Setting or adjusting your watch strap: the complete guide.

When you receive your watch with a metal bracelet, you may notice that it is almost always too big for your wrist. Indeed, manufacturers always allow a significant size margin, so that the watch can suit the greatest number of people. It will therefore be necessary to adjust the bracelet so that it fits your wrist perfectly.

Two solutions are available to you:

- Go to the jewelry or watch store closest to you so that a professional can adjust the bracelet for you. The cost of the service is generally between €5 and €10.

- Carry out the adjustment yourself directly at home, if you have the necessary skills and equipment.

We strongly recommend that you contact a professional, the risk of scratching or damaging your watch is not negligible when you carry out the adjustment yourself. Improper handling can also cause malfunctions, or worse, render your watch unusable. This is why PSB WATCHES cannot be held responsible for an incorrectly carried out operation; this guide is only intended to assist you in the different adjustment stages.

For those who wish to do it themselves, adjusting the bracelet and removing the links may seem a little intimidating at first, but with the right tools and instructions, you can do it easily at home. In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step on how to adjust a watch strap, remove extra links, and ensure you have the perfect fit.

1. Gather the necessary tools:

Before you begin, make sure you have the proper tools on hand. Here's what you'll need:
- A watch holder or a soft cloth to protect the watch from scratches.
- A small flat-head screwdriver or watch link removal tool.
- Tweezers or fine-nose pliers.
- A soft cloth to clean and dry the watch.
- A small watchmaker's mallet

Necessary tools for watch strap adjustment

2. Determine the type of bracelet:

There are different types of watch straps, such as link bracelets, leather or rubber straps, and each type has its own adjustment methods. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on Seiko-style link bracelets, which are the most common. There are also link bracelets with a force-retracted pin, you will simply need to use a pin extractor for this type.

3. Measure your wrist size:

Before removing the links, you must first measure your wrist size to determine how many links need to be removed. Use a soft tape measure or string to measure the circumference of your wrist. Record this measurement for future reference.

4. Remove the extra links:

has. Place the watch on a support or soft cloth to avoid scratching it.
b. Take the pin out of the clasp in order to separate the whole thing and be able to work flat: be careful, it is spring-loaded, so it is important to grasp it firmly otherwise it will jump and you will lose it.

Press with a sharp tool on the spring pin of the bracelet clasp

vs. Look for arrows engraved on the inside of the links. These arrows indicate the direction in which the link pins should be removed.
d. Insert the small flathead screwdriver or link removal tool into the slot in the link pin on the side indicated by the arrow.

With your tool, press the link pin to separate the bracelet

e. Gently pry to push the link pin in the direction of the arrow. You can use the fine pliers to grab the pin and remove it completely.

With your fine pliers, remove the link

f. Repeat this step to remove additional links until the bracelet reaches the desired size.
g. Be sure to remove an equal number of links from both sides of the bracelet to keep it balanced.

5. Reassemble the bracelet:

Once you have removed the extra links, you need to reassemble the bracelet to form a complete loop.

has. Insert the ends of the remaining links into each other until they fit securely. Make sure the ends of the links align correctly for a precise fit.

The watch strap is now detached

b. Insert the link pin into the corresponding hole on the neighboring link. Use the fine pliers to hold the pin in place while pushing it through the two links. Make sure it is inserted correctly and fits properly. You can help yourself with a small mallet if the pin is hard to fit.

Use a small mallet if the link is too hard

vs. Repeat this step for each link you removed until the bracelet is completely reassembled. Once the setting is chosen, you can return the spring pin to its location with a pointed tool. Check its correct positioning in the holes by moving the bracelet up and down.

Replace the clasp spring pin with a tool
6. Check fit and finish:

Once the band is reassembled, put the watch around your wrist and check the fit. Make sure it is neither too tight nor too loose. You should be able to insert a finger between the bracelet and your wrist without difficulty.

Once you are satisfied with the fit, clean the watch thoroughly using a soft cloth to remove any fingerprints or residue.

The bracelet is now adjusted, your watch is the right size

Conclusion :

Adjusting a watch strap may seem like a complex task, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be done at home. By following the steps described in this article, you will be able to adjust and adjust your watch strap so that it fits your wrist perfectly.

Always remember to handle your watch with care and protect its surface from scratches using a support or soft cloth, the use of watchmaking gloves is strongly recommended. If you are unsure or have a watch of exceptional value, it is recommended to have the strap adjusted by a professional watchmaker.

Setting or adjusting your watch strap: the complete guide.

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