Replacing a watch strap is a seemingly simple task, yet for many, the seemingly innocuous spring bar presents an unexpected challenge. This article delves into the frustrating experience of removing stubbornly stuck spring bars, specifically focusing on a Breitling A17340, offering advice and solutions based on shared experiences from online forums and personal anecdotes. The problem, as many watch owners have discovered, often lies not in a lack of technique, but in a combination of factors that can make even the most straightforward task a frustrating ordeal.
My recent encounter with a Breitling A17340 highlighted this perfectly. The best I could manage, even with considerable pressure applied, was to compress only *one* end of a spring bar. The remaining three remained completely immobile, defying all attempts at removal. This experience, while intensely frustrating, is far from unique. A quick search of online watch forums reveals a plethora of similar complaints, echoing the sentiment of helplessness many feel when faced with a seemingly insurmountable spring bar.
The problem is often exacerbated by the type of spring bar used. Shoulderless spring bars, frequently found in higher-end watches like the Breitling A17340, are notorious for their tendency to become stuck. Their design, lacking the shoulders that provide leverage for conventional spring bar tools, makes them significantly more difficult to manipulate. This is precisely what I encountered – the lack of shoulders made it impossible to get a proper grip, resulting in the frustrating one-sided compression mentioned earlier.
My initial attempts involved the use of penetrating oil, a common recommendation found across various forums like The Breitling Watch Source Forums and r/breitling on Reddit. The hope was that the lubricant would loosen the corrosion or debris that often causes spring bars to seize. While penetrating oil can be effective in some cases, it didn't prove sufficient in my situation. The spring bars remained stubbornly fixed within their lugs.
This experience prompted a deeper dive into the online resources available to watch enthusiasts facing similar issues. Threads titled "Shoulderless springbars stuck to my PO and i can't get them out," "Stuck Spring Bars," and "Help! Springbar won't budge," on various platforms, painted a clear picture: this is a common problem, and there's no single guaranteed solution.
The challenges are multifaceted. The materials used in both the spring bars and the watch lugs play a crucial role. Over time, the metal can expand and contract due to temperature changes, leading to a tight fit that resists even the most forceful attempts at removal. Furthermore, corrosion, often invisible to the naked eye, can act as a powerful adhesive, binding the spring bar firmly in place. The accumulation of dust, dirt, and other debris within the lug further complicates matters.
Many online discussions highlight the importance of using the correct tools. While a simple spring bar tool might suffice for simpler watches, more specialized tools are often necessary for stubborn spring bars, particularly those lacking shoulders. These specialized tools often incorporate a finer tip or a different mechanism for gripping the spring bar, allowing for more precise manipulation and increased leverage. The lack of such specialized tools contributed significantly to my initial struggles.
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