The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have a 1998 Breitling superocean A17040 and I just discovered that some Breitling models, have the crown tubes soldered(integrated on the midcase?), and for that reason they are not repairable...

I would like to know if this particular model and the 17340(2001), have the crown tubes soldered(integrated on the midcase?), and for that reason they are not repairable and if it does mean that if my watch’s crown fails after 20+ years of use, Breitling can’t do nothing to repair my watch?

I sent an e-mail to Breitling asking for help regarding this issue and they told me to send my watch so they can have a look...

“Good Afternoon, Thank you for your inquiry. For us to be able to assess your timepiece, a watchmaker will need to evaluate it. Please visit us at http://www.breitling.com for information on sending your timepiece in or to find an Authorized Dealer near you.

Best Regards,”


What the hell?
I am not going to send my watch to Breitling if there is nothing wrong with my watch...

For that reason, could you please help me solving my doubts?

I don't know the answer to your question, but I wouldn't worry about that. I have 20 years old Bretilings and other watches that have screw down crown and no problem at all so far

Just be careful while unscrewing and especially when screwing in. When screwing in I give crown 1-2 turns in opposite direction to catch thread properly and then slowly screw it in.

Only failure that I know of (from friend) is older Breitling Seawolf where case is made of titanium while crown is steel and after number of years thread on tube failed. It was repaired with no problem (except cost and waiting time ). Your watch is made of steel so I think there's no worry.

Welcome to the forum. I believe your watch does have the integral crown tube as does my A13340 Superocean Chrono but I don't think you should be too worried. It's lasted 20 years so if you continue to remember to always screw in the crown to reduce the potential for dust and grit to get on the threads and not to over tighten crown then it should last another 20 years. The issue is more prevalent with titanium cases as it is a softer metal and stripped threads can occur because of that.

The only repair in the event of a stripped thread is a replacement middle case but in all honesty it's not a widespread problem with stainless steel cases.

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

Ok, but if it happens, is it possible to send ithe watch to Breitling, in order, for them to repair?

Yes, but they'd likely replace the entire midcase.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

And do they have a spare midcase for 20 year old watch?

they have spare parts for watches from the 1940s

Does anyone know if it is possible for Breitling to replace the mineral crystal with a Sapphire crystal?

Thank you

The A17040 came with either mineral or sapphire crystal depending on the age : pre-1999 was mineral, post-99 was sapphire. Given the fact that model was available with both from the factory, I don't see any reason why Breitling wouldn't replace mineral with sapphire at service time. After all, it wouldn't be "modifying" the watch from original specs

Just noticed your other thread that asks a similar question for the A17340 - I assume you don't have both - but for info, the A17340 and the A17040 are identical except for the fact that the A17340 is slightly more recent and the movement is Chronometer rated.

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Driver8

Site Moderator