How to shorten the hours of sunlight. How to reduce a watch strap: remove the links from a metal watch bracelet

How to reduce the bracelet on a watch with your own hands?

As a rule, most wristwatches that go on sale have a bracelet with a reserve. Thus, manufacturers of such products are trying to make their product accessible to people with different hand sizes. But unfortunately, it is precisely this excessive concern for customers that causes problems for people with graceful and small hands.

Having brought the purchase home, they have to think about how they can fit the bracelet to their hand. Of course, the easiest way to fix this problem is to take your watch to a workshop and have it checked by a qualified technician. But as practice shows, most people do not have the opportunity to do this, and for this reason they have to shorten the bracelet with their own hands. We will tell you how to do this correctly in our article.

Preparing your watch

It will take about 30 minutes to reduce the steel bracelet on your watch at home. First you need to prepare the following tools:

awl;
pliers;
tweezers;
screw.

If the watch is new, remove the protective film from it; You can leave the film on the body. Work is carried out on a white sheet of paper so as not to lose small details. The strap is assembled from several links connected by pins. You need to carefully pull them out and disconnect the required number of links. In some models of Chinese watches, the pins can be easily unscrewed.

Tools for work

How to remove unnecessary links from a watch? To properly shorten the bracelet, you need to prepare the following tools in advance:

a thin object with a pointed end - for example, a spring remover, a thin awl;
pliers that have a long nose;
small hammer;
screwdriver;
small tray for parts.

Important! Before you begin the process of shortening the links of a metal bracelet, you must:
Prepare your work area and make sure your desk is free of clutter.
Cover the surface of the table on which we will manipulate the bracelet with a white tablecloth or paper.
It is also advisable to cover the floor with paper.

This preliminary procedure will allow you to quickly find small parts, and they will not get lost or roll somewhere.

Removing extra links from a bracelet

Before starting work, you need to accurately determine the number of extra links. Fragments may differ from each other in shape and size. Typically the first two links from the dial on each side are the same, but different from the other parts of the strap. It is after these links that the unnecessary ones should be removed.

On Casio watches, marked arrows on the inside of the product indicate which direction to press out the pins.

To delete a selected link, you need to:

1. Find a hole on the side.
2. Place the bracelet on its edge.
3. Place the nut on the back side.
4. Press the awl onto the rod (you can use a hammer if necessary).

After this, you can pull out the squeezed out rod with pliers. The second pin is removed in the same way. Fragments must be removed from both sides so that the lock does not move. After removing each link, you need to try the watch on your hand. The optimal size is reached when they move only slightly freely on the hand.

Removing multiple fragments and reassembling

When removing several fragments, make sure that the remaining parts of the bracelet are symmetrical. The main thing is that the item does not lose its beauty, looks symmetrical and does not cause discomfort when worn. If you removed a link from the left side, then remove the fragment from the right side of the clasp. It is advisable to remove an even number of links. After successfully completing the fitting, reassemble the bracelet:

connect the links by inserting them into each other (you need to get into the grooves);
secure the elements with a hairpin, following the instructions stamped on the bracelet;
if you disassembled clockwise, reassemble counterclockwise;
Gently tap the pin with a hammer.

On a note!

The removed segment can be used as a spare one in the future, so do not throw away the remaining elements.

Moving the lock

Some bracelets have holes in the clasps to reduce the length. To do this, press on the pin in the lock with a thin, sharp object. There is a spring inside the pin that will push it out. All that remains is to take out the lock and secure it in the desired hole.

You can replace the watch strap in a similar way. At the point where the strap is attached there are spring rods. You need to carefully pry the pin and press to the side so that it comes out of the groove. Now the strap can be removed and replaced with a new one.

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The only thing that can spoil the pleasure of trying on a new watch is a bracelet that is too long, due to which it can dangle on your wrist or even slip off it. Fortunately, this problem can easily be solved by shortening the strap.

The easiest and most reliable option is to contact a watch workshop. They will quickly and efficiently carry out all the necessary work, and you will be able to enjoy your purchase. But this method has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, the watch workshop may be located quite far from your home. Secondly, the master will have to pay for the work, and if it comes to an expensive brand, you will have to pay not so little. The second option is to use a device specifically designed to reduce metal bracelets. If you have one, place the bracelet inside and begin to rotate the handle until the stop pushes out the nail connecting the bracelet links to each other. After removing the required number of links, put the bracelet back together. If going to a workshop doesn’t seem like a good idea to you, and you don’t have a special device, try shortening the bracelet using improvised means. For this job you will need:

an awl or any other thin object;
thin screwdriver;
pliers;
small hammer.

You can shorten the bracelet using its lock, in the top plate of which there are several holes provided specifically for this purpose.
Using an awl or other similar tool, carefully press the nail into the bracelet, and after its head is hidden under the lining, pull the bracelet to the side. Do this slowly, since there is a spring inside the fixing rod; if released abruptly, it can fly out of the bracelet and finding it will be very problematic. Then carefully fasten the freed part of the bracelet in the other hole. If this was not enough, there is only one thing left to do - shorten the bracelet by removing links. As a rule, there are several such links (3-4 on each side), and they are located near the lock. Inspect the bracelet carefully. Find the links that have an arrow inside, these are the ones you will have to remove. The bracelet elements can be connected to each other using screws, pins or studs. If the bracelet is connected with pins or studs, insert the tip of the awl into the hole located in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow and press firmly. The pin should begin to move and come out a little from the bracelet on the opposite side. If the force you apply is not enough, try gently hitting the awl with a hammer. Using pliers, remove it completely from the bracelet. If the links are connected with screws, carefully unscrew them with a thin screwdriver. Repeat this operation until all unnecessary links have been removed. It is recommended to remove an even number of links, the same on each side of the fastener. This will allow you to keep the clasp centered after the bracelet is shortened. After removing the required number of links, assemble the bracelet back. Your watch is ready for everyday use. Remember, any incorrect movement may damage the bracelet itself or its coating. To avoid this, do this work very carefully and carefully.

Casio

is one of the leaders in the watch movement production market.
The company's products are reliable and durable. Among its products you can find both budget models and unique branded products.

Preparatory work - taking the correct measurements

Before shortening the strap, you need to measure its length to understand how many elements need to be removed. In order not to make a mistake in performing this procedure, you have to carry out the preparatory work:

You need to put the watch you bought on your wrist the way you intend to wear it.
When you have chosen the most convenient placement, you need to turn your wrist so that the bracelet clasp is at the top.
When the metal bracelet on your wrist is in a fastened state, you need to assemble its parts together to simulate the desired length.
When the metal strap fits your hand perfectly, you have achieved the desired result.
It is necessary to look at where the parts are assembled on the wrist, since sometimes there is a wristwatch design in which the links do not always touch each other.
Excess dangling elements of a metal bracelet tell you that these parts need to be removed first.

Important! If you doubt the exact number of bracelet links to be shifted, then in this case it is better to shorten one less segment. It is much easier to subsequently remove another element of the product than to add it back if the arm circumference was measured incorrectly.

Now you can start removing unnecessary parts.

Product Features

The watches of this company are unique products. There are several main features of these structures:

Mechanisms.

Casio
watches are equipped only with quartz or electronic systems.
If you decide to buy classic mechanical products, then they are not found here. Quartz watch movements are based on Miyota designs
developed by Citizen.
The battery can last no more than 3 years, but there are modifications whose service life exceeds 10 years. More modern varieties of watches are equipped with a special “Tough Solar”
, which charges the internal battery from the sun.
All spare parts are highly reliable and accurate
.
Frame.
Budget watch models are equipped with a frame made of brass or plastic, although this does not in any way affect the design characteristics of the product. There are also products with metal coating. Expensive designs are already equipped with a titanium case. Sometimes you can find frames made of aluminum and titanium alloys, which gives them originality and strength.
Glass
for such products is obtained on the basis of various natural minerals or plastic (hesalite). Expensive modifications can be equipped with sapphire screens.

Removing the links using a screwdriver

To remove links from a watch using a screwdriver:

Select the segment to be deleted. To do this, turn the watch on its side, select the element of the product that you are going to remove, find the screw holding this segment together.
After that, unscrew this screw. For this procedure you need to use a screwdriver with a 1 mm hole. Insert the screwdriver into the screw and turn it counterclockwise. Turn the screwdriver until the screw is completely unscrewed.
To prevent the screw from falling, you need to grab it with pliers or tweezers.
After this, choose a safe place for it, since in the near future you will need this screw when assembling your watch.
Remove the remaining components in exactly the same way.
When the screws are loosened, it is not difficult to remove the selected segment.
After you have managed to remove all the extra segments, you need to reassemble the bracelet, fastening the links together with screws and a screwdriver.

How to choose the right one?

The length of a watch strap can vary over a very wide range. But for each person, an individual value will be considered comfortable. Therefore, when buying a watch, it is important to pay attention to this accessory, which can be made of either leather or metal links.

You can choose the correct bracelet length using several simple methods:

Initially, the diameter of the wrist is measured.
The case size is subtracted from the resulting value and then the distance is added to the fourth hole on the strap. This approach is considered standard, but not always universal.
The easiest way to find out what size you need
is to measure the length of an old watch band. This is easy to do using a special meter.
Fitting.
If you decide to buy a watch and don’t know the exact size of the bracelet, you can simply try it on. However, you should not buy products that fit too tightly on your hand. It is better to give preference to those that have several spare holes for adjustment. This way you can independently control the length you need. Please note that experts recommend buying straps that create a gap of about one centimeter between it and your hand.

How to adjust the length of the clip strap?

You can often find stylish metal or plastic watch straps with a so-called “sliding” lock , which allows you to fasten and unfasten the watch with a “light movement of the hand,” which is very convenient. In this case, the length of the strap can be reduced by moving the lock along one of the watch straps, adjusting the diameter to fit the circumference of the wrist.

Clip strap on watch

To do this, you will need a screwdriver with a flat blade, with which you can slightly lift the petal that secures the lock on the strap; then it is moved to the side, the lock is moved to obtain the desired strap size, and the locking tab is lowered again.

As you can see, nothing particularly complicated in adjusting the diameter of a watch strap or bracelet. This video will clearly illustrate this process:

How to distinguish an original from a fake?

Casio products

is very popular in the world, which leads to the emergence of a large number of fakes.
A low-quality product can be identified by several characteristics:

Marking.
The model name and module number must be printed on the surface of the watch and the packaging. It should be noted that these values are not unique and may be present on many modifications. Moreover, this information must be located on the back cover of the watch. Also, using this alphanumeric combination, you can easily find information about a specific model on the official website. All data on the case and box must match.

Package.
All watches of this company are sold in original packaging, which is visually distinguished by good quality indicators.
So, for example, the G-Shock
is packaged in a round metal can with a foam lining. Some modifications are equipped with hexagonal containers. If you bought a product in paper or low-quality metal packaging, then there is a high probability of purchasing a fake. All original cans have a special number that is stamped on its inside.

Accompanying documents.
All watches are accompanied by instructions, which are translated into several languages. In addition, in addition to this, the products must be issued with an official warranty from the manufacturer or an official dealer. The warranty card must be signed by the seller and the buyer. It must also have a special hologram and a unique number.

Almost always, a new metal watch bracelet needs to be adjusted to fit your wrist. The easiest way is to ask for help at your nearest watch repair shop. The work does not take much time and for a small fee, in the presence of the client, they will carry out all the necessary manipulations for the bracelet.

But if the owner of a new watch has time and the desire to carry out all the simple work himself, this will not cause big problems.

Removing unnecessary links

As a rule, such an operation is performed on a new watch. Therefore, there is no need to rush and remove the protective film from the watch case. It's better to leave the film.

Then we put the watch with the bracelet on the wrist and count how many links need to be removed.

Important! In order not to move the clasp to one side, it is better to remove the links in pairs on one and the other side of the bracelet latch.

After we have decided on the length of the bracelet, we will prepare the necessary tools for the job:

A thin awl or a large needle;
Needle nose pliers, pliers;
Something like a nut or bushing.

Upon careful inspection of the bracelet, it is clearly visible that the links are connected to each other by pins and the direction in which these pins need to be pulled out is indicated on the back side in the form of index arrows.

Knowing which link needs to be removed, place the part of the bracelet on the sleeve on which the necessary manipulations need to be done, with the arrow pointing down.

Using a thin awl, press the fastening pin down from the link until the opposite end appears on the back side.

Use pliers to rotate the pin and pull it out of the bracelet.

They do the same on the other side of the link. The link and pin are set aside, and the bracelet is connected again with a pin.

The entire bracelet is shortened by one link. The segment on the opposite side of the clasp on the watch is removed in the same way.

As an example, the procedure for two links is described. The length of the bracelet depends both on the circumference of the wearer’s wrist and on the type of watch case. It may be necessary to remove more links. The main thing is to maintain symmetry of the clasp relative to the wrist and body.

Assembly is carried out in reverse order. The links are inserted into each other's grooves and secured with a pin. The pin is inserted into the hole with its sharper end on the opposite side of the bracelet and driven lightly with a hammer to the edge. Don't forget that the arrow shows the direction of disassembling the strap.

After completing the work, connect the extra links and studs together and save them just in case.

We put the watch on the wrist again and check how comfortably the bracelet fits on the hand.

This way you can fit a metal link bracelet to your hand for most watch models.

We measure the required length

If you decide to shorten the bracelet, it is important to know how much. This can be determined through a series of simple operations.

Place the watch on your wrist. Once they are positioned correctly, turn your hand to point the clasp upward.
Gather the links together so that your hand is wrapped tightly.
Look what you got. Excess segments that dangle or hang down will need to be removed.
If you cannot determine at first glance how many links should be removed, then remove one less than you want. It’s simply easier to reduce than to add.
It is better to remove an even number of links. If you remove one from each side, the clasp will still be in the center.

Now prepare your tools: hammer, screwdriver, awl and pliers.

Stretchable metal bracelet

Before work you need to prepare the tool:

Thin awl;
Thin flathead screwdriver;
Needle nose pliers;
Small hammer;
Measuring tape (better for sewing work);
Container for parts;
Magnifying glass (loupe).

You need to wrap a flexible tape measure around your wrist to find out how much the wrist circumference differs from the actual length of the bracelet. This way you can avoid mistakes when removing links.

The length of the strap can be determined in another way. To do this, one end of the strap is disconnected from the watch. The watch strap is applied to the wrist, and the free end is wrapped around it. We count how many links overlap each other. To the resulting number of extra links we add one more. As a result, we get the required number of extra segments.

Further work is carried out in the following sequence:

Separate the metal strap from the watch case. This will make it easier to shoot the segments.
Turn the bracelet so that it faces you. At the end, the selected section of torsion bars is bent.
Open the torsion clamps located below. Finding them is very easy. They are located to the left of those staples that have already been bent.
Segments are easily removed by sliding the desired part to the side. This action also releases the connecting brackets of the links.
Let's put everything back together. Before snapping the torsion clamps, we secure the connecting brackets on both sides of the bracelet. Do not rush when working so as not to scratch the polished metal surface of the watch.

Reduce bracelet on watch

Many watch shops today have workshops where, for a small fee, you can change the bracelet on your watch to the size you need. Most watchmakers provide this service. If you can’t turn to a professional, try doing it yourself using available tools.

Bracelets that cannot be shortened

The following types of bracelets cannot be shortened:

leather straps with fixation, like trouser belts;
stretchable models made of leather or leatherette. During donning, they are stretched, and then mechanically compressed, covering the wrist;
cast models made of metal alloys, ceramics, artificial or natural stone.

Nowadays these models are rare, so lovers of “vintage things” especially value them. If the size is right, people wear such watches with pleasure, but, unfortunately, it is impossible to shorten or increase the strap on them. Cast bracelets look beautiful and stylish, but it is also impossible to adjust them to size, and even a workshop will not help here. Therefore, when choosing, you need to take into account the wrist circumference of the future owner, so as not to make a mistake.

Removing links from a watch bracelet

The all-metal bracelet on a watch is the easiest to make smaller. Each link of such a bracelet has two pins (bushings) - the first resembles a screw, and the second is made in the form of a bulge. To get rid of excess links, simply unscrew their pins. You can do this using the following items:

clock screwdriver
nail scissors
sharpened nail file

Then connect the bracelet by inserting one link into the other and securing the pins in them. Try to work with maximum care so that there are no scratches on the bracelet from sharp objects, otherwise the accessory may be irrevocably damaged.

You should also not shrink the bracelet too much as your hands will often swell in hot weather and you may not be able to wear the watch. Remember that this accessory should not squeeze your wrist too much or slide freely along your arm.

Workshop at home: how to remove links from a watch

More details

Before you begin to reduce the bracelet, try on the watch and determine how many links need to be removed. This will significantly save work time

In some models, the pins cannot be unscrewed. As a rule, such bracelets have arrows drawn on the inside. In this case, the bushings will have to be pushed out using a needle or a straightened paper clip. To do this, place the watch on the table in such a way that the strap has a stop, and on the contrary, nothing interferes with the pin. Place the paperclip on the pin and gently tap it with any hard object. As soon as the pin starts to come out, pry it and carefully remove it. Remove all unnecessary links in this way, connect the bracelet and secure it with pins.

How to reduce the bracelet on a watch with your own hands?

And now everything you need to know about how to adjust the size of the bracelet with your own hands Before doing so, you need to carefully examine the case itself; a typical representative of a watch with an iron strap is this model:

Women's watch, SL (price on the link)

Shortening the length of an iron bracelet can be done in two ways:

change the location of the retaining pin in the lock buckle;
remove unnecessary links.

Removing unnecessary links

First you need to find out how many extra links need to be removed. Sometimes it is enough to remove one extra link, and sometimes you have to reduce the bracelet by several links. In any case, in order to disassemble it, you will have to remove one of the locking rods, which will allow you to disassemble the bracelet.

Please note: you can only remove those links that are indicated by an arrow on the inside of the bracelet

If there is no arrow, then these links are made cast and cannot be disassembled. One link can be connected to another by rods or plates. The sequence of actions is as follows :

To remove the links, these rods or plates will have to be pulled out using a thin tool, and this should be done in the direction of the arrows.
Then remove the link (or links) that are superfluous and reconnect the bracelet.
The rods look like little screws, but they are actually the same length as the link, and sometimes they are not that easy to push out. Then you can use a piece of paper clip 5-7 mm long: insert it into the hole and, lightly hitting it, push the rod out. To avoid damaging the bracelet, do not use a metal object; a plastic screwdriver handle is best.
If you need to remove more than one link, do it symmetrically, on both sides of the bracelet, so that the lock does not end up somewhere on the side.