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The Blackbird has landed!!!
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Author:  chmre [ Tue May 06, 2008 11:41 am ]
Post subject:  The Blackbird has landed!!!
This was a great day. The watch I bought on ebay has finally arrived. An unworn Windrider Blackbird with all the necessary papers. Saved a lot of money on the AD price.

Couple of questions. I would like to adjust the wristband myself. Would you recommend this for a novice in this area? And if so which tools do I need (and where to buy)? Eventually I'd also like to swap the wristband for a leather band from time to time.

This will be my everyday watch. Do I still need a watchwinder or is this superfluous then?

And here the obligatory pics from a very happy fellow. :D

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Author:  ewen [ Tue May 06, 2008 12:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Congratulations :) Gorgeous are they not ?
Author:  Flynbyu [ Tue May 06, 2008 12:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Nice 'bird!

I love the dial on the Blackbird.

~Brian
Author:  Breitling Bloke [ Tue May 06, 2008 12:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hi - what a beauty! - Yes quite exciting - will have to go on the list I think - damn that list just gets longer and longer.

The new style boxes make it a bit more exciting - another layer to unwrap!

Bracelet adjustment here: pretty easy with the right size screwdrive (see below) and a little bit of care.

http://www.breitlingsource.com/video_ar ... Adjustment

Bracelet/strap change here: again quite easy - worth getting a spare pair of spring bars if you'll be changing regularly.

http://www.breitlingsource.com/video_ar ... p%20Change

Tools here:

www.watchtool.co.uk - very helpful, good quality & fast service.

You'll need a good quality screwdriver - about 1.6 to 2.0 mm and a spring bar tool - Bergeon are the best - a fine one.

Alternately eBay is a good source for the tools.

I would say the winder is not required - a few winds every now and again to keep the power reserve up.

Enjoy
Author:  RJRJRJ [ Tue May 06, 2008 12:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
The back of that blackbird is pretty neat. ive never seen it before.

1. I find that a 1.4mm flathead works best for the bracelet screws. 1.6mm will also work (width wise, although it might be slightly thicker, making it not grip the slot well). 2.0mm is way to big imo. I bought a little Husky screw tool with the interchangeable tips (great quality) from Hope Depot for like $5.

2. Spring bar tool will make everything easier, but its not 100% necessary if you want to adjust our bracelet right away and dont want to wait for it in the mail. The same little screwdriver can remove the spring bars, but keep in mind that there is much more chance of scratching the inside of the lugs. You can also try a toothpick to be safe, but it will be a lot harder.

3. If you wear it every day, you definitely dont need a winder. It will get more than enough juice from daily wear. Every couple of weeks I give mine a wind, even though its ticking strong, just to make sure its full--but I have yet to figure out if its necessary.
Author:  Altair [ Tue May 06, 2008 12:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
Great watch, if i did not already have a Chrono Evo I would get one in a heartbeat!
Author:  Breitling Bloke [ Tue May 06, 2008 1:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hi

The 1.6 & 2.0 mm screwdriver I quoted was based on my Navitimer bracelet so please bear that in mind. I dont know how your bracelet compares. Best bet is to get a set with a selection then you'll have the right one for sure. Some of the screws can be a bit tight 1st time so you want a good fit.
Author:  RJRJRJ [ Tue May 06, 2008 1:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Breitling Bloke wrote:
Some of the screws can be a bit tight 1st time so you want a good fit.


Another good point that I forgot to mention.

If the screws are too tight, dont force them...youll end up stripping the screw. If youre familiar with screwing stuff (??) you know that if its too tight, you should tighten it more and then try to unscrew it. It loosens it up...somehow.
Author:  chmre [ Wed May 07, 2008 10:53 am ]
Post subject: 
Thenks for the replies and help.

The videos are excellent.

I think I might be lucky. I was able to adjust the bracelet by simply shifting it on the clasp to the most inner position and it feels quite comfortable. Still I'll get some scredrivers and a spring bar tool.

When do you know that you have wound up the watch 40 times? I forgot to count. :roll: Can you overwind the watch?

Can't wait to wear it to work tomorrow. I may have to wake up tonight just to check out the lume. :D
Author:  sportback [ Wed May 07, 2008 11:08 am ]
Post subject: 
Very tasty - always had a hankering for a Blackbird...good choice - enjoy it
Author:  doctor diesel [ Wed May 07, 2008 11:09 am ]
Post subject: 
sweeeeeeeeeeet, enjoy and wear in good health!
Author:  chmre [ Wed May 07, 2008 11:18 am ]
Post subject: 
I forgot to mention the best thing about the watch: It is a birthday present from my wife.

Thanks, Schatzie!
Author:  breitlingsource [ Wed May 07, 2008 11:54 am ]
Post subject: 
The Blackbird is an amazing watch, very beautiful. I video reviewed one that belongs to a friend of mine, and was a present from his girlfriend. Very nice present!!! You are both lucky men :)
Author:  Roffensian [ Wed May 07, 2008 11:55 am ]
Post subject: 
chmre wrote:
Thenks for the replies and help.

The videos are excellent.

I think I might be lucky. I was able to adjust the bracelet by simply shifting it on the clasp to the most inner position and it feels quite comfortable. Still I'll get some scredrivers and a spring bar tool.

When do you know that you have wound up the watch 40 times? I forgot to count. :roll: Can you overwind the watch?

Can't wait to wear it to work tomorrow. I may have to wake up tonight just to check out the lume. :D


You can't overwind it.

All automatic watches have a 'slip clutch' to prevent overwinding. Of course if it's a daily wearer then you don't have to wind it anyway (after the initial wind).
Author:  carlhaluss [ Wed May 07, 2008 6:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Give your wife a hug from me too! That is wonderful!
I wish one of those would land on my porch, always one of my favourites, not a Limited Edition but a very Special Edition.
Enjoy!
Carl
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