The Breitling Watch Source Forums

OK, so I'm feeling a bit stupid here..I've had so many watches over the years, and I've never had this much difficulty changing a bracelet before. I was just wanting to swap out the bracelet for my OR strap, but after a while of trying the remove the spring bars on the bracelet, I gave up before I scratched anything in my frustrated state.
Wondering if anyone had any words of wisdom with this particular watch/bracelet?
Particular tool to use? I have a Bergeron tool, yet its a bit too large to fit in the bracelet slots.
Thanks for any words of advice.

_________________
Cheers,
Christopher

Currently...
Blackbird, Black Hercules, PAM 000
Down to a humble three...

Which Bergeon tool are you using?

In case you haven't seen this: http://www.breitlingsource.com/video_ar ... p%20Change

Are you using the same tip used in the video?

Make sure that you have the fine tip on the tool (F suffix), and that should fit.

The way that I do it with tighter bracelets is:

1) Compress one end of the spring bar while applying pressure from underneath (the top of the bracelet) with my thumb so that the bracelet moves and the spring bar is no longer aligned with the hole.
2) Maintain the pressure while compressing the other end of the spring bar and then apply additional pressure to that side so that the spring bar stays out on both sides

You should then be able to remove the bracelet pretty easily. Breitling bracelets are too good a fit to be able to remove one side from the lugs while the spring bar is engaged on the other side.

If the bracelet fits as tight as on my Cockpit (sounds like it does), I've had to use two Burgeon tools (6767F) to compress both ends of the spring bar at the same time. This worked great for me.

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

I've removed the bracelet from a Blackbird many times using a single 6767F tool, Cockpit too. Is it possible they put funky springbars in there? The only bracelets I ever had difficulty with were the former Navis. Strange.

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SHARKMAN

Interesting that you say that Tom. My Cossie bracelet (same thing as the Navi) is easily my hardest bracelet to remove.

Thanks guys for the advice.
So where is the best place to pick up one of the smaller 6767F bergeron tools?
I have an idea to make something to make this easier, I just need to get small enough tips.
Thanks again.

_________________
Cheers,
Christopher

Currently...
Blackbird, Black Hercules, PAM 000
Down to a humble three...

www.mywatchmaker.net or www.watchtool.co.uk

I bought mine on ebay iirc. You can also try a toothpick while waiting for the bergeon to arrive.

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-RJ