The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have a Blackbird A4435910/B811 (case date 2006-B4, bracelet date S3904) that I purchased in Jan, 08 and an Aerospace E7936210/B962 (case date 1509-B5, bracelet date W3308) that I purchased last month. Both were new with all docs, boxes, and QA/protective stickers in tact and were bought from my local AD. The problem is that the spring bars seem to be at odds with what I've seen posted here.

I've found several references to spring bars being either 1.5mm or 1.6mm for bracelets and 1.8mm for straps. All 4 bars in my Blackbird and Aerospace are identical - 1.77mm +/- 0.04mm. I made multiple measurements using two calipers just to be sure. But, they all have pointed ends as shown in the first photo here (tapered barrel, not crimped).

I have straps on the way for both watches, so I want to be sure that I use the correct bars. My AD has already told me that he will give me some, but I want to be sure that I get the right ones from him. He's a great guy, but sometimes he's less than spot on with details.

If I hadn't used these calipers many times over the years without a problem, I'd swear that my measurements were off. But I've never seen a 0.2mm error with either of them and I made sure that everything was clean and zeroed. I'm befuddled!

Is it possible that Breitling has changed things up a bit with spring bars in the last couple of years and are now using the larger bars for some watches/bracelets?

Possible - not really in the mood to take all my bracelets / straps off right now to check over the years (sorry), but as a rule of thumb, get the largest that will fit through the bracelet. It's the same rule for straps, but because the hole is more flexible they tend to be larger so that they almost 'friction fit'.

And I certainly wouldn't have wanted you to remove them, either!

I appreciate the suggestion. I was thinking along those lines, but I really don't want to assume when it comes to my Breitlings.

I have to take my Blackbird to my AD for a replacement rider tab screw that's on its way and I plan on taking him up on his offer for a few spring bars. It it turns out that these are 1.8's, I post some pics.