The Breitling Watch Source Forums

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

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.

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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

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

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.

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Driver8

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