How To Adjust A Metal Bracelet Watch
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Time to read 6 min
Introduction
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all metal watch bracelet. If you find your watch dangling from your wrist and sliding up your forearm, chances are you need to adjust the bracelet by removing the metal links.
This may seem like a challenging task at first, but not to worry. You can do this yourself at home with a few simple tools and our easy 5 step guide below.
Before starting you may need the following tools depending on the style of bracelet being adjusted:
- Bracelet Link Removal Tool
- Set of Small Screwdrivers
- Spring Bar Tool
- A Soft Mallet
- A Watch Bracelet Holder
Bracelet Adjustment Tools
Steps to Adjust a Metal Watch Bracelet
1. Size The Watch
Firstly, you need to determine how many links will need to be removed. Do so by putting on the watch without adjusting it.
Now, find the clasp and pinch the band evenly from the clasp until it fits comfortably on your wrist. There must be an equal amount of links on either side of the clasp that need to be removed, in order for the watch to stay centered on the wrist. Make a note of how many links need to be removed from either side of the clasp.
2. Lay The Watch On Its Side
Next, on a flat, stable surface, lay the watch on it’s side. We recommend using a bracelet holder to hold your watch in place. A bracelet holder has multiple sized slots to hold the links firmly in place, while allowing link pins to be easily removed through holes in the bottom of the holder.
If you don't have a bracelet holder, you can lay the bracelet on a lint-free cloth, you will need to make sure to hold the bracelet firmly in place to avoid any unnecessary damage.
3. Remove The Link Pins
It is now time to push out the pin using a pin tool, which tool you use determines the technique to remove the pins.
Bracelets with Pressure Pins
Using a Spring Bar Tool:To use the pointed end of a spring bar tool. Place the point against the pin that needs removing and gently tap a hammer against the tool to push it out. Push until a small amount of push pin is sticking out the other side of the link. Now, grasp the end of the pin tightly with a pair of flat-nose pliers and pull it out. If you struggle to remove the pin using this method, it may be needed to use a bracelet link removal tool which can remove even the most stubborn of pins. |
Using a Bracelet Link Removal Tool:To make the link removing process easier, you can use a removal tool. We use one of these ourselves and find it really useful and easy to use due to its compact size and robust plastic construction. Place the bracelet upside down in the tool, then gently screw in the handle making sure the tool pin is pushing against the bracelet pin. Continue to screw until the pin is removed. The tool comes with different sizes pins that can be interchanged, start using the shorter pins as these are the strongest and make you way to the larger pins if necessary. |
Most pins can only be removed in one direction, this can be determined from the small arrows on the underside of the bracelet. Once removed, remember which direction the pin was removed as some pins have small notches and can only be installed in one direction.
You can now repeat the process until all the desired pins have been removed.
Bracelets with Screw in Pins
Some bracelets, like the OMEGA Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial Chronometer, feature screw in pins.
When adjusting a screw in pins, we recommend using a quality screwdriver, such as the Hollow Ground Screwdriver. This premium tool features a straight, near-parallel tip that sits tightly within the screw head and prevents slipping of the screwdriver, lessening the risk of scratching your watch while performing maintenance and repairs.
Bracelets with screw in pins may have either a one sided screw that goes right the way through screwing into a thread on the bracelet itself. Or two screws on either side of the bracelet with male and female ends that screw into each other.
We also suggest applying a small amount of Loctite Thread Lock when you are putting screws back in just to reapply that factory finish seal. Although this step is not mandatory, it is recommended as it will reduce the chance of the screws coming undone.
4. Remove the Bracelet Links and Re-Attach
It's time to put the bracelet back together.
Method:Once all the pins have been removed, you can now separate the links by gently pulling them apart. Once removed, re-connect the two ends of the now shortened bracelet and re-install the pin, this can be done by lining up the link on the clasp with the last link on one side of your bracelet. You should see a clear hole where a pin should go to hold the clasp on. Take one of the pins you removed and insert it into this hole. Making this it is replaced in the same direction as removal. You can push the pin back in place using the same method as removal. |
Things to note:
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To finish, repeat this process on the other side.
5. See If The Watch Fits
Your watch band is now adjusted and should fit comfortably. If the bracelet isn't quite right, try the following:
- If the bracelet is too tight try adding a link to one side of the watch band.
- If you haven't taken enough links out, re-assess how many need to be removed for the watch band to be tight enough and comfortable.
- Many clasps have micro-adjustment settings to get the bracelet fitting just right if yours does, follow the manufacturers instructions to adjust the clasp.
- Many bracelets have one or more smaller link either side of the clasp, these are called 'half-links', these are used to make smaller adjustments to your bracelet to get the perfect fit.
Our Favourite Bracelet Watches
Conclusion
Adjusting a watch bracelet should be an easy job with the right tools, but if for any reason you don't feel confident in making the adjustments, most watch and jewellery store are able to help.
Don't worry if you don't get it right the first time, getting a bracelet to fit comfortable can take time to get it right, try different combinations of links, half links and clasp adjustments to get it perfect.
If you scratch your bracelet while making the adjustments, don't worry, you can head to our other blog posts of 'How to Remove Scratches from your Watch' to find out how to fit it.
The Author: Will Parker
Will Parker is the Head of Media at WatchObsession and has been with the company since 2020. As our dedicated photographer, videographer, and content creator, he has changed more buckles, straps, and clasps than we can count, and his own personal watch collection grows every year, although his strap collection is growing faster.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I remove the pins?
If you're finding if difficult to remove the pins, don't force it as this can cause damage to the links and pins, some bracelets have different methods of fitment, check the manufacturers guidelines of bracelet adjustment.
I scratched my bracelet, what do I do?
If you scratch your bracelet while making the adjustments, don't worry, you can head to our other blog posts of 'How to Remove Scratches from your Watch' to find out how to fit it.
My watch doesn't have a bracelet, can I fit one?
Yes! We have a wide range of metal watch bracelets that fit a lot of different watches, find out more here:
Metal Watch Bracelets
