Position the watch on your wrist exactly the way you intend to wear it. [1] X Research source When you are satisfied with the way it is positioned, turn your wrist over so that the watch band clasp side is facing up. With the watch band on your wrist, gather the slack in the band and hold the links together to simulate them being removed. Stop gathering the links up when the watch band fits your wrist just the way you like. Look where the links are gathered close together at your wrist – be aware that because of the design of the watch band they may not touch. The loose hanging links will tell you the number of links you should remove first. If you can’t accurately judge the number of links to remove, remove one less than you expect - it is always easier to remove another link than add one back in. Be aware that it is always better to remove an even number of watch links. [2] X Research source This way, you can remove the same number of links from each side and ensure that the clasp is still located in the center of the watch strap. [3] X Research source
A thin, pointy object like a spring-bar removal tool or pin pusher. A long-nosed pliers. A small hammer. A screwdriver. A parts tray.
Remove the spring bar from the watch strap clasp. To identify which spring bar it is, hold the clasp in your left hand, and it will be the one on the left side. [3] X Research source Use the spring bar removal tool or pin pusher to compress the spring bar and lever it out of the clasp. Be careful that it doesn’t spring across the room, because this is the only one you have!
You should be able to push the pin 2 or 3mm and then pull it out from the other side using your pair of pliers or by hand. Place the pin in your parts tray, you will need it to put the bracelet back together again.
If your watch band has ferrules, place the ferrule in the middle of the link that you are joining up, and when you push the pin back into the hole, make sure to engage the ferrule. If you need to, you can gently tap the pin back into place using your small hammer.
If it is a little loose or a little tight, it may be possible to further adjust the bracelet by inserting the clasp’s spring bars into an alternative set of holes to adjust the size. Make sure to keep any extra links and spare pins or ferrules safe, you may need to use them again in the future.
Continue to turn in a counterclockwise motion until the screw becomes loose. Use a pair of tweezers or pliers to grab the screw before it falls. Make sure to keep it somewhere safe, as you will need it to reassemble the watch. Ensure that you do this over a table or tray to make sure you don’t lose screws should they fall during the process.
