How to Replace a Breguet Marine 5517 Rubber Strap: Step-by-Step Guide

Replacing the strap on a luxury watch can seem simple at first, but the Breguet Marine 5517 uses a slightly different strap and clasp construction that requires extra care during installation.
If you are replacing your original rubber strap with an aftermarket Breguet Marine 5517 rubber strap / leather band, you may encounter several questions: How do you remove the original strap? Why does the screw keep spinning without coming out? Can the original Breguet buckle be reused? How do you attach the buckle to the replacement strap? And how should the rubber strap be threaded through the folding clasp?
 
This guide walks you through the entire process, including:
 
  1. Removing the original Breguet Marine 5517 strap
  2. Removing the the buckle from original rubber strap
  3. Installing the original buckle onto a replacement rubber strap
  4. Threading and wearing the long strap
  5. Important precautions to avoid scratching screws or damaging the clasp
The goal is to make the strap replacement process easier and safer, especially if this is your first time changing strap on a Marine 5517 / 5527 / 5547.
  • Important: Work slowly and carefully. The screws and clasp components are small, and the polished metal surfaces can be scratched easily. If you are not comfortable working on a luxury watch, professional watch service is always the safest option.

1. Removing the Original Breguet Marine 5517 Rubber Strap

 
The first thing to understand about the Marine 5517 strap is that the screws are designed with a two-sided screw construction.
This means that simply turning the screw on one side may not remove it. In other words, when you turn one side, the other side may simply spin rather than loosening.
Removing the Original Breguet Marine 5517 Rubber Strap
You need to hold one side while turning the other
To remove the strap correctly, you need a suitable flat-head screwdriver or screwdriver base to secure one side of the screw, while using another screwdriver to turn the opposite side.
 
This is the most important point during strap removal.
 
If you simply try to turn one side without holding the other side in place, the screw may continue spinning without coming out.

If both hands cannot cooperate at the same time, this screwdriver base can be used as an aid.

screwdriver base using for remove breguet mariner rubber strap 5517

The screw head is approximately 1.6 mm in diameter.Usually we use the screwdriver that is too narrow, such as a 1.2 mm flat-head screwdriver,which can make screwdriver to slip.Because the origianl Breguet screw surface is polished, even a small slip can leave visible scratches.

A simple trick to protect the screw

Before placing the screwdriver onto the screw head, you can place a small piece of plastic wrap over the screw.
The plastic wrap acts as a protective layer between the screwdriver and the polished screw surface and can help reduce the risk of scratches.
This is a small step, but it is highly recommended when working on a Breguet Marine 5517/5547/5527.
1.4mm screwdriver for remove breguet rubber band

Once the screw has loosened completely, remove the screw cap carefully.Insert a cylindrical pin tool through the opening on the side of the strap.

2. Can You Ues The Original Breguet Buckle On The Replacement Rubber Strap?

Yes.For a compatible replacement: Rubber Strap Replacement for Breguet Marine 5517
Our replacement Breguet Marine rubber strap is designed for the Marine 5517 and can be ordered either for use with the original buckle or with a compatible replacement buckle.

Please note that this replacement rubber strap is designed for the original rubber-strap buckle configuration. It is not compatible with the original Breguet buckle designed for the titanium/metal bracelet version.
 
If you do not have the original rubber strap buckle, you can choose a compatible replacement tang buckle or folding clasp instead.

3. How to Remove the Original Buckle from the Breguet Marine Rubber Strap

After removing the rubber strap from the watch, you can transfer the original buckle to your new replacement strap.
The buckle needs to be separated from the old rubber strap first.
 
Step 1: Fully open the clasp
Open the folding clasp completely.
Look at the inside of the clasp and you will see a small metal screw.
Remove the Original Buckle from the Breguet Marine Rubber Strap
Step 2: Remove the small screw
Carefully loosen the small screw using the appropriate screwdriver.
Once it is loose, use your fingernail or a fine tool to gently remove the screw.
 
Important Note: Because this screw is very small, place it somewhere safe immediately so it does not get lost.
Step 3: Remove the buckle tube
Once the small screw has been removed, use the cylindrical end of a tool to push the tube out through the slot on the side of the clasp.The tube can be very tight.
Do not be surprised if it cannot simply be pulled out by hand.If necessary, a small pair of needle-nose pliers can be used to carefully grip and remove the tube.
 
Because the tube has a smooth metal surface and can be difficult to grip, especially if your hands are sweaty.
 
What if you don’t have a watch tool?
A toothpick can sometimes be used as an alternative for pushing the tube, provided that it fits the opening and you work gently.
However, a proper watch tool is preferable because it gives you better control and reduces the risk of damaging the clasp.
remove thebreguet mariner buckle tube

4. How to Install the Original Buckle onto the New Rubber Strap

Once the original buckle has been removed from the old strap, you can install it onto your new rubber strap replacement for Breguet Marine 5517

Step 1: Position the buckle correctly

Place the buckle with the Breguet logo facing upward.
The raised portion of the clasp should face downward toward the table.
 

Step 2: Insert the new rubber strap

Align the end of the new rubber strap with the groove inside the buckle.
Slowly push the rubber strap into the clasp.
 
Make sure the strap is fully aligned with the internal channel before inserting the tube.
install rubber strap 5517 5527 5547

Step 3: Install the long tube

Insert the original long tube back through the buckle and rubber strap.
If you cannot press the tube fully into position using your fingers, place the clasp carefully against a stable tabletop and press downward gently until the tube is completely seated. (PS.Do not use excessive force)
 

Step 4: Center the strap

Once the tube is installed, 
Shake the position of the watch clasp with both hands to keep it centered and tidy
 
This step is important because a slightly off-center strap can make the buckle look uneven when worn.
 

Step 5: Reinstall the small screw

Turn the buckle over and reinstall the small screw that was removed earlier.
First, thread the screw in slowly by hand.
 
Once it has engaged properly, use the appropriate screwdriver to tighten it.
Then,your original buckle is now installed on the replacement rubber strap.
4. How to Install the Original Buckle onto the New Mariner 5517 Rubber Strap

5. How to Thread the Long Strap Through the Breguet Folding Clasp

Once the new rubber strap and buckle are assembled, the next step is putting the watch on your wrist.
When installing a new rubber strap for the first time, it may take some force to push the strap through the buckle.
This does not necessarily mean that the strap is defective or incorrectly sized.

The original Breguet rubber strap can also feel quite tight when it is first installed.

Use your right hand to firmly push the strap through the buckle while keeping the clasp stable.

Once the strap has passed through the clasp, select the appropriate adjustment hole.

How to Thread the Long Strap Through the Breguet Folding Clasp

6.Final Adjustment

When we first finished install the buckle and strap, it may be too big or too small. At this time, we need to open the buckle and readjust the position of the hole. There is one thing we must pay attention to at this time:Always press the release button before opening the clasp.
 

Do not simply grab the clasp and pull it apart!
The correct sequence is:

A folding clasp contains small internal components, and excessive force can damage the mechanism.

When we first finished install the buckle and strap, it may be too big or too small. At this time, we need to open the buckle and readjust the position of the hole. There is one thing we must pay attention to

how to open breguet mariner clasp

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing a Breguet Marine 5517 Strap

  1. Turning only one side of the screw
    If the screw simply spins without loosening, do not keep turning it.
    Remember that the opposite side needs to be held securely while the other side is turned.
  2. Working directly on polished metal
    Even a small screwdriver slip can leave visible marks.
    Using plastic wrap as a protective layer is a simple way to add an extra level of protection.
  3. Losing the tiny clasp screw
    The small screw removed from the buckle is easy to lose.
    Place it in a small container immediately after removal.
  4. Forcing the strap through the clasp
    The new rubber strap may feel tight during the first installation.
    Apply steady pressure rather than repeatedly twisting or bending the strap.
  5. Pulling the folding clasp open
    Always use the release button.Never force the clasp open by pulling directly on it.

Find the Right Replacement Strap For Breguet Marine

If your original Breguet Marine rubber strap is worn, damaged, or simply ready for a change, choosing the correct replacement is just as important as installing it correctly. The right strap should match your exact Marine reference, lug dimensions, strap configuration, and buckle type.

For owners who want to keep the original sporty appearance, a Breguet rubber strap is a practical replacement for the original band. Our Breguet Marine rubber strap options are available in different materials, colors, and configurations for selected Marine models.

For a more classic and refined appearance, you can also choose a leather strap for Breguet Marine. Leather provides a different look and feel from rubber and can make your Marine more versatile for both everyday and formal wear.

Recommended Breguet Marine Replacement Straps

FAQ

Q:Can I change the rubber strap on my Breguet Marine 5517 myself？
A:Yes, you can, but the Marine 5517 strap attachment is not as straightforward as a conventional spring-bar strap.
If you are not comfortable working with small watch components, having a professional watchmaker install it is the safer option.
Q:Do I need a special tool to change the Breguet Marine 5517 strap?
A:This is a legitimate concern among 5517 owners.You will need suitable flat-head screwdrivers and a small cylindrical pin tool to remove and reinstall the strap and buckle. The exact tool size depends on the screw and clasp components. If you are unsure which tools to use, contact us before attempting the installation. 
Q:Can I reuse my original Breguet Marine 5517 buckle?
A:Yes.If you currently have the original rubber strap and its original folding clasp, you can remove the buckle from the old strap and install it onto a compatible replacement rubber strap.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *