How to Remove Links from a Watch?

Got a new watch and it's too big for your wrist? No worries, just remove a few links to adjust the size to your liking. In this article, we will explain step by step how to remove links from your watch and adjust the length of the strap.

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Materials needed to remove links from a watch

Before you begin, make sure you have the right materials on hand:

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  • A small flathead screwdriver or pin punch
  • A support to hold the watch in place (a block of wood with a slot for example)
  • A light hammer (optional)
  • Needle-nose pliers (optional)
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We also advise you to work on a flat and clean surface, so as not to lose small elements such as pins or links.

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Identify removable links

Not all watches have removable links. The first step is therefore to check whether your watch has links that can be easily removed. To do this, carefully observe the bracelet and locate the small pins or screws that attach the links to each other.

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Bracelets with removable links will usually have arrows that indicate the direction in which to push the pins to remove them.

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Pin links

Links held by pins are among the most common. They have a small metal rod that connects the links together.

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Screw links

Some high-end watch straps have links held in place by screws, which can be unscrewed with a small flathead screwdriver. On these models, there are no arrows to indicate the direction of disassembly.

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How to remove a link from a watch with pins?

Place the watch on the stand

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To make it easier, place your wristwatch face up on your stand, making sure the pin you want to remove lines up with the slot. The stand will hold the watch in place while you work and prevent damage to the watch mechanism or glass.

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Remove the pin

Insert the flat end of the pin punch or screwdriver into the pin punch slot on the link and press firmly to push the pin out. You can also use a light hammer to lightly tap on the pin punch if necessary. Do not forget to mark the direction indicated by the arrows to facilitate this step.

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Once the pin is out of the link, pick it up with needle nose pliers or your fingers and set it aside. Take care not to lose it, as it will be needed to reassemble the bracelet after removing the links.

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Remove the link(s)

After removing the pin, carefully separate the two adjacent links and remove the desired number of links to adjust the size of the bracelet. Keep these links in a safe place in case you need to put them back on later.

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How to remove a link from a watch with screws?

Unscrew the screws of the links

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If your bracelet is held on by screws, simply use a small flat screwdriver to unscrew them. It is important to work carefully to avoid scratching or damaging the links and screws.

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Remove the link(s)

Once the screws are removed, separate the links and remove the ones you wish to remove to adjust the bracelet size. As with the tumbler pin models, keep the links and screws in a safe place so you can put them back on if needed.

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Wind up the watch strap

After removing the necessary links, it's time to reassemble the bracelet. To do this, bring the two ends of the bracelet together and insert the pins or screws in the holes provided for this purpose.

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For models with pins, gently push them with the pin punch, taking care to respect the direction indicated by the arrows. You can also use a light hammer to help drive the pin into the hole if needed. For screw-on models, simply use the flat screwdriver to screw the screws back into the links.

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Once the bracelet is reassembled, check that all the links are correctly attached and that the watch fits well around your wrist. Voila, your watch is now adjusted to the desired size!

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