Proper fitting screwdriver

[DJ2020]

Need some information;
Can anyone tell me the proper size screwdriver to fit the band link screws on the Omega Seamaster 300M. Planet ocean and 300M chrono's?

I would like to get a high quality screw driver so I can remove\add links in my watches. A size and brand recommendation would be much appreciated.

[RW16610]

That's a good question, Wayne. I sized my Planet Ocean with a screwdriver bit from an electronics repair tool kit. I was able to carefully do it without causing any damage and can look into this later for you if we don't get confirmation of the actual watchmakers tool (size) required.

Keep in mind that these watches still have a pin holding the links together. Albeit a very thick, strong one, you'll notice it doesn't come apart after removing the screw on each side. You must take a pin, small screwdriver head, or anything that won't scratch to push the metal bar out then the links will come apart.

[DJ2020]

Originally Posted by RW16610

That's a good question, Wayne. I sized my Planet Ocean with a screwdriver bit from an electronics repair tool kit. I was able to carefully do it without causing any damage and can look into this later for you if we don't get confirmation of the actual watchmakers tool (size) required.

Keep in mind that these watches still have a pin holding the links together. Albeit a very thick, strong one, you'll notice it doesn't come apart after removing the screw on each side. You must take a pin, small screwdriver head, or anything that won't scratch to push the metal bar out then the links will come apart.

Okay, Good to know. So screw on both sides holding a floating pin in place. I think I know what you mean. I have jewelers screw drivers. But there poor quality and sizes are unknown to me. I want to get a really good one that fits like it should. I have also heard you should loc-tite the screws in place?

[CKizzy]

I prefer nail glue to loctite as it is clear and holds well but breaks loose easily...it only requires a small drop on the end of a toothpick or similar ;)

[train-time]

Those are very tiny screws with slots that are not too wide. I have a Bergeon Kit that has fine tapered screw drivers ranging from 0.80 mm to 1.60 mm. You have to go with the size that will not overlap the slot and scratch the link. As I recall probably a 1.20 mm or 1.40 mm would be best.

I prefer to remove only one screw per link and not both sides unless absolutely necessary. No need to mess with both screws and if you tap the link and flex it around the pin that holds the 2 links together will eventually come out. This way there are no tell tale marks left on at least one of the screws.

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by train-time

Those are very tiny screws with slots that are not too wide. I have a Bergeon Kit that has fine tapered screw drivers ranging from 0.80 mm to 1.60 mm. You have to go with the size that will not overlap the slot and scratch the link. As I recall probably a 1.20 mm or 1.40 mm would be best.

I prefer to remove only one screw per link and not both sides unless absolutely necessary. No need to mess with both screws and if you tap the link and flex it around the pin that holds the 2 links together will eventually come out. This way there are no tell tale marks left on at least one of the screws.

This is an excellent suggestion. The size I used from the other tool kit was 1.3 mm. If you have the full set listed above you'll be all set to do this.

With regards to removing one screw only, I had no luck with this for my new Planet Ocean Chronograph a few months ago. I tried everything to get it out but had to remove both screws and push a pin / screwdriver bit in there to force it out.

It's not friction fit as tight as the pin and tube system but in my instance it didn't fall right out despite trying to shake it out with both screws removed.

[OrangeKenny]

Bergeon 1.6mm
Just bought one myself for the 300M, fits absolutely perfect.

[DJ2020]

Originally Posted by OrangeKenny

Bergeon 1.6mm
Just bought one myself for the 300M, fits absolutely perfect.

Thanks for the information, I will try and find one on line.

[DJ2020]

Ordered!!!!

[Andad]

Which screwdriver did you order?

[DJ2020]

Originally Posted by Andad

Which screwdriver did you order?

Bergeon 55-686-6899-AT-160 with spare blades.

[Gazoak]

I purchased this one which works perferctly with my Moonwatch and Seamaster 57 Trilogy bracelet so I'm guessing the slotted screw head size on yours will be the same.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wiha-9601...-/231757674013

[DJ2020]

Originally Posted by Gazoak

I purchased this one which works perferctly with my Moonwatch and Seamaster 57 Trilogy bracelet so I'm guessing the slotted screw head size on yours will be the same.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wiha-9601...-/231757674013

I asked my AD what he used, 1.6 is what he suggested. and mentioned a 1.4 would also work. I have not received it yet to check the fit. Will post a update when I do.

[Oyster Sauce]

My decent quality 1.2 mm screwdriver from a a smartphone repair kit I bought at Walmart fit well for my Speedy and AT (as well as pretty much all my screw link watches). I also have some cheap jewelers screwdriver sets, but they are almost worthless for this application (to narrow gauge and thus break easily). The bigger challenge on recent Omega watches is not the screwdriver size, but how much Loctite they coat the screw with from factory. Talk about scratches and frustration!

I think having one of those slotted square watch bracelet adjustment holders is an important part of the equation. Even with that, I've scratched my Omega screws. You'll need to apply firm vertical downward pressure as you twist the screw. If it doesn't break the seal, don't force it. My local Omega boutique sized my Speedy for me after I stripped the screws; they did the service and gave me new screws for free. I was able to do the AT on my own, but some of the screws have small scratches.

[Chivas irons]

I have the Diver 300m white dial on steel bracelet and found that the Bergeon 1.6mm screwdriver was too small for the full size links. Ironically the half size link worked fine. I could not get the screws out even with heat applied and feared stripping the screws. I bought the Wiha tools 1.8mm screwdriver from amazon and that worked perfectly. No heat applied. Screws loosened easily

[OrangeKenny]

Originally Posted by Chivas irons

I have the Diver 300m white dial on steel bracelet and found that the Bergeon 1.6mm screwdriver was too small for the full size links. Ironically the half size link worked fine. I could not get the screws out even with heat applied and feared stripping the screws. I bought the Wiha tools 1.8mm screwdriver from amazon and that worked perfectly. No heat applied. Screws loosened easily

That’s interesting. I confess I only used my Bergeon 1.6mm on the half link. Didn’t even cross my mind that a full link might be different.

[Leemichael]

I tried using the 1.6 Bergeon on my Seamaster and it stripped a screw... I ordered a 1.8 and was able to size my bracelet and get out the stripped screw.

[Leemichael]

Chivas Irons I had the same experience

[DJ2020]

Update: resized my 300M. The 1.6 fit perfectly. How ever, My PO clasp screws are to small and had to use the 1.40 which fit perfectly. So I measured the screw heads. Between the PO, 300M's and the AT. The screws are different. Some are 1.4 and some are 1.6. Best to get both, or the 1.4 will work for both I guess.

My PO had loc-tite and was pretty tough to break loose. Glad I had the right one!

[RW16610]

Happy to hear you got it done, Wayne. Thanks for that additional information, I'll have to pick up a proper set as well some day.

[DJ2020]

Thanks Rommel for the disassembly heads up. Piece of cake.
Fits super comfortable now. Can't even tell I'm wearing except for staring at it every 30 seconds or so.

[RW16610]

I'm not surprised, Omega is among the best and I'm happy to have a couple in my collection. This brand and certain models alone are worth collecting, they're great.

I bet your nephew is enjoying the Breitling! The watches you currently have suit you even better in my opinion.

Will you be adding anything else to your collection? Hard to imaging wanting anything else given what's already there but it's tempting sometimes.

[DJ2020]

Originally Posted by RW16610

I'm not surprised, Omega is among the best and I'm happy to have a couple in my collection. This brand and certain models alone are worth collecting, they're great.

I bet your nephew is enjoying the Breitling! The watches you currently have suit you even better in my opinion.

Will you be adding anything else to your collection? Hard to imaging wanting anything else given what's already there but it's tempting sometimes.

Yes. I want to add a Omega dress watch. Looking at a 38 PM AT, but have seen a couple of DeVille's that have peaked my interest and one constellation. So I'm going to look next weekend. but I will take my time on the selection. Yes the Nephew is ecstatic and still can't believe it. He is definitely aww struck. Grand son's will get there's next month. Along with one of my sons and my daughter in law. I guess I'm Santa Claus this year.

[RW16610]

That's fantastic, I'm glad to hear! All the more reason to keep buying!

[DJ2020]

Originally Posted by Leemichael

I tried using the 1.6 Bergeon on my Seamaster and it stripped a screw... I ordered a 1.8 and was able to size my bracelet and get out the stripped screw.

Very interesting, I do not have a 1.80 currently. I found the 1.6 to work pretty well with not much room left on either side. I was going on what my AD told me, But you have peaked my interest. I will order a 1.80 and check the fit. Thanks for posting!