There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all metal watch. 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 6 step guide below. 

This is how to adjust a metal bracelet watch:

1. Size the watch 
2. Lay the watch on its side 
3. Remove the link pins
4. Detach the clasp 
5. Re-attach the clasp 
6. See if the watch fits

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 centred 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 surface, lay the watch on it’s side. We recommend using a bracelet holder to hold your watch in place. 

 

3. Remove The Link Pins

It is now time to push out the pin using a pin tool, such as the pointed end of a spring bar tool. Find the link hole and push the tool against it. 

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. 

You can now repeat the process for the other side of the wrist band. 

Bracelet Link Removal Tool

To make the link removing process easier, you can use a remover 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. It can adjust bracelets up to 24mm width and will remove even the most stubborn of pins.

4. Detach The Clasp 

You will need to detach the clasp from the section of removed links in order to put it back onto your bracelet.

Detach it by using the same method as you did for the links. 

 

5. Re-attach The Clasp

Line 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. 

Repeat this process on the other side of the clasp.

6. See If The Watch Fits 

Your watch band is now adjusted and should fit without being too loose.

If the watch is too tight, try adding a link to each 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. 

Screw In Bracelets 

Some bracelets, like the OMEGA Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial Chronometer, feature a single or double screw attachment. 

When adjusting a screw in bracelet, 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 screwhead and prevents slipping of the screwdriver, lessening the risk of scratching your watch while performing maintenance and repairs. 

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.

 

Forstner Watch Bracelets

Forstner is the most recent brand stocked here at Watch Obsession, and is a brand still used today in the Komfit reissue - including by NASA astronauts! 

Forstner's idea was to make a watch bracelet strap where the buckle and clasp could move along the length of the strap, and then be secured once the proper fit was located.  

Browse our full range of Forstner watch bracelets here. 

Forstner "Stretchy" Bracelets

Two of the most unique bracelets by Forstner are the Flat Link & Ladder Style bracelets. 

Featuring a set of spring-loaded "stretchy" links behind the clasp, these bracelets are flexible, breathable, and extremely comfortable. 

 

Shop our luxury watches, watch straps and watch tools and accessories on our website. 

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Written by Kate, for WatchObsession.