The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi All,

This is my first post, so any help would be appreciated. I recently picked up my first Breitling, a Blackbird (BEB, polished) 2 weeks ago. I got it sized to 2 removable links on each side of the clasp, and the adjustable pin to the loosest setting. The sizing is not completely biased (like those shown in a few of the forum topics and the article on the site). I noticed that there is an odd "curvature" on the side opposite of the clasp. It's not a uniform curve, but is relatively flat, and then curved on one side of the clasp.

I've attached photos, let me know if you need more.

Anyone with the Blackbird pilot bracelet can give any insight? I think if I get it sized it to get it perfectly biased, that curve may be uncomfortable on my wrist, as it is not uniform, but curved on one side.

Thoughts? Thanks in advanced for your help!

I'm not seeing it. But it looks like the 6:00 side is longer than the 12:00 side. Try taking a link from the 6 side (the side where the safety clasp is) and putting it on the 12 side (the side where the underside hinge is). If any side should be slightly longer it is the 12 side, not the 6.

If you are referring to something else, I'm not sure what it is, but perhaps someone else will see it.

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SHARKMAN

+1 on Sharks comment re: the link

I also don't see this 'strange curve'. The shape of the clasp looks normal to me...

oh, and welcome to the forum, enjoy your BEB!

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

If I'm not misreading you, the non-uniform curve of the folding part is what is concering you? If so: this is by design. Different bracelet clasps have different curvatures and some of them are more sharply rounded at the end.

As for sizing and biasing, I for one go for what fits well. Size it so it fits comfortably using the biasing procedure as a starting point or giude.

And congrats on a great piece!

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"Either this man is dead or my watch has stopped!"
- Groucho Marx

It looks normal to me. They're designed to be biased on the wrist, but I guess the comfort is very much dependent on wrist size and shape. However with a bit of experimenting with a Bergeon screwdriver, I'm sure you will be able to find a comfortable arrangement.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Your clasp looks identical to mine. The clasp is not a constant radius curve, it is more curved towards the hinge, as your pictures show..and the thickness of the clasp also increases towards the hinge. As others say, moving links should help with comfort if needed. Don't worry about the clasp.

BB brushed
Aerospace
Seiko RAF Gen1 pilots chrono
RN FAA Lemania chrono

I'll echo the comments on here; I've just checked mine out and it looks identical, so I think you have a good one. Mine is the 'standard' Pilot but as far as I know it would be the same as your Blackbird Pilot.

Yours looks exactly the same as mine (Blackbird)...even the bias. The curve of the inner clasp is purposely more hooked at that end (and on my other Breitlings with similar clasps) and makes more sense when its on your wrist. When on your wrist, the link closest to the clasp on the other side, curves around that part of your wrist and kind of mirrors the hooked part of the clasp against your skin. Hard to explain in words, but whilst the inside of clasp looks lopsided off the wrist, the outside of the clasp will look centered when on the wrist.

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"Per Ardua Ad Lingi"

Thanks all! All the posts have been very helpful. I wanted to make sure I wasn't going crazy and/or I didn't get a defective clasp. This watch is awesome! I'm eyeing my next investment: a leather strap.

I'm thinking light brown or black croc or light brown or black calf.... suggestions??

Oh, and I took your advice Shark, and moved the link from 6 to 12 - fits really nicely. Thanks for the tip

A dark brown (aka burgundy) OEM calf looks really good with a black dial BB.

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

Thanks '52, but I have a BEB!