The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Firstly, it occurred to me that my SuperOcean - purchased in 1997 - which I had for 10 years, originally had a PRO I bracelet. During those 10 years, I never considered changing that. Finally, a couple of pins came out of a couple of the links. I took it to my AD, and was told it (the bracelet) could not be prepared. At that point, I decided to put a Diver Pro on it, as I was trying to decide what would be my new replacement for the SuperOcean anyway. The Diver Pro looked great, as would a leather band also have looked good. However, it was never the same without the steel bracelet.
I decided to keep the SuperOcean and bought a Steelfish, again with steel bracelet. I wore it for a couple of months, then a chance came along to buy an AS Blacksteel, so I traded my SuperOcean and got quite a bit off the price of the Blacksteel. I wore the Blacksteel exclusively for about 4 months, and in the meantime also ordered an Ocean Racer strap for my Steelfish.
The Ocean Racer strap came in after about 2 months. After I had it put on the Steelfish, I wore nothing but the Steelfish and put the Blacksteel away. About a month ago, I decided to have the Steel bracelet put back on the Steelfish, and now I am even happier with it. I couldn't wait to see the Ocean Racer on it, and it did look outstanding. However, now that I have the PRO II back on, I love it even more. I know that I will eventually try the Ocean Racer again. I also know that the PRO II is really THE strap/bracelet for my Steelfish. I guess part of it is that where the strap attaches to the lugs, it looks like it was made for the watch. Just as the Pilot is made for the Cockpit and Blackbird etc. I am finally understanding why many of you believe that the stainless or metal bracelets really are the only way to go.
The other thing is: A couple of times recently, I decided to have a go at wearing my Blacksteel. I actually put it on, admired it, then took it off and put the Steelfish on. I have also tried on the Blackbird numerous times, and at one point was thinking of selling the Blacksteel (which I really do intend to do now), and also the Steelfish to buy it. It still does not give me the "jolt" that the Steelfish does. The fact that it is more than twice the price does not even enter into the equation. I know myself well enough to be able to say that if I wanted the Blackbird enough, I would get it.
I suppose there seems to be just the watch for each of us, although so many of us do have more than one. For me, I believe it is the Steelfish. Just as 11 years ago in 1997, it was the SuperOcean.
As the subject line of this posting suggests, I have rambled on. Thanks for listening.
Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

Hello,
I agree 100%

A steel bracelet is the best option also for a Navitimer.

I purchased a used Navi with braclet.... unfortunately the bracelet was too short so I fitted a Lovely Italian strap....

BUT ..... once I fitted a extra link from the Breitling agent.... I was so proud of the change.... The strap was lovely ... but

the bracelet completed it!

I have had a similar experience with my Omega Speedmaster Pro (with the 1171 bracelet).

Bracelets are the way to go!

Carl, I think you make a good point. I couldn't imagine my Steelfish on anything else but the Pro II.

I've just put a bracelet on my Planet Ocean and I am converted. As you say, it's the bit where it attaches to the lugs that you really notice. There used to be a gap there, now it all looks integrated. It's like having a new watch.

I think this only works for me with relatively chunky watches and chunky bracelets though. Some watches I still prefer on leather.

I can relate. I have the Diver Pro on my daily Steelfish (black dial) mostly because it seems more like a tool watch and it occationally gets scuffed while working with my hands. Plus during the summer I sweat, a lot and the rubber strap is lighter on the wrist.

Now when I get home I will often throw the other Steelfish on (silver dial) that has a Pro2 bracelet. Makes me smile as soon as I snap the clasp shut! Just something more substantial about the bracelet feeling on the wrist.

I will say, though, that I really like how easily you can change the look of the Steelfish (or other Breitling) just by changing the strap / bracelet and really makes you feel like you have a brand new watch!

Scott

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

I'm kind of split down the middle on the virtues of bracelets or straps. Both can look great and both can give a watch a totally different appearance. In many cases a leather or croco strap can make a piece more eye-catching than when it's on a bracelet.

I agree that bracelets are easier to maintain and often better suited to the hotter climates as too much sweat can destroy a strap, but for those of us in colder areas the strap represents a great addition to the available options. And fortunately Breitling make some of the the best quality straps in the world!

The only real downside I personally have with straps is that they are essentially consumables and you know you will have to replace it in a number of years. That's not too bad with the calf leather straps as they aren't that expensive, but croco (at £345 in the uK) is a pretty expensive consumable! Hence why a deployant is mandatory in my opinion to prolong the life as much as possible.

Additionally I don't tend to be one of those people who changes straps and bracelets over with any great regularity - I tend to decide on a model I want and stick with it. Hence my 6.75 on black croco is staying with that set up.

I can't speak for the rubber options having never owned one, but as I only ever use deployants that effectively writes off the Diver Pro for me anyway.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I've always been a fan of both - bracelets are nice, but with older pieces strap is often the only option.

Previously I have tended to be a one strap / bracelet per watch person, but the Complications 19 looks so different on the Speed and the blue croc that I am swapping them over more than I thought I would.

Definitely agree that deployant is the only way to go for straps.

i tend to agree with Roff and in Part driver8.

if you take the Navi range i love the bracelet although one thing i find noticable but i have gotten over it is that with the navi why oh why didnt breitling finish the lug link into the corners like on the B1 and other pieces that gap just erks me.

anyway back on topic, i love the bracelet and refuse to buy any without it, in the summer as has been said it is the only option as i dont want to ruin my straps.

then there are my beloved straps, i have brown and black leather, and brown and black croco and only 1 clasp to share between them at the moment.

the black leather looks great on the 806 and imo is the only option unless i can locate a mesh.

however the cosmo and fighters look so elegant and sophisticated on the brown croco and the datora does on the black croco, if im in a tux or need to look ultra smart the croco goes on.

not saying the bracelet doesnt dress it up but look at this




then almost the same watch but not as dressy on metal




Finally breitling if your reading any chance you can make croco and leather to fit the ocean racer clasp?

I tried to like the leather strap with my Colt GMT but just couldn't do it. I think the problem is the tang buckle. I've tried watches on before with the deployment clasp and they fit much better. I have the diver pro strap as well which I like better since it doesn't require any break in time. I still think no matter what straps I may buy, the steel bracelet will always be the way to go.

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Justin
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