The Breitling Chronomat, a watch synonymous with precision, performance, and enduring style, boasts a distinctive design element: the rider tabs. These small, yet crucial components, often found on models like the A20348 Chronomat Rider Tab 12 Dot, contribute significantly to the watch's aesthetic appeal and functionality. However, the original design, incorporating screw-off tabs, presented a potential point of failure. Over time, these tabs could become loose, damaged, or even lost, requiring replacement—a process that could prove costly and inconvenient. This article delves deep into the intricacies of Breitling rider tabs, specifically addressing the challenges associated with the A20348 model and presenting a superior, permanent solution to the age-old problem of tab replacement.
The Problem with Traditional Breitling Rider Tabs:
The Breitling Chronomat, particularly older models, utilized a system where the rider tabs were secured with small screws. While initially functional, this design introduced several inherent weaknesses:
* Accidental Loosening: The screws securing the tabs were susceptible to loosening over time due to vibrations, impacts, or even simple wear and tear. This could lead to a wobbly or detached tab, compromising the watch's aesthetics and potentially causing damage to the underlying mechanism.
* Difficulty in Replacement: Replacing a lost or damaged tab often proved to be a complex and expensive undertaking. Finding genuine Breitling replacement parts could be challenging, and the intricate process of re-installation required specialized tools and expertise, driving up the cost of repair significantly.
* Potential for Damage: Attempting to remove or replace the tabs improperly could result in damage to the watch case, bezel, or even the movement itself, further increasing repair costs and potentially diminishing the watch's value.
* Aesthetic Concerns: Even with successful replacement, the repaired tab might not perfectly match the original in terms of color, finish, or alignment, potentially detracting from the watch's overall appearance.
The A20348 Chronomat Rider Tab 12 Dot: A Case Study
The Breitling A20348 Chronomat Rider Tab 12 Dot, like many other models from this era, exemplifies the challenges associated with the screw-off tab design. The twelve-dot configuration adds an extra layer of complexity to the replacement process, as each individual tab requires careful handling and precision placement. The risk of damage during repair is heightened, making the traditional replacement method both tedious and expensive.
A Revolutionary Solution: Laser Welding and Steel/Gold Filling
Recognizing the limitations of the traditional method, a superior alternative has emerged: laser welding. This innovative technique permanently secures the rider tabs to the watch case, eliminating the need for screws altogether. Here's how the process works:
1. Careful Preparation: The watch undergoes a thorough inspection to assess the condition of the existing tabs and the surrounding area. Any damage or debris is carefully removed to ensure a clean and precise weld.
2. Precise Laser Welding: A high-precision laser is used to melt and fuse the tab to the watch case, creating a strong and permanent bond. The laser's focused energy ensures minimal heat damage to the surrounding materials, preserving the integrity of the watch.
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