Buzz
Today, many wristwatch designs feature straps made of leather or plastic, equipped with a row of holes and a buckle that allows for easy size adjustments. However, many luxury and metal watches require the removal of metal links to resize the strap. While this might sound challenging, with a few simple tools, you can easily do it at home without the need to spend time and money at a jeweler or repair shop.
Steps
Measure the Watch Strap
Put the watch on your wrist. First, assess how it fits.
- If the watch is too loose, you may need to remove several links.
- If the watch is slightly loose but still comfortable and unlikely to slip off, adjustments might not be necessary.
- If the watch is too tight, consider purchasing additional links from the manufacturer to extend the strap.
Identify the buckle. Gather the watch straps evenly on both sides of the buckle until the strap reaches the desired size.
- Ensure the number of links to be removed from each side of the buckle is equal.
- This ensures the watch face remains centered on the strap.
- Note down the number of links to be removed from each side of the buckle.
Prepare the removal tools. Here are the tools you’ll need to adjust the watch strap:
- One or two pin removal tools. These will be used to push the pins securing the links out of their holes.
- Small needle-nose pliers to help pull the pins out.
- A small jeweler’s hammer.
- Ensure your work surface is flat and well-lit. You’ll need to collect all the pins you remove from the strap.
Remove the watch links
Place the watch sideways on your work surface. Keep the bottom of each link to be removed about 0.5 cm above the surface.
- Count the number of links to be removed, starting from the buckle.
- Locate the pin securing the last link to be removed.
- This is where you’ll begin the removal process.
Use the pin removal tool. Use a pin pusher to remove the pin securing the link.
- Press the sharp end of the pin removal tool onto the pin’s head.
- If more force is needed, use the hammer to tap the tool into the hole to push the pin out.
- A portion of the pin will protrude from the other side of the link.
- Continue using the hammer to push the pin further out.
Use pliers to pull the pin firmly.
- Once the pin protrudes enough for the pliers to grip, use them to remove it.
- Grip the pin tightly with needle-nose pliers.
- Pull the pin out completely.
- At this point, the links you need to remove on one side of the buckle will come loose.
- Repeat the process for the other side of the strap.
Detach the buckle from the links to be removed. You’ll need to reattach the buckle to the strap.
- Use the same method as when removing the links.
- The buckle is also connected to the links with pins. Use the hammer, pin pusher, and pliers to remove the pin.
- Then, reattach the buckle to the strap.
Secure the buckle. Connect the buckle link to the outermost link on one side of the strap.
- You’ll see the hole for inserting the pin to secure the buckle.
- Take one of the pins you removed earlier and insert it into this hole.
- The pin should slide through easily, with slight resistance near the end.
- Gently tap the pin into place with the hammer.
- Repeat the process for the other side of the buckle.
- Your watch strap is now properly adjusted.
Try on the watch. The strap should now fit perfectly—neither too tight nor too loose.
- If you removed too many links, try reattaching one link at a time to each side.
- If the strap is still loose, measure how many more links need to be removed for a snug but comfortable fit.
- Wear the watch for a few days to ensure it feels comfortable.
Tips
- Avoid using a screwdriver to poke at the watch.
- Choose a hard, flat surface to minimize movement of the watch while adjusting the strap.
What You'll Need
- Pin removal tool
- Hammer
- Needle-nose pliers
- Watch with an adjustable strap
