Hand Trades

By Christopher T. Reilly

Most people, at one time or another, have had a watch with a metal link band that needed to be shortened or lengthened. Perhaps the watch was a gift or it was purchased used. Normally this means purchasing special tools or taking the watch to a jeweler, which is not only inconvenient but costs additional money.

The fact is, removing or replacing a link is a simple procedure using only tools found around the house, and requires only a few minutes to complete. When finished, the watch will fit perfectly and is ready to be worn.

Removing Links
Put the watch band on to judge how it fits.
Squeeze the excess together gently to determine how many links need to be removed. If it is two links, remove one from each side of the clasp. This will keep the clasp centered on your wrist.
Examine the links. The removable links will usually have an arrow and the corresponding pins in the links a small depression or what appears to be a slot for a jewelers screwdriver. Don’t let this confuse you. In most instances, the pin will simply push out.
Spread a towel on a table or a cutting board to use as your work surface and to avoid scratching the watch or your table. Place the watch on its side, angled slightly. Insert a watch tool or a simple thumb tack or push pin into the pin hole and push the link out in the direction of the arrow, firmly but carefully. Pull it all the way out using needle nose pliers. Save the pin.
Repeat to remove the other pin in the link. Your extra link is now free.
Now put the band back together and secure using one of the removed pins, pushing it into place in the opposite direction of the arrow.
Tips and CautionsRemember to remove an even number of links from each side of the clasp so the clasp will remain evenly placed, and don’t make the band too tight so as to allow for wrist swelling. Otherwise, you could find the watch unwearable at times.

Place the watch on the towel as described. The push pin or pin removal tool is very sharp and you could easily hurt yourself when pushing the pin out if you hold it in your hand. Use caution when removing and inserting the pin so as not to bend it. If you have the spare links and pins, you can use this same process to lengthen the band. Always save the extra links and pins to allow for future lengthening of the band if needed.

While this procedure will work on most bands, some watches require a different method. If it is not clear how to remove the pins, or if you are working with an expensive watch, it’s best to have a jeweler shorten the band for you.

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