How to Remove Watch Links

Measure the watch strap. Before removing any links, it’s essential to estimate how many links need to be taken out. To do this:

• Place the watch on your wrist in the position you intend to wear it. Once satisfied with the placement, rotate your wrist so the watch face is upward.
• With the strap on your wrist, gather the excess links on each side and hold them together to simulate their removal. Continue adjusting until the fit feels right.
• Take note of the links you’ve gathered on your wrist – be cautious with links that are designed to be non-removable. The links you’ve gathered represent the number you’ll need to remove first.
• If you’re unsure of the exact number of links to remove, start by removing fewer than estimated – it’s easier to remove more later than to reattach them.
• It’s better to remove one link at a time from each side rather than multiple links. This ensures an even removal and keeps the watch face centered on the strap.

Gather the necessary tools. To successfully remove watch links, you’ll need specific tools. These include:

• A thin, pointed object like a spring bar tool or pin pusher.
• Small needle-nose pliers.
• A small hammer.
• A screwdriver.
• A tray for small parts.

Prepare your workspace. Ensure your work area is tidy. It’s best to lay down a cloth on your work surface and the floor if possible. This prevents any small parts from getting lost.

Detach the watch band. For some metal watch straps, you’ll need to detach the band before removing links. To do this:

• Remove the spring bar from the watch strap. To identify the correct spring bar, hold the clasp on the left side, and the spring bar will be on the left.
• Use a watch repair tool or pin pusher to press down on the spring bar and release it from the strap.
• Be careful not to let it fly out of control, as you won’t have a replacement!

Identify the links to remove. Use a pin pusher or spring bar tool to push the pin securing the link in the direction of the arrow engraved on the metal link.

• Push the pin out about 2 to 3 mm, then use pliers or your fingers to pull it out completely.
• Place the pin in your tool tray, as you’ll need it to reassemble the bracelet later.

Pay attention to the small metal tubes. Some watch bands have tiny metal tubes between the links, which may fall out when you remove the pins. Since they are very small, they can easily drop onto the floor or workspace, so be cautious. You’ll need these parts later.

Remove the second link pin. Repeat the process with the second pin. Ensure that after removal, you have two safety pins and possibly two metal tubes for future use.

Remove the next link. If you need to remove another link on the opposite side of the band, follow the same steps. Once the necessary links are removed, you can reassemble the watch band.

Reassemble the watch band. Once the excess links are removed, insert the replacement pin to complete the process. Insert the pin in the opposite direction of the arrow.

• If your band has metal tubes, place them between the links you’re reassembling, and when securing the safety pin, ensure it aligns with the tube.
• If needed, use a small hammer to gently tap the pin into place.

Reattach the watch band. To reconnect the watch clasp, reverse the steps you took to remove it. Ensure the hook is properly aligned with the loop and reattach the spring bar.

Try it on. Your watch should now fit perfectly if you’ve followed the steps correctly. If it’s still too loose, you can remove a few more links.

• If it’s slightly loose or tight, adjust the bracelet by inserting the spring bar of the clasp into different holes to fine-tune the size.
• Keep the extra links, pins, and metal tubes safely stored, as you might need them in the future.

Identify the links to remove. Flip the watch over, locate the link you want to remove, and examine the position of the connecting pin.

Remove the screw pin. Use a 1 mm screwdriver to unscrew the pin. Apply gentle pressure and turn it counterclockwise.

• Continue turning the pin counterclockwise until it loosens.
• Use tweezers or pliers to pull the pin out before it falls. Keep the screw in a safe place for reassembly.
• Perform this task on a table or tray to avoid losing any small parts during the process.

Remove the link. Once the safety pin is removed, the selected link will easily come off the watch band. Repeat this process for any additional links you need to remove.

Reassemble the watch band. After removing the unnecessary links, reconnect the band by reinserting the screw pin into the watch link using a screwdriver.

Estimate the length. Attach one end of the band to the watch case, then wrap it around your wrist. Count the number of interlocking links and add one more. This is the number of links you need to adjust. With this type of watch band, you can easily cut the links at any section of the band.

Bend the top edge tabs down. Place the watch face down on your work surface and bend the top edge tabs on the section of the band you plan to remove.

Open the bottom edge covers. Flip the watch over and open the bottom edge covers. They are located directly to the left of the top edge tabs you’ve already opened.

Remove the link. Take out the watch link by sliding the section you need to remove to the side. This will release the clamps, allowing the link to detach on its own.

Reassemble the bracelet. Attach the clamps on both sides of the strap simultaneously before securing the edges back in place.

Remove the pin. Use a tool to extract the protective pin from the link you wish to remove. Follow the direction of the arrow shown in the link below.

Apply gentle force. Hold the strap with one hand and the link you just unpinned with the other. Gently apply upward pressure on the side of the link closest to the watch case. Simultaneously, apply downward pressure on the side near the clasp. You will feel the connections gradually loosen.

Release the structure. Continue applying gentle pressure until the link becomes loose and detaches.

Separate the link. Once the folded strap structure is undone, you can remove the excess link and adjust the clasp closer to the watch case.

Gently remove unnecessary links. Once the links are unpinned, you can pull them out. Be as gentle as possible. Repeat the process if additional links need to be removed.

Reconnect the strap. To reassemble, simply reverse the steps mentioned above.