doesn't give the same fit, which is why I have stopped using the DP and now always use the OR for a rubber strap.



Not really. I guess you expose the skin a bit more to the air, but no significant difference for me.



I've never experienced that as a problem. I get an even white line around the wrist - not that anyone notice, as there's normally a watch there.



The OR. As said earlier the adjustments are much more versatile than on the DP and I think the DPII looks a bit plain, so OR for me.



Normally I change every now and then, as my mood change. When I'm frequently swimming, the rubber stays though.



Never had any issues. Both the DP and OR are more than capable of holding a heavy head.



As written above, I change every now and then just as my instable mood swings.


The oldest of my OR's I've had for 2 years and been rather frequently exposing it to salt water and sun. So far it doesn't show any wear or degradation.



Yes, I just rinse it in fresh water and wash it with soap water whenever I rinse the rest of the watch.

_________________
Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid