The Breitling Watch Source Forums

What is the expected lifespan for a pilot bracelet? Do the links get loose (for the lack of a better description) etc

I tend to store my chronomat with pilot in its original box and as I have a 6.75-7" wrist the bracelet is as a result reasonably tight on the leather insert that goes into the leather case. Is this bad for the bracelet?

If the bracelet is too tight on the leather insert it won't harm the bracelet but it may slightly bend the deployment clasp if it's TOO tight. Just be careful with that, don't use any force to secure the deployment around the leather pillow, and you'll be fine. The pilot bracelets have a very long lifespan. The links won't get loose; breitling uses screw in pins to secure the links; they're made to last a very long time.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

In terms of your concerns, the lifespan is infinite, since properly cared for it will outlast any life in being.

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SHARKMAN

Well maybe not quite.

Like any object where metal rubs metal there will be microscopic wear, but the links are very well made and there won't be the same degree of stretching that some of the early Pro I bracelets tend to suffer from. I would expect 20+ years of daily use.

What about the Pro II? I'm considering a CSO, and I have an issue similar to that of the OP, but with my Orbita winder. Even with the smaller rubber cushion, the watch still fits on there pretty snugly, given that the bracelet is sized to my 6.5" wrist. And for those who know the Orbita cushions, you know those things have a lot of spring in them. I've never worried about it before, but that's only because I never thought about it. Is there reason for concern?

Get yourself one of the new style Breitling travel cases, (the cube shape one) with the foam insert.

It's where my Evo sits when not in use and the foam conforms to the watch, cutting out any undue stresses
to the Pilot Bracelet.

I also leave the clasp undone which further reduces any possible "strain".

That should set your mind at rest.

The Pilot bracelet is truly a work of art, imo.

Nick

Pro II will stretch marginally more than the Pilot because there are fewr links to distribute the strain across but I wouldn't worry about it in a practical sense.

I'm glad you asked this! I too was thinking "what about the Pro II?" Jackson, I love my CSO as mentioned in other posts, I wear it everyday, from t-shirt and jeans to business casual to ... a suit, although sometimes it is a bit tough to slip under the cuffs. For that reason I usually slip on my Rado. In any case, I would highly recommend the CSO!

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sco
Breitling Chrono Superocean
Omega Aqua Terra 8500
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic

I traded my black dial CSO for a black dial Defy Elite power reserve months ago. I regretted it and bought a new black dial CSO from Fear/Provident. Glad I did. I wear it mainly on a brown croco, sometimes a black croco. When I get around to it I will order a Pro II for it as well.

I must say, it is one watch I haven't had any shirt sleeve problems with. And I agree it is very versatile. It is a highly underrated watch IMO - evidently suffering from SA envy or something. I really like the prominent guilloche on the dial.

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SHARKMAN

My Chronomat (Evo) wouldn't fit under French cuffs, but it fit under barrel cuffs just fine. Since the CSO is 2mm slimmer than the Chronomat, I wouldn't think I'd have any trouble getting it to fit under barrel cuffs, either, although French cuffs might still be a problem. But I almost never wear French cuffs anymore anyway, so no big deal.

I just went from considering to decided. The CSO is incoming, and should be here next week.

Sweet.

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SHARKMAN

Nice, what dial and strap did you choose?

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sco
Breitling Chrono Superocean
Omega Aqua Terra 8500
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic

Black dial, Pro II bracelet. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but it's what I like.

I was torn between white and black. I chose white which looks really sharp on brown croc, but I think the black looks better on the pro II. Congrats!

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sco
Breitling Chrono Superocean
Omega Aqua Terra 8500
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic