The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi there,

I have read a lot about changing straps and bracelets on this forum. I have a Montbrillant Datora with a bracelet and croco strap. At the AD they don't advise you to change your strap or bracelet yourself, because of the risk to damage the lugs. But reading this forum I think with the right tool this should not have to be very complicated and a lot of you does this at home.

Q1. I've seen the video (see link below) how to change a bracelet to a strap. I wonder, does it work the same the other way around? I mean to remove a strap you don't see the pin and I quess you should take a little more force to get the pin released. Does anyone have a link for changing a strap to bracelet?

Q2. I have a Navitimer bracelet that differs from the one on the video, so I wonder if this will change the manor of releasing or not? At my AD they have had some problems changing it. They told me that Breitling bracelets are difficult to change.

http://www.breitlingsource.com/video_articles.php?video=v/yhsVGYlJ8QA&title=Breitling%20Strap%20Change

Ok, now the right tool:

Q3. A lot of you like the Bergeon 6767F because of the smal fork (1 mm), but the Bergeon 6111 has the smal fork but also a bigger one (4 mm) for possibly changing straps. So you think the 6111 is the best option, but most of you use the 6767F. What is the reason? Does the 6767F have more advantages beside it's cheaper?

Q4. I also want to know when to change a fork when using it more often. Is it so fragile that it can break or something else? In that case, how many forks is normal to have in spare parts?

Q5. What's the use of a pin pusher on the 6111 and 6767F? Is this for resizing bracelets? You also need a screwdriver for that I quess.

Q6. What is a good online store for buying this tools. I have read that many of you buy this at watchtool.co.uk. I live in Holland and i can't find any dutch store that sels Bergeon. Is it ok to buy this at watchtool.co.uk for me?

Bergeon 6111
http://www.watchtool.co.uk/bergeon-6111-deluxe-spring-tool-p-6725.html

Bergeon 6767F
http://www.watchtool.co.uk/bergeon-6767f-spring-tool-p-6516.html

Thanks anyway.

I've found a YouTube film how the change a strap. It's not a Breitling, but is this the correct way of changing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtPde-M5Xz0&feature=fvwrel

Q1 - just compress the strap. You don't need to see the pin because the strap can be compressed and a bracelet can't

Q2 - same process, Navitimer bracelets are just a very tight fit so to remove you need to compress both ends of the spring bar and remove from the holes and to insert you need to get the bracelet between both lugs and then align the spring bar

Q3 - 6767 is a much easier tool for me to use and you can get standard tips for it as well (6767S comes with standard tip but they just screw in so either will fit). I've just never had a need for a standard tip.

Q4 - I haven't yet replaced a tip - get 2 or 3 and you'll be fine for a long time

Q5 - it's for pushing the end of springbars where that's the process to remove them - most Breitling bracelet clasps have this set up where you push the end from the outside of the clasp.

Q6 - I use watchtool.co.uk for a number of items - would certainly recommend them for Europe.

Q1 - just put the tip of the springbar tool between lug and strap and use the tool to compress the strap.

Q3 - 6111 vs 6767 is personal choice, personally I prefer the 6767, tips are differently shaped from what I recall.

Q5 - you use it for anything where you need to remove the spring bar by pushing on the end. I gave you one example of that on a Breitling. Some watches, especially vintage pieces, have the end of the spring bar visible in the lugs so that's how you would remove it.

One other thing - if you're as anal about scratches as I am, it's worth covering the underside of the lugs with a couple of layers of tiny bits of Selotape. It can save nasty little scratches, especially when replacing the strap. Follow this. plus the advice Roff's given you, and go careful and take your time, and you'll be fine. Changing the strap/bracelet is the simplest thing you can do when it comes to "watch DIY".

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Driver8

Site Moderator

This is a word I haven't heard for quite a while!

BTW, very good tips there D8, although I'm always scared to death to put them into application, haven't got the experience of you guys.



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