The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have received a few inquiries about the bracelet and if it fits the watch well, so decided to do a mini review since I couldnt find any others.



Here is a picture of the watch with the bracelet mounted



Sorry about the black specs, my sensor was quite dirty!

Anyway, I really liked the watch on its leather band, but I always wondered how it would look like on the bracelet, now that I have tried it it never is going back!

The bracelet fits the watch perfectly, and allot of thought went into its design in term of aesthetics and fit, it just continues from the watch as if the whole thing was one integrated piece. That is achieved by the design of the gradually increasing center links that end in a similarly designed one that is part of the case itself as you can see from the picture. This effect is best shown when the watch is actually on the wrist, pics to come soon.

Also, this is the first bracelet that has a brushed finish which I can call exceptional, it is done in the same manner and to the same standards as the case and considering we are talking about a flagship IWC that is saying something! I can see why it costs 1800 USD. Again helps to integrate perfectly with the case itself

Due to the decreasing size of the links the watch is extremely comfortable on the wrist yet the decrease is not so sever or sudden as to take away from the aesthetics. Very well thought out.

Now the clasp itself is just lazy, repetitive, and seems like an after thought. The single side button deployment has proven to be problematic and is not intuitive, it seems like it will wear and break down with time quite often. Also the fact that there is no micro adjustment is not acceptable anymore. Poor engineering here and a lack of attention to detail in my opinion on the clasp!

The bracelet is a big chunk of solid metal, so it adds allot of weight to the watch, might be an issue for a daily wearer especially since I did not find the watch to be unbalanced on the strap. Driver will kill me but I actually with the watch and bracelet where made in panerai-Style grade 5 Titanium!

All in all, the bracelet is excellent and transforms the watch completely, the clasp is a downer but once its on the wrist or off it is a non issue.

here is a comparison pic between the IWC and the Rolex, both of which come on fantastic bracelets.

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Certified watch nut.

Heresy Altair!

Nice mini review there, but I have to say the clasp really surprises me. I've never managed to handle a BI on the bracelet so this was news to me. I'm quite amazed IWC didn't put a bit more into the clasp as they usually have great attention to detail. All good to know though Altair. Thanks for taking the time to do the review.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I have to say that from a purely aesthetic standpoint, that looks incredible - I really like the look of it. The fact that the function doesn't follow form with the clasp would be annoying to me - especially at the pricepoint, but the look is superb.

This is def not my choice when it comes to IWC, I think its because I think pilot when I think IWC. That being said, great mini review and enjoy!

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SA-Baton White Dial/ProII
Tissot Le Locle

Altair,

I've never tried on a Big Ingenieur with bracelet, but I assume the clasp is similar (if not identical) to the clasp on my 3227-1. If that's the case, I don't understand your complaint. I think the clasp is one of the highlights of the watch (lack of micro adjustment not withstanding). I've worn my Inge daily for nearly two years, and the clasp is as tight as ever, works perfectly. I'll probably have to wait a few years before I'm able to compare it to the ruggedness of, say, the Rolex Sub bracelet, but I have high hopes it will compare favorable with that legendary bracelet. Just my opinion, for what it's worth.

Steve

I definitely would not call the clasp a highlight of the watch. its not quite as flimsy as the old Rolex Jibillee bracelet clasp, mainly because it uses solid steel and is better built, but it is still just as under-engineered. I just dislike the single side button deployant and the lack of a suppourt mechanism puts allot of stress on that single piece of steel, especially considering the weight of the watch and the fact that the rest of the package is so rugged it is just out of place.

Panerai had a similar issue and utilized the same deployant type, but they upgraded to the double button and added the second safety mechanism, which I feel was a huge upgrade.

It is still not a deal breaker for me, and I would definitely go back and buy the bracelet again based on its construction, design, aesthetics, and level of finish, I just dislike the clasp for this grade of watch.

@ Roff: I agree, it does look incredible and much more so in person. Additionally the look is unique yet not too out there, a very well balanced and attractive look.

@ Driver, although I agree IWC usually put allot of effort and attention to detail into their watches, they don't seem to extend that same level to the clasps/deployant/buckles as a whole. Take the BP deployant for instance, well constructed but under engineered yet again. the finish is great and it feels solid but the lack of a safety mechanism and the simple push button mechanism is a minus, on a strap that is not as big a deal and since it is an occasional wear doesn't really concern me that much. But I can see wear occurring rapidly if it was a daily wear watch.

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Certified watch nut.

Reminds me of the time I was looking at the fifty fathoms and my dealer let me know that it was a $2500 premium for the bracelet!

As far as the IWC.. I think its the ONLY integrated bracelet that I can bear to look at.

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-RJ

Ah now you see, I think the BP deployant is fine, kind of on a par in many ways with the Breitling deployant....... albeit slightly thinner to suit the strap.

However the idea of one push button on BI bracelet seems really odd to me, and I can see how it may not feel as secure. I may have to go and see one in person, just out of curiosity! (Unless of course you fancy posting up a couple of pics of the clasp Altair, my good buddy!? )

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Driver8

Site Moderator

My pleasure Driver, macro pics coming up sometime this week.

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Certified watch nut.

Great review Altair. I never knew there could be so much focus on a bracelet but after reading your review I'm kind of coming around. Glad you like it!

I'm with you 100% on the single pusher on the clasp, not the best construction from personal experience.

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

Like the mini-review and am looking forward to the pics of the clasp.

Does anyone else find it ironic that something that gets its name from the word "Engineer" would be under-engineered?

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

Nice observation!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

OK finally was able to sit down with the camera and take some quickies.

As you can see from these two pics, this is a single side button mechanism, with no safety clasp.








These two pics show the opened clasp, as you can see there is allot of pressure on that thin little sheet of metal!






Again, under engineered and poorly thought clasp, wonderful and amazingly well built bracelet. I would still rate it at 95%, though an improved clasp would nail it 99%

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Certified watch nut.

Odd clasp. I dont think ive ever seen one like that....BUT...HOLY CRAP!...That is what a display back is all about.

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-RJ

Thanks for the pictures Altair! Having now seen it I agree that it's not the substantial looking piece of engineering. It doesn't look quite as bad the old Rolex folding clasp..... but not a world away from it either. And the idea of a single pushbutton seems very odd to me. It just can't be as secure as double pushbutton like a Seamaster for example. The lack of fine adjustment seems like a major oversight for a company like IWC too. But that said, the rest of the bracelet (and obviously the watch itself) is absolutely superb!

@RJ - having seen my mates BI first hand, then I can confirm that the DB on this one is truly fantastic, not least because of the size of the movement. I really my BP had a dislay back for that very reason.

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Driver8

Site Moderator