When a watch is first purchased, it’s usually adjusted to fit the wrist of the owner. However, if the owner changes, the links are damaged or the wearer gains or loses weight, the bracelet needs to be adjusted again.

Links can actually be damaged by wearing your watch too tightly to begin with. When a watch is too tight, it places strain on the links, which eventually causes them to break. The solution, adding and removing bracelet links.

The Ideal Bracelet Size

There really is no ideal bracelet size – it’s all about the preference of the owner. Basically, you want the bracelet to be loose enough for you to fit a pen, or similar object, between the watch and your wrist. This will indicate the watch is both secure and comfortable.

Watch Link Removal – A 5-Step Guide

If you feel confident enough to remove watch links at home, these are the steps you should follow:

  1. Measure the Bracelet of Your Watch

Instead of guessing how many links you should remove, measure your watch bracelet first. You can do this by putting your watch on as you normally would. Once you’re happy with its position and it feels comfortable, flip your wrist so that the clasp is facing you.

Next, start grabbing the slack of the bracelet until you’re holding enough links for the watch to feel comfortable on your wrist. The links between your fingertips will tell you how many you need to remove. If you’re not feeling entirely sure, rather start removing one or two at a time until you’re happy with the final fit. Removing links is easier than adding them back.

  1. Grab Your Tools

You will now need a pin pusher, small screwdriver and a hammer – the smaller the better. Find a flat surface that you can work on before you start removing any links.

  1. Start Removing the Necessary Links

Every watch is designed slightly differently in terms of the bracelet so removing links might be different too. Here are some general instructions that you can follow to remove the links:

  • To start, place your watch in your left hand to remove the spring bar on the left of your watch clasp
  • Using the pin pusher, lever the spring bar out. The spring bar is the small bar that holds your watch bracelet in place
  • Next, look out for the arrows on the bracelet links you want to remove. The arrows will show you where to insert the pin pusher tool. Once the pin appears on the other end of the link, pull it out and the link will detach
  • Keep repeating this process to remove all necessary links. Just be sure to remove the links on both sides of the clasp and remove an even number on either side. This is what will keep your watch face centred

  1. Put the Watch Bracelet Back Together

Now you can start putting the pins back in to complete your watch bracelet. To do this, find the arrows again and push the pins in the opposite directions. You may need to use a hammer to tap the pins back in securely.

  1. Reattach the Clasp

Lastly, you will need to reattach the clasp by replacing the spring bar.

DIY or Professional Help?

While removing links from a watch is not overly complex, if you’re worried about damaging your timepiece or don’t have the tools to get the job done, you may want to get help from a professional. Contact us if you require any type of assistance with your favourite timepiece.