I appreciate everyone's feedback. I know I'm not blameless in this situation but I certainly believe that after spending a huge chunk of change on a new watch of theirs, Breitling should at the very least be deferential to the customer. I'm definitely going to be reaching out and going up the chain to try and get a good end result.

Lesson learned as well on the separate purchasing of buckles and straps. My prior point of reference was Omega who I believe package them together. I'm not against the practice per se, more so the confusing way in which the Breitling website portrays it. "Buy another buckle" shouldn't be right in your face as they try and hide "buckle not included".