Breitling tang buckle differences?!?!

[rg21044]

I am hoping someone can shed some light on this. I have three of the newer style tang buckles...all 20mm..that are all slightly different.

The first is polished, has a raised wings logo and has A20BA.1 engraved on the underside.

The second is polished, has a raised wings logo...although it doesn't appear to be quite as crisp as the one mentioned above and no alpha-numerical code engraved on the underside.

The third is brushed, has a raised wings logo and no alpha-numerical code engraved on the underside.

Are these differences due to year of production, model of watch or strap it came on or due to something else entirely? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Gasguzlr]

I think it mostly has to do with the year it was produced, and somewhat also with what strap. I have some buckles that came on those rubberized straps with the calf core, and they are different in that they are slightly thicker. You wouldn't notice unless you put them side to side. I also have some older buckles where the wings are merely stamped, not embossed or raised at all. And again, some are brushed or polished, depending on the watch they were ordered for.

The only version I don't recall seeing in my collection is your middle buckle, the one that is slightly less crisp.otherwise they look authentic enough to me.

Cheers!

Ross

[rg21044]

Thanks for the response. I agree that the buckles have changed over time. There are even differences between ones with the raised wings logo which have only been available for a few years.

The buckle on the croc strap does seem less crisp in its engravings. I have had the authenticity of the strap verified and so it would seem odd that someone would sell a $400+ strap with an imitation of a $40 clasp attached...but anything is possible. Also, I have not heard of an imitation of this buckle with the raised wings logo.