The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi everyone,

Craig at Chronodeco is currently servicing my 1806 and Pupitre 7101. He has told me this morning that he cannot remove the caseback which has probably never been removed in it's life. Here is a copy of Craig's note below:-


Ran into a major issue with this one - I can't get the back off. I have a higher end case back removal tool but no luck even with a LOT of pressure. For fear of damaging the case, I will not attempt it again.

This one looks like the back may have never been off from new - there was only 1 tool mark on the back when I got it. I have seen this a few times before. The old rubber back gasket turns to glue and only a factory 12 sided back wrench (if there is one) that fits the entire back can get it off. I did get the bezel and crystal off so I can install your spare after polishing it.

I put it on the timer and its about 15 seconds per day fast - that is pretty good. Everything seems to be working but I did notice that big hands set very easily so the cannon pinion is loose.

I will let you check around to see if there is a back wrench for this case.

Grateful if anyone can help advise if such a caseback removal tool exists to allow Craig to complete the service.

Thanks a lot in advance.

Regards

Paul.

Sorry,

Should have been clearer. Craig can't remove the Pupitre caseback.

Paul.

They do exist, but don't know of anyone who has one. To the best of my knowledge they were only ever used in the factory so not many would have made it out.

Thanks Roff,

Just trying to get one for Craig. I have posted elsewhere offering to hire one!! I'll see if I get any other assistance here.

Thanks

Paul.

I don't know if this can be done to a watch without damaging it and maybe Craig has already tried this, but how about some liquid wrench on it for a couple of days? It works magic on old cars and aircraft.

http://www.liquidwrench.com/

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Breitling Navitimer: Black Dial
OMEGA Speedmaster Professional
Steinhart Nav.B-Chrono II
Elgin-Hamilton 37500 (Aircraft Clock)

I had the same problem with a NOS Pupitre case . After removing the bezel and crystal , I used a chemical cleaner to dissolve the rubber seal . After a week of immersion, it came off with the Bergeon caseback tool .

Thanks guy's, I will pass the info to Craig.

Paul

Do you remember what "chemical cleaner" you used? I have lots of them. I had also soaked the back in a PB penetrant (works better than Liquid Wrench) and applied heat to the back before the last try. This usually does the job but not this time.
Paul also got a suggestion from the Timezone UK forum suggesting super gluing a ruler onto the back to loosen it and then remove the ruler with solvent. I think Gorilla glue is stronger (my own experience is that nothing is stronger than Gorilla glue) so I might try that next. Thanks for the suggestions, Craig

I had the same problem with a NOS Pupitre case . After removing the bezel and crystal , I used a chemical cleaner to dissolve the rubber seal . After a week of immersion, it came off with the Bergeon caseback tool .[/quote]

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S. Craig Bergsma

I've used carpet tape before but I guess that gorilla glue is stronger?

For Craig : I used DMF ( dimethyl-formamide ) , it is used as a solvent for automotive paints .
After that, you have to change the pushers internal seals too.

Thanks Saabreit,

I will pass to Craig. It looks like a solution is in sight.

Cheers

Paul.

Thanks to your help, Craig has managed to remove the caseback by way of metal ruler stuck to the caseback with Gorilla glue. Hoping the glue can now be removed from the caseback.

Cheers

Paul.

The ruler and Gorilla glue were removed it "Goof Off". Had to soak the ruler and back in a shallow plastic cup for a couple of hours - it came right off. Goof Off is great stuff and well as Gorilla glue. Thanks to all for your suggestions, Craig
http://www.goofoffstainremover.com/what ... ue-residue
http://www.gorillatough.com/index.php?page=gorilla-glue

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S. Craig Bergsma

well done, all !

i loved reading this thread. It had a kind of McGyver quality to it. Great to see a solution.