The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I just had a leather strap put on my Seawolf - tang buckle, no deployant this time.
Just wondered. With constant wear, any ideas how long this type of strap usually lasts?
I am finding the strap very comfortable as it is, so the only advantage I can see with the deployant is less wear on the strap itself. The strap was $160. With deployant $400.
If I continue to like the strap as well as I do now, I would consider the deployant later.
Any thoughts - pro's and con's - to tang vs deployant, or personal experiences?
would appreciate any comments.
Cheers,
Carl

_________________
'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

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

Hi Carl, personally I much prefer the deployant for a couple of reasons. Firstly the wear factor : pulling the strap through the buckle puts quite a bit of strain on the strap and I have seen watches still in AD's that are showing signs of wear just from people trying then on! You just don't get that issue with a deployant.

Secondly, (and this is a personal opinion) I just think the deployant looks more classy and sophisticated!

In terms of longevity, I have seem 10 year old watches on original leather and croco straps, and while they may not look pristine, they certainly had plenty of life left in them. I'd say expect 5 years, and maybe up to 10 if you clean and care for them.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

I'm with Driver on this one. I have both and the deployant just looks clean and classy as well easier to put on in my opinion. However the deployant is very uncomfortable with a new strap at first. It takes some time to break in but once it is, it is very comfortable.

_________________
Bentley Motors T- White dial

Driver, did I understand you correctly, you say, that a standard Breitling leather strap (calf) with deployant might endure 10 years of wearing?? Even if you care about your strap and don't wear the watch during sports activities, isn't that a bit too much?

V.

Just telling it like I've seen it, vorollo.

I've seen watches made ten years ago with the original strap, and as I say they may not look in pristine condition but they are still holding the watch on the guys' wrist. As I also said "expect 5 years, and maybe up to 10 if you clean and care for them". By caring for them I mean not wearing them when playing sport or mixing concrete or something, and certainly not swimming in them. It also means cleaning them and using a leather care product on them.

To be honest I'm not sure why that sort of lifespan should be a big shock to you - just think about vintage leather jackets. You'll find jackets from the 50's and 60's still going strong. What about leather car seats : in the past I've owned cars that were 6 or 7 years old when I've sold them and the leather looks practically brand new. Care for leather and it'll last and last.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

@Driver.

Thank you.

Yes, of course, leather can be very durable, but a leather strap on a wrist can get wet or at least moist during summertime. I am just positively surprised about a theoretical lifespan of up to 5 - 10 years, since most watch brands recommend (or prospect), that a leather strap will have to be exchanged every year or so... Are they assuming, that everybody takes them into the pool?

Secondly, if you are used to wear your leather strapped watch during night while sleeping this might - in my eyes - drastically shorten the lifespan, right?

Thanks,

V.

I guess it's extremely dependant on how you wear your watches. I tend to be very careful (as are the people I know) and I certainly don't sleep with my watches on. I also alternate my watches so no single watch is worn day in day out, and it's a known fact that leather straps benefit from a "rest period" to allow the sweat to evaporate.

I think a manufacturer saying you'll have to replace your strap every year or so is seriously over-estimating it (unless they are making really flimsy straps!). Obviously having said that, if you live in a hot region (i.e. sweaty) and wear your watch night and day, then the lifespan will be cut shorter that it otherwise might've been.... no question.

However with a bit of care you can definitely expect 5 years, and with a bit more care and thought, 10 is definitely achievable.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks, this encourages me to buy my next Breitling with the leather strap.
Do you know, is there a difference in terms of durability between calf/cow and crocodile straps from Breitling?
V.

Not really. The croco takes a bit longer to break-in than the calf leather, but that's about it. I asked years ago at my AD if croco was any more water resistant (my reasoning being that crocodiles have to be fairly water resistant! ), but apparently not. In terms of performance, croco may be fractionally tougher (but not by much) so all you really pay for is the look and the exclusivity of croco......... which personally I believe is worth it..... just!

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

I was in an AD's today looking at straps for the SA. I asked the AD this very question about a calfskin strap w/deployant and she said to expect about a year out of it. I questioned that and was surprised to hear her say that. I GUARANTEE mine will last longer than a year. Like Driver said, I am expecting 5, but I will take care of it, so maybe more....

_________________

Wow! Interesting responses, and thanks to all you guys.
I was expecting about 2 years with the leather strap, and I would be happy. But 5, that would be amazing!
This is turning out to be a watch that I will be wearing every day, and to work as well. First leather ever on a Breitling for me, and I love it.
Good point about the leather jacket. I'm still wearing the leather jacket I bought back in 1997, the same time as I bought the SuperOcean. I had a new lining put in the jacket last year, and I still love wearing that thing! I imagine the leather strap is going to wear in like an old shoe, and I will probably treat it to some TLC, and be very sad when it finally has to be replaced.
For some reason, I think I have been missing something with my Breitlings by not having the leather on them. Usually, my watches come off right after I get home in the evening, this one stays on till I go to bed, and last night I forgot to take it off!
Cheers,
Carl

_________________
'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

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

Guys, just so I don't get a load of PM's if your straps don't last exactly 10 years(!) , I just want to reiterate that the lifespan will be ENTIRELY dependent on how you use and wear them. All I can say is my personal experience of straps, and others that I've seen.

I have personally never had a strap last less than 5 years - but as I say, I am careful with my watches, and I give my straps a decent rest period between wearing them them. I have also personally seen 10 years old watches with the original straps which, while they look VERY well used, are perfectly serviceable.

OK that's my disclaimer there!

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

PMs? Who is talking about PMs? You'll get all well-used leather straps from all around the world by postmail to refresh them and send them back to us!

Thanks... (I think!)

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

I think my Black Croc with deployant will last for ever as I only wear my Navi on weekends and for best. I even avoid dark sleeves if possible to prevent colour transfer on to the white stitching. Which is where the strap will show it's age first.

How do you clean the stitching without spoiling the leather?

_________________
STAFFWOLF - NAVITIMER

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=4090