Bezel removal on 2019 Breitling Superocean

[gemmyintl]

I recently purchased a 2019 Breitling Superocean 44 ref. A17367D81C1S2 while visiting my sister in Tacoma. When I got home I asked a watchmaker friend of mine to unscrew the back so I could view and photograph the movement, as he has a proper machine. It was on tight and took some effort but it screwed off. I did notice that it sat rather awkwardly in the holder, but didn't think too much about it. When he screwed it back on it did not line up exactly as it came off, so I encouraged him to twist a little harder. It did not move much more, but he exerted pretty hard. When I returned to my place I noticed that the triangle was slightly off from the 12, and started to click it around...but it wouldn't turn. I fiddled with it and was able to get it to rotate a couple of clicks at a time until I eventually got the triangle to 3, and then it couldn't be gently encourage to go any further. It has 6 tiny screws in the coin edge of the bezel and I assumed that this was the method for bezel attachment and alignment. I gave it back to my friend a few days later, and after a day he messaged me and told me that he believed the screws are strictly cosmetic, as he stopped trying to remove them the moment that one slot began to deform. So I am wondering what the correct method of bezel removal is for this last generation Superocean? The model that replaced it has a somewhat different appearance, and the bezel definitely is different. Any one know how it comes off so we can see what is out of wack underneath? Thank you
 

[RichardHarris123]

Not sure on that model but on the Avenger the screws do hold the bezel. 

[gemmyintl]

Hi Richard,

Thank you for your input.  I will get the watch back from my watchmaker friend next weekend.  I looked at an Avenger, the bezel is very dissimilar to the one on the Superocean.  The one on the Avenger looks quite similar to the one on the Chronomat.  I have handled those a bit, and my experience is that on the Chronomat the screws on the bezel hold the makers in place, but I didn't think they held the bezel to the case.  I am not sure about this, but that is my recollection.  I have attached an image of the model of watch that I own.  Above the crown you can see one of the suspected "faux-screws".  There are 6 such at each 60 degrees in the middle of the coin edge.  It may be that they are secured with lock-tite.  When I get it back I will lightly soak these "screws" with a 50/50 mix of acetone and alcohol and see if they still resist loosening.  I used to do camera repair and this was the routine for balky fasteners on lenses.   I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

jimmy

Hi again Richard

Just watched a youtube video on taking the bezel off a Blackbird (very similar to the Avenger and Chronomat).  You are entirely correct, on this style the bezel is fastened with the screws.  What I am not sure of is whether this is also true with the Superocean or Superocean Heritage?  thx again

 

[gemmyintl]

Just found another youtube video with a Superocean being serviced. Very clear images of it with the bezel off were present.  So I have answered my own question:  Yes, the screws are functional, and they have very noticable lock-tite on the threads.  So I will  soak them in an appropriate solvent and then see how much damage the inner spring suffered.  Thx to all