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Removing screw bars to convert the Breguet Tradition 7027 to use quick release spring bars
Although the black alligator strap the watch came with was nice enough, I really wanted to get rid of the fixed screw bars in favour of quick release spring bars.
The bars are screwed into the case with the threading on the lug opposite where the screw head is. Additionally the bars are secured with an additional screw on the bottom of the lug. My initial attempt didn't go too well, I managed to remove one of the securing screws but failed to get decent purchase on any of the others. I thought I would leave it there and try to get the boutique to do it for me. However, since there's no boutique where I live and since I got a little too impatient to wait till December when I could visit one, I tried again with the thought that maybe the screwdrivers I used weren't sized correctly. This time I succeeded using a set of Bergeon screwdrivers; 0.8mm for the securing screw and 1.2mm for the main screw bar. The gold screws are very soft so its imperative the right size is used, I caused some minor damage to one of the main screws trying to use the 1.0mm on it but no big deal as I shan't be using it ever again. But if you're doing this yourself you might be well advised to go a little slower than I did and double check the screwdriver head is fitting into the screw slot snugly.
Anyway I now have a Breguet with essentially drilled lugs. Easy to use with regular spring bars with or even better with quick release bars. The open lug holes don't look much worse off than when they had a screw to my eyes at least and I'm quite looking forward to being able to swap straps around on this. The navy matte gator from Delugs looked perfect on the Tradition, I also tried the Ischia green gator though it didn't look quite as well suited as it did on the GO Panograph. In any case I plan to acquire a few more straps, perhaps a Saffiano black and a classic brown gator to start with. Maybe something a little more adventurous too eventually.
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Removing screw bars to convert the Breguet Tradition 7027 to use quick release spring bars
Although the black alligator strap the watch came with was nice enough, I really wanted to get rid of the fixed screw bars in favour of quick release spring bars. The bars are screwed into the case with the threading on the lug opposite where the screw he...
yes, there is certainly some danger of that and thats a point worth considering for anyone wanting to do this...
from what I can see the spring bars on these straps fit fairly well without moving around too much. Additionally the end of the bar doesn't go all the way through the hole on the end that has threads on it. Either way I can understand someone not wanting ...
I understand
I have been doing my best to be a good boy and treat the gold screws well even while swapping straps on my Breguets and it gets very frustrating. I've been trying to console myself with the thought that Breguet's way is high quality and high security comp...
Oh I do like the green too, just not quite as much as I did on the Pano
the quick change setup does facilitate changing on a whim though so I would certainly try it from time to time. Incidentally the new Classique Dame 8068 has fixed bars and a quick change system where the strap hooks onto the bar. And comes included with 3...
in not sure...
The original screw bar enters from the outside through one lug with a larger smooth hole and screws into a smaller hole on the inside of the opposite lug. I could get a screw for the threaded side but would need to have threads made on the entry side and ...
I had the same issues with changing the strap on the Tradition.
Must be very careful when doing this. Luckily it worked out but its not something you do multiple times in a short period. Looks great on the navy strap but i prefer the green one 👌🏻😘
thanks!
And yeah with the quick change spring bars I can now change daily if I wish without trouble. If sticking with the original screw bars I would have made a single change and left it for years most likely.
I would say this is a bad idea, and I advise against this...
The spring bars will rub against the screw threads inside the lug and you won't be able to get the giant screw back in - in the future.
What I would advise...
Use wire cutters, cut the notch on the spring bar that sticks out. Pull out the spring bar from the strap, and use the gold screw that is a part of the Breguet watch and use the strap with the gold screw from Breguet as originally intended.
That kind of defeats the purpose
The whole reason I did this is so that I can change straps quickly and tool free. Dealing with the screw bars is finicky and nerve wracking and I wish to be able to change straps daily if I so choose. As I wrote in the OP, I have no intention of ever usin...
pains me to think of hacking a Breguet
I always thought the threaded pins were a feature. Guess I don't swap straps as much. Sure changes the value proposition on sale/trade/auction. The spring pins will definitely flatten the internal threads and the modification would need to be declared.
shrug
As I stated somewhere in this thread, I've never sold a watch and even if it comes to that for me maximising the joy of ownership as things stand (ie I'm keeping the watch myself forever) is more important than some hypothetical future sale.
Coincidentally I also enjoy my Tradition on green DeLugs leather
I ripped out the easy change system so I could utilize the white gold pins for the reasons others already mentioned here. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you that your way doesn’t require a complete recasing one day when the threads are worn down and c...
looks great!
Also even if it ever got to the point where the threads did wear out theres no reason to recase if (as stated) I have have no intention of ever using the OEM bars
