The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I do wood turning for a hobby and today I had a bowl explode on me and a giant part flew up and hit me on the wrist bone. Ouch wasnt the only thing said, expecially after I realized that some dummy forgot that he was wearing his silver Steelfish and it got hit too. Nothing wrong, appearance wise (still keeping perfect time too), but now the bezel doesnt "ratchet" and can be turned in either direction.

I dont know what hurts worse, my swollen wrist or the kick in the gut from forgetting to take off my unmarked Steelfish and it getting damaged.

Does anyone know if this sounds like a minor repair that I might be able to fix by taking the bezel off?

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

Ouch, times two

Peter

I had my Steelfish worked upon by a local jeweler (never again) - when I got it back, the bezel was hard to turn and, before I could rotate it one complete revolution, the bezel stuck and I was afraid to force it. I figured I had nothing to lose (the watch was bought on the grey market and had no serial number) so I loosened the 8 screws and took the bezel off, put it back and it turned fine.

Your problem might be more severe than mine was, it sounds like your bezel got forced backwards by the flying wood and might be jammed. If you have a convenient local AD, I'd suggest you take it there and have them look at it. If it's inconvenient, you might try taking it off yourself but you should be really careful not to lose any screws or any small parts that might be damaged. Having said all that, if you have any hesitation about trying it yourself, take it to an AD.

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NRA Life Member
NJKCA Honorary Member
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Chrono Avenger, Grey Dial, Pro II
Steelfish, Black Dial, Ocean Racer
Super Avenger, White Dial, Pro II
Casio GWG-1000-1A3 Mudmaster
Sinn UX

Oooo, nasty one Bronco!

I agree with Ross, that if you have the right size screwdriver (and ONLY if you have the right size screwdriver!), it might be a very simple fix you could do yourself. The rachet on the bezel is just a simple ring of springy metal with a little piece bent upwards that clicks into the grooves on the underside of the bezel. It works like a barb on a fish-hook : allows it to go one way, but not the other. It may just be bent, or popped out of the retaining hole in the case, or it may be something more serious, like it could've been bent back and snapped. Either way if you are confident in undoing your bezel you could take a look yourself.

BUT, as Ross said, if you are in any way unsure about it, then don't touch it yourself and get yourself to an AD.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Others have said it, no harm in trying if you have the right screwdriver. Don't take the screws all the way out, they can be a pain to put back in, just loosen them - and hope you and the watch feel better soon!

If there was any permanent damage, the only thing youd need to replace is the metal ring inside. If you havent seen one yet, its just some flimsy piece of metal that looks like it costs about 10 cents (though im sure it doesnt). Its an easy fix.

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-RJ

Yesterday, I was doing some demo work with my Sawzall. It vibrated so much, the safety clasp and the main clasp popped open and the watch vibrated up my wrist. Luckily, it was my old quartz Tag .

I will have to look over my screwdrivers and see if one fits perfectly. Otherwise I will wait to have my AD look it over. No permanent damage to wrist either.

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Breitling Steelfish(black)
Breitling Steelfish(silver)
Panerai PAM 312
Bell & Ross BR03-92 Phantom
Steinhart BreitlingSource LE #5/15

BTW, when we say 'perfect,' we mean PERFECT. The screws strip very easily, so you need to be careful. I learned the hard way, even though I though my screwdriver was the right size.

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-RJ

also...! (not telling you how to suck eggs) the screws are often secured using thread locking solution (not quite like superglue though) so the screws may be quite tight to loosen initially

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

.........and the easiest way to address that is to tighten them slightly before loosening them.