The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi everyone; just a quick question.

In Alan's article Breitling Chronomat: A short history to aid identification (http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=13334) he mentions that "The 15 and 45 minute rider tabs can easily be changed over to create a countdown bezel." I was just wondering if anyone had ever tried this? Is it hard to do?

A countdown bezel would be pretty useful for me so I'm just checking how easy (or not) this swapping would be before I purchase one. If any of you have any post-swap photos that would be great.

Thanks,

Mark

It's just a little screw in the center of the tab. All you need is a steady hand a small (think eyeglass screw or slightly larger) flathead screwdriver. There's nothing you can do, other than scratching the bezel if you slip. The screws do not require much torque though, so there shouldn't be any reason why you would have to apply that degree of force.

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Avenger Skyland
If I said I was good, you'd think I was bragging.
If I told you I wasn't, you'd know I was lying.

Thanks Peezie.

So, as long as I take care not to scratch the screws etc. there's no real damage that can be done by swapping the rider tabs? I won't void the warranty or anything?

Does anyone have any experience of having done this?

These may well be stupid questions but I'd rather be thought an idiot than damage something so beautiful through ignorance!

Thanks again.

I've removed mine to polish them so I didn't hit the crystal and remove the AR coating. It's easy, but the screws are small. My advice if you seem to be encountering resistance is to SLIGHTLY turn in the wrong direction, and then come back. There is an extremely small chance you could break the head off, but given that the bezel is stainless, that's unlikely.

You could always take some low-tack painters' tape and mask the area around the screw so if you slip, there's no damage.

_________________
Avenger Skyland
If I said I was good, you'd think I was bragging.
If I told you I wasn't, you'd know I was lying.

Thanks again Peezie,

It's really useful to be able to ask these kinds of questions and get friendly and knowledgeable replies: means a lot less worry about damaging your watch!

All the best,

Mark

The ol' tape trick is very handy for putting on the underside of your watch lugs if you ever need to remove/replace a bracelet or strap too. A few layers of Sellotape works as well as masking tape. Well worth it to avoid any scratches.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Thanks Driver 8 (very impressed with the helpfulness of people on here).

Are there any particular screwdrivers you guys would recommend?

Bergeon. Search the forum for discussion on sizes.

One other tip I've heard is to use clear nail varnish to stop screws from working loose. Never tried it but makes sense.

Thanks for all of your help guys!