The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Much to my chagrin, when I looked at my newly overhauled Aerospace the other day, the 45-minute rider tab was missing. All four tabs are only a couple of months old... part of my recent BUSA overhaul. Appears that the screw backed itself out, and the tab fell off unbeknownst to me.

Is this a common occurrence? Should I put Loc-Tite on the remaining three screws?

I've contacted BUSA to see what they will do about this. Haven't heard back yet.

Not common, but not unheard of either. Loctite won't hurt just to be sure, but it is not necessarily a service issue as the tabs may not have been removed during servicing - no reason too unless the bezel needed cleaning under the tabs. Potentially the bezel with tabs could have been put through an ultrasonic cleaner which may have loosened them I guess.

I would be talking to BSUA. Rider tabs should not "fall off" a few months after a service.

Please keep us posted.

Cheers!

All four tabs were replaced with new ones as part of the overhaul. The plating on the original tabs were showing signs of wear.

In that case, definitely get back to BUSA as it would appear they either didn't tighten them enough, or didn't use Loctite. Hopefully they'll hold their hands up to it (and they certainly should do IMO)......, but don't be surprised if they're a little reticent.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Just spoke with BUSA about it. They unhesitatingly offered to take care of the problem. Shipping it off tomorrow!
Nice to see that they stand behind their work.

I just removed a link from my pilot bracelet and did use blue locktite when screwing back together. What does everyone else do? Does everyone use locktite?

Excellent news!

Given BUSA's sometimes "patchy" reputation in some posts here on matters like this, I was slightly concerned they may try to claim it wasn't as a result of their intervention. As you say, good to see them stand behind their warranty.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Something unbelievable happened. Three weeks after losing the rider tab, and a couple weeks after sending the watch to BUSA for repair, my wife actually found the missing tab on the kitchen floor. This, after numerous sweepings and vacuumings. Finding something that is only maybe twice the size of the head of a pin can only be described as miraculous. I gave my wife a reward for finding it.