Many wrist watches have a strap that can be adjusted, as it is made of leather or plastic with holes and a buckle. However, as many high-end and metal models have straps that must be adjusted by removing or adding links. At first glance it may seem like a difficult job, but you can easily do it at home and with a few simple tools. Taking the watch to a goldsmith or watchmaker is a useless waste of money.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Measure the Band
Step 1. Wear the watch without adjusting it
You need to understand how big it is compared to the wrist.
- If it is really very large, you will have to remove a lot of links.
- If, on the other hand, it is just a little loose and does not run the risk of falling off your wrist, then you could consider leaving it as it is, unless it bothers you.
- If the strap is too tight, you will need to buy extra links from the manufacturer.
Step 2. Find the closure
Pinch the band evenly at the clasp to find the exact size you need.
- Make sure there are an even number of links on the other side of the band that need to be removed.
- In this way you are sure that the watch will remain centered with respect to the strap.
- Note the number of links you need to remove from each side of the band.
Step 3. Prepare the tools
There are several tools that you will need to adjust the clock.
- You will need one or two plastic-headed pins that are used to push the bars that hold the links together out of the holes.
- Get a pair of thin-tipped forceps to remove the bars.
- You will also need a small jeweler's hammer.
- Remember to work on a flat surface with good lighting. You will need to collect all the bars that you will remove from the strap.
Part 2 of 2: Remove the Links from the Strap
Step 1. Place the watch on its side, on a flat surface
Leave about half an inch of space between the bottom of each removable link and the worktop.
- Count the number of links you need to remove.
- Find the bar that fixes the last shirt in place.
- This is where you will need to detach them.
Step 2. Get the pins
Use one to push the bar that secures the link of the strap to the others.
- Use the pointed end of the pin for this.
- If the bar does not yield, use the jeweler's hammer to force the pin into the corresponding hole.
- At this point, a piece of bar should stick out on the other side of the shirt.
- Use the hammer to push the needle even deeper and allow most of the bar to come out.
Step 3. Remove the bar with the pliers
You will have to pull hard to remove it.
- When a sufficiently long piece of bar sticks out from one side of the band, you can use pliers to pull it out completely.
- Grasp the end of the bar firmly thanks to the thin-tipped pliers.
- Shoot vigorously.
- At this point, the links that need to be removed from one side of the clasp should come loose.
- Now you have to repeat the same steps on the other side of the strap.
Step 4. Disassemble the closure of the detached link section
You will have to put it back in its place later on the strap itself.
- Use the same technique you used for the previous jerseys.
- There should be a bar that secures the links to the closure. Remove it using the hammer, tacks and pliers.
- Now put the clasp back on the strap.
Step 5. Reattach the buckle to the strap
Align the link connected to it with the last of the strap.
- You should clearly see a hole in which to insert the bar to connect the links.
- Take one of the bars you pulled out and stick it into the hole.
- It should enter most of its length without any effort, except for the last portion.
- Use the hammer to gently tap the bar and fully insert it into its housing.
- Repeat the process on the other side of the closure.
- Now the watch strap is perfectly adjusted and reassembled.
Step 6. Test the watch
It should wrap snugly around your wrist loosely and at the same time without being too loose.
- If you have tightened the strap too much, try adding more links on both sides.
- If you haven't removed enough links, check how many more you need to remove so that the strap is tight and comfortable enough.
- Wear the watch for a few days to make sure it is comfortable.
Advice
- Be careful not to hurt yourself with the pins and hammer.
- Lean on a hard and flat surface, in this way you can minimize the movement of the watch while trying to adjust it.
