Watch guys: replacement Breitling strap/band?

[Neilk]

With all the talk about the Apple Watch, I thought it might be time to get my Brietling Chronographe Colt repaired. The leather strap/band broke and I need a new one. I e-mailed Strapped For Time and they don't have a 18/16mm replacement, so it looks like I might need to get a real one.

Do you have any recommendations on where I could go and buy one online? I don't want to go to the local dealer and get bent over more than I need to.

Thanks,
Neil

[Gogar]

Do you want a real one?

I think authenticwatches.com has the easiest-to-navigate website. Looks like they have 18/16 leather straps for $295.

You can look on eBay and surely find one, I wouldn't be too afraid of jomashop and authentic watches.com if you're just buying a strap.

If you're not in a hurry you can probably wait on eBay and a real one will pop up for cheaper.

[MMiller]

Lots of good straps here....good company with good customer service and quick ship

18mm Exotic Skins from Panatime

Regards,

[yazhound]

Originally Posted by Neilk

With all the talk about the Apple Watch, I thought it might be time to get my Brietling Chronographe Colt repaired. The leather strap/band broke and I need a new one. I e-mailed Strapped For Time and they don't have a 18/16mm replacement, so it looks like I might need to get a real one.

Do you have any recommendations on where I could go and buy one online? I don't want to go to the local dealer and get bent over more than I need to.

Thanks,
Neil

Yes, you can send it to the Brieting facility and they can redo for you. My father did that with a 64 or 65 Navitimer and I last year sent my Superocean in. It is a good idea to have the seals and mechanisms redone every so often , maintenence. It think it was about $300, which included repairing the bracelet. The number for Miami location is 305 935 9350

[yazhound]

oh... TimeZone on line .... may find one someone wants to sell...

[john70t]

$300 for a 6" piece of leather, which has broken before?

Ok.

[yazhound]

Originally Posted by john70t

$300 for a 6" piece of leather, which has broken before?

Ok.

No. Take watch apart, Clean, service (recalibrate), and put in new seals. The service is recommended by breitling every so often. Comes back looking and running like new watch. I was happy with the result. I have metal bracelet, which new is like $500. So....

So maybe you can find one on TimeZone or similar site.

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by john70t

$300 for a 6" piece of leather, which has broken before?

Ok.

$3000 for a Watch, when you can just look at your iPhone?

Ok.

I do agree with you that it's expensive. It's not all about function, though. Like the whole jewelry world, when you think about it.

[john70t]

Sorry I was bit hasty and negative nancy with yesterday's comment, I need to bite my tongue more often. Just never understood the whole watch snobbery thing growing up, but have seen some beautiful examples of precise mechanical artwork. Who am I to judge another's esthetic persuasions? If someone uses it daily it ought to be nice. I retract everything with apologies.

[yazhound]

Originally Posted by john70t

Sorry I was bit hasty and negative nancy with yesterday's comment, I need to bite my tongue more often. Just never understood the whole watch snobbery thing growing up, but have seen some beautiful examples of precise mechanical artwork. Who am I to judge another's esthetic persuasions? If someone uses it daily it ought to be nice. I retract everything with apologies.

I get it. Why spend like that when you can have a gschock.

My father while flying helicopters in Vietnam used his slide rule equiped Navitimer as a tool, back before all the sophisticated avionics came about. His leather band rotted off from sweat and humidity. Anyway, it still performs and the thing is that is all mechanical.

You should check out some the the really sophisticated mechnical watches and what they are able to do... all being hand made. Way way over my price range, way way ha, but still they are marvels.

[BlueTone]

I took mine to the Breitling store in Midtown Manhattan, I could use a cheaper solution as well. Thanks!

[yazhound]

Originally Posted by BlueTone

I took mine to the Breitling store in Midtown Manhattan, I could use a cheaper solution as well. Thanks!

How much charge you? What watch do you have?
Are you a Southside or Bruce fan?

[Neilk]

Originally Posted by john70t

$300 for a 6" piece of leather, which has broken before?

Ok.

and that's why I am looking for a nice replacement. I don't feel like spending $300 on a replacement that lasted me 4 years.

[mgatepi]

Originally Posted by john70t

Sorry I was bit hasty and negative nancy with yesterday's comment, I need to bite my tongue more often. Just never understood the whole watch snobbery thing growing up, but have seen some beautiful examples of precise mechanical artwork. Who am I to judge another's esthetic persuasions? If someone uses it daily it ought to be nice. I retract everything with apologies.

I have had my Rolex for 30+years. I wear it everyday and continues to run flawlessly. Recently I checked into the values of vintage Rolex and learned that mine is worth over 3 times what I paid for it when new!!!

So with this in mind, I think I got my moneys worth here!

[BlueTone]

Originally Posted by yazhound

How much charge you? What watch do you have?
Are you a Southside or Bruce fan?

It was 3 years ago and I think I paid about $275. I have a Chronograph. SRV (originally from Texas)

[Mookster]

If needed, have the watch serviced and get a stainless band. I wear mine daily and it is indestructible.

[yazhound]

Originally Posted by BlueTone

It was 3 years ago and I think I paid about $275. I have a Chronograph. SRV (originally from Texas)

Hey me too! - SRV. Actually got to meet him on the Texas Flood tour. In Destin FL . A show that cannot be forgotten. Was on the front row less than a few yards from Stevie. Got to go on bus afterwards. Saw him several times afterwards, including the Jeff Beck co head line tour and in Red Rocks Taj Mahal.

He was very humble and soft spoken. Great vibe from him.