How to remove this 'triple headed navitimer rotor

[neon_7]

Anyone have experience with how to remove the rotor off these display back style triple screw rotors on Breitlings?

I've tried to remove these screws with no luck. The screws almost feel fake as when I turn them with a 0.8mm screwdriver, they just endlessly spin but don't come out.

I thought it was just the 1 watch but has happened on 2 watches I've tried.

Any trick I'm missing?

Cheers

 

[KJ2020]

I have not had that model rep bro but I have had reps with fake screw heads on the rotor. It's possible, maybe probable that the entire head is a single screw that needs to be turned counterclockwise for removal. A couple things you can try:

Use some of that plastic wrap that comes on reps as a layer on top of the head, then take a small blunt tool like a tiny socket driver handle and butt it up against the plastic. Attempt to unscrew the head.

Try to nudge the fake screw heads sideways and see if they give any. Sometimes they are stuck on with double-sided tape. If so dig them out then use the three holes for turning leverage. I've made a little teepee with small drill bits and a rubber band, putting one bit in each hole then grip it from above with pliers or needle nose vice grips.

Use some gorilla tape on the fake screw heads and see if they will just pull off. If not, try to turn the whole head with a thin strip of tape stuck to it. Gorilla tape is super sticky and strong.

Sometimes there is a tiny round deco plate covering a real rotor screw underneath. The whole top area there could be a deco plate.

Good luck

 

[Hor-Fan]

^^. Probably same as this one

 

[neon_7]

I have not had that model rep bro but I have had reps with fake screw heads on the rotor. It's possible, maybe probable that the entire head is a single screw that needs to be turned counterclockwise for removal. A couple things you can try:

Use some of that plastic wrap that comes on reps as a layer on top of the head, then take a small blunt tool like a tiny socket driver handle and butt it up against the plastic. Attempt to unscrew the head.

Try to nudge the fake screw heads sideways and see if they give any. Sometimes they are stuck on with double-sided tape. If so dig them out then use the three holes for turning leverage. I've made a little teepee with small drill bits and a rubber band, putting one bit in each hole then grip it from above with pliers or needle nose vice grips.

Use some gorilla tape on the fake screw heads and see if they will just pull off. If not, try to turn the whole head with a thin strip of tape stuck to it. Gorilla tape is super sticky and strong.

Sometimes there is a tiny round deco plate covering a real rotor screw underneath. The whole top area there could be a deco plate.

Good luck

Thanks for the detailed post on this one. I have a feeling it is a fake screw as the 3 screws just seem fake. I'll try your methods this weekend. I think the red bit in the middle is the cap that needs to be removed.

^^. Probably same as this one

Thanks, looks like it is. Can you confirm how you removed the cap in the middle without damaging it so you can replace it?

 

[Hor-Fan]

Thanks for the detailed post on this one. I have a feeling it is a fake screw as the 3 screws just seem fake. I'll try your methods this weekend. I think the red bit in the middle is the cap that needs to be removed.





Thanks, looks like it is. Can you confirm how you removed the cap in the middle without damaging it so you can replace it?

It should just be held on with a bit of glue or double sided tape.

 

[neon_7]

It should just be held on with a bit of glue or double sided tape.

OK, should be nice and simple. Looks like one of those rubber grommet type things. Never thought to play with the red bit in the middle.

I'll report back my findings later this weekend.

Thank you both!

 

[Slanglican]

..dude, I did the same thing and then one of the screws just fell out... I cannot speak to it being fake or otherwise though...

 

[OldNavitimer]

The screws are fake and are known to (and prone to) coming out on their own and floating around in the movement. Remove the center red cap and the whole thing pops right off, as in the example shown by Hor-Fan - then you're home free.