The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi all,

I’m a old-newbie; bought by first Breitling 7 years ago, have read the forum on and off for years, recently purchased my second watch and joined the Source.

Other than a Movado and a couple G-Shocks, my true collection consists of a Chrono Avenger with the Professional Titanium bracelet and Driver Pro rubber strap, and a Montbrillant Datora with the Navitimer Bracelet and a 744P Croc Strap.

First of all, I would like to be able to change the bracelets/straps myself and wondering what type of tools to get. Should I purchase just a springbar tool, do I need a bracelet link pusher thingy, do I dare get a case back opener?

The springbar tool is a must. I’m pretty big boned so I haven’t needed to remove any links yet but do use a paperclip for the micro-adjuster on the buckles. Would I ever want to remove the case-back? I know other forum members do it but should that be reserved for older, non-watertight watches? If I open my watches, would I need replacement gaskets or anything? I am a novice when it comes to watches but as a Navy diver, I can open and work on dive computers. Any links or suggestions on what or where to buy are appreciated.

Last is a springbar question. Both my Breitlings have 22mm lugs. I have read on this forum that I should use 1.5mm diameter for bracelets and 1.8mm for both my dive and croc strap. Is this information correct, should I get bars for the buckles and what size would they be (20mm?)? In the military, we would use new springbars every time they were removed from the equipment; how often to members here change them?

Thanks is advance for your wisdom.

Don't buy a caseback opener - there is no good reason for owners to open the back and you are just risking problems and warranty denial.

The bracelet pusher thingy won't help much as Breitling bracelets are screwed (Bergeon 160 / 1.6mm will do the trick - two to make life easier adding or removing links) and a Bergeon 6767F springbar tool will do the job on changing.

The 1.5mm / 1.8mm is correct, no need to change anything at the clasp end generally unless you are swapping out the clasp as well, but they will be the same diameters with the shorter length for the taper. I generally only replace springbars if they are damaged or have lost some of the spring - no reason to swap out quality ones evey time that you change the strap / bracelet.

Roff, thanks for the quick reply.

I agree on your thoughts regarding the caseback opener. It would be useful to check authenticity of movements if buying a secondhand watch; something I wont be doing for a while. Plus my Chrono Avenger came back from a full service at BUSA three months ago; knowing my curiosity, I’m sure I would screw it up somehow.

I googled to purchase the Bergeon 6767F. found mostly bay sellers. A watch parts wholesaler named Esslinger.com does have it at a decent price. They also sell pushbars but don’t know what kind to get (single/double flange, single/double shoulder…) They are listed at http://www.esslinger.com/watchbandpins- ... tions.aspx

Have you heard of this company, would you suggest someplace else?

Bill

I generally use watchtool.co.uk, even in Canada and ofrei.com. Others have used mywatchmaker.net. I don't remember what springbar types I have to be honest - my springbars just come from ADs

I will look at those sites. Thanks