The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi All, long time reader of this site but first time poster . I have several Breitlings, all automatic, but have a quartz UTC (A70172) on an older Blackbird (A13353) which needs a battery replacement. I can open the caseback on the UTC, but am met with the quartz B70 module (like the picture on the site in the Movements section), with 2 tiny screws on top. Do I have to undo the 2 tiny screws to access the battery? Just want to get some information from folks who have done the battery replacement before going further. Please advise. Thank you very much.

- RP

I will answer my own question since no one replied.

It is very easy to change the battery in the UTC module. Here are the tools you'd need:
1- Caseback opener (I brought an 19mm 11-sided aluminum die and and handle from fleabay and it works perfectly)
2- ~0.8mm jeweler's screwdriver
3- 379 type replacement battery
4- fine tweezers and/or painter's tape (the blue stuff)

Once the caseback is removed, the B70 movement is covered with a plate with 2 tiny screws. Working in a low dust/lint area, carefully remove the two screws (I worked on the module on a piece of painter's tape sticky side upwards to catch any falling screws which will never be seen from again once dropped) - one screw is longer than the other, but it is apparent where that screw goes once you remove that cover plate, tweezers would help removing the tiny screws. Use a piece of tape to lift that cover plate off the module. There is then a black plastic surround that can be lifted off (tweezers would be helpful otherwise tape also works), and that piece only goes in one way as it has a cut out for where it goes over the threaded crown tube. Once the cover plate and the plastic surround are removed, carefully pry out the old battery with the small screwdriver and install the new. Reassemble everything in reverse order (making sure not to over tighten the two screws), and clean/examine the o-ring on the module for damage and dust prior to replacing the caseback with alcohol. Have the module water tested if you want piece of mind prior to engaging in water activities.

Perform the procedure at your own risk, as the above procedure is for reference only. However it was a very simple procedure as long as you don't drop the screws and can open the caseback.

Cheers.

- RP