Strap and Bracelet Questions. Please Help

[POBLACK]

Hello All,

I'm still narrowing down which type of Breitling I want to purchase. I'm thinking down the road in the future I will probably re-sell or trade the watch in for something else. For Re-sell purposes, is it better to have a bracelet as opposed to a leather or croc strap? Or does it even matter? I think more people are more interested in bracelets then leather straps.

Also, I was searching ebay and the internet for all types of 22mm leather straps. How do you feel about non-factory/ aftermarket straps on real Breitlings? Does it "cheapen" them? Do people frown upon it? Breitling charges so much for their straps ($500) and I can find one that looks just as good for under $50. Let me now.

[Alan M]

If you are going to buy a New Breitling buy it with a bracelet.

you can always take it off and wear on a strap. I think you will find that Breitling straps are the best but only you can be the judge.

[GregNYC]

Agree with Alan - if you want a bracelet at all, then buy the watch with the bracelet. Straps can come later. I used to be a big aftermarket strap fan in my Panerai days, and IMHO Breitling are among the best straps I've ever seen. I'd never put another strap on a Breitling watch if a Breitling strap were available! Not to mention the signed Breitling buckle!!

[davey vermaak]

Hi
I agree with the previous comments, please be aware some Breitlings have integrated bracelets...like the Montbrillant Legende.

So be sure you check!!!

Davey

[GregNYC]

Hi
I agree with the previous comments, please be aware some Breitlings have integrated bracelets...like the Montbrillant Legende.

Good point. I had this Navitimer Heritage, now discontinued. Basically, think of it as having 4 lugs on each side instead of 2 lugs. Breitling doesn't make a strap for that, AFAIK. I grew to really wish it had a non-integrated bracelet. You'd have to find a custom-maker to make a strap for that, and maybe even have to send them the watch!

http://www.oldskooltrack.com/stuff/her.wrist.gif



http://www.oldskooltrack.com/stuff/her.case.gif

[EJC]

Agree with Alan - if you want a bracelet at all, then buy the watch with the bracelet. Straps can come later. I used to be a big aftermarket strap fan in my Panerai days, and IMHO Breitling are among the best straps I've ever seen. I'd never put another strap on a Breitling watch if a Breitling strap were available! Not to mention the signed Breitling buckle!!

A strap will do nothing for the value of the watch unless you are putting on a new one prior to sale.

I think most people buying a watch would want to replace a worn strap. The hardware is important to keep but not the strap itself

[DCJ]

I would for sure buy your Bling on a bracelet then swap it over if applicable. Aftermarket straps are great too :-! Makes it unique and fun to have different looks ;-) I will say it is not the easiest thing to change them on a regular basis like for example.... Panerai or Anonimo due to the spring bar as opposed to the screw. Also Breitling's spring bar tends to set really close to the case and some aftermarket straps have fat or thick ends making it difficult to install or to get the spring bar to lock in....

Couple of shots on a aftermarket Ammo Strap on my CA ;-)

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/connjr/AvengerStrap037-1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/connjr/AvengerStrap013.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/connjr/AvengerStrap024.jpg


Good luck and be sure to post picsb-)

Don

[POBLACK]

Wow, nice watch.

I'm thinking about getting the EVO. I guess I'll buy a watch with the bracelet, then get a couple of straps later. I'm really thinking about going aftermarket though. I just can't justify paying almost $1000 just for a strap and deployment buckle.

[Alan M]

Wow, nice watch.

I'm thinking about getting the EVO. I guess I'll buy a watch with the bracelet, then get a couple of straps later. I'm really thinking about going aftermarket though. I just can't justify paying almost $1000 just for a strap and deployment buckle.


Wow, what type of strap costs that much?

[POBLACK]

The croc strap is about $400 - $500 and that is without the deployment. The deployment is about $300 - $400, so in all your paying around $800. If you know somewhere with better prices let me know.