The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I will soon be the proud owner of a Chronomat Evolution on SS bracelet. I am keen to be able to swap the bracelet for a leather strap for different occasions. I have read that the best tool for achieving this is the Bergeon. Can someone please confrim that a) this is correct (Bergron is the best tool for the job) and b) which forks are the right size for changing a chronomat strap? The default tool is called a Bergeon 6767-F - will this do the job?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Adam.

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Gone: TT Chronomat Evolution (Blue Face)
Saving for: SOH 42

There's a lot of debate about 'the best' too manufacturer, but for this job yes the Bergeon 6767F is the right tool. Highly recommended is www.watchtool.co.uk - regardless of where you are located.

+ 1 buy the fine tip as well as the wide one its worth it

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I got mine from EBAY ( I think its the same dealer as mentioned above)

store name:

partsforandwatches

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Rolex DeepSea, GMT Master II TT, Pres 18038, DJ TT 16013
Breitling Chronomat 39mm (bullet+UTC), Starliner SS/MOP (wife)

back with ROLEX

cheaper buying direct not ebay

I just picked up one of these:
http://www.ofrei.com/page252.html (first one listed)

Very nice, and Otto Frei is great to deal with. If you're in the Bay Area, it's worth a visit.

Ive read (and recommended) that the 6767F was the tool to use, but I finally bought a tool the other day after doing more research, and decided that the 6111 was better.

Fine tip for bracelets, big tip for straps, and a pin pusher all in one.

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-RJ

Guys - many thanks to you all for your help. As usual this forum has come up trumps!

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Gone: TT Chronomat Evolution (Blue Face)
Saving for: SOH 42

+1

I too found this information very helpful. Thanks to all and good question BlingAdam

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"

there is no need to buy a specific tool for this...all you need is a sharp knife, like a scalpel blade that is thin enough to fit down between the lugs of the case and the strap/bracelet. Its very simple, just slide it down inside the lug and push the spring bar across, it takes literally seconds.

I prefer a method that doesn't scratch the case!

either way you are putting a thin piece of metal down the edge of the lug, this method just as safe if done carefully.
i was at a dealers today, and he was changing several straps for me to try things on and he was using this method on brand new watches...and not a single scratch

I just wouldn't risk it. The tool costs a few bucks. One slip with a knife and the tool pays for itself a dozen times over.

I must be honest but I've used this method in the past before I bought a Bergeon tool. I certainly wouldn't recommend it as it IS possible to slip, but I was exceptionally careful and also used a few layers of tape on the underside of the lugs to protect then in case of slippage. So I was both careful and lucky and it worked out OK.......... but for the sake of a few pounds buying the tool is a no-brainer really.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I use a dedicated screwdriver tip, but I have only seen the true professionals (AD repair folks and watchsmiths) use the knife method. They can use the knife quicker than with a screwdriver and it literally takes seconds.
Me: it takes a couple of attempts and a few minutes each time for on and off of a bracelet.
Straps I can do usually on the first try.
If you know what you are doing the knife works as well or better than the screwdriver, if you don't know what you are doing stick with a screwdriver tip.