Most watch bracelets ship full length so they fit large wrists, which means most people need to remove a few links. You don't need a jeweler. With a link-removal tool and ten minutes, you can size a bracelet at home. Here's how.
What you need
- A link-removal tool (a small holder with a pin pusher). Many watches, including most of ours, come with one.
- A soft cloth or towel to protect the watch and catch small parts.
- Good light, and a small container for the pins you remove.
Step 1: Work out how many links to remove
Put the watch on and close the clasp. Pinch the slack bracelet together under your wrist and count how many links you can take up while it still feels comfortable. That's roughly how many to remove. To keep the clasp centered under your wrist, take the same number from each side (or one more from the side at 6 o'clock if the total is odd).
Step 2: Find the removable links
Turn the bracelet over. Removable links usually have small arrows stamped on the inside. The arrows show the direction to push the pin out. Links without arrows, and the links closest to the case and clasp, are usually fixed.
Step 3: Push out the pin
- Place the bracelet in the tool's holder with the arrow pointing down, toward the hole in the holder.
- Line up the tool's pin pusher with the pin in the link.
- Turn the handle slowly to push the pin out in the direction of the arrow. Never push against the arrow.
- Pull the pin out the rest of the way with your fingers and set it aside.
Some bracelets use a tiny collar (a small metal sleeve) inside the link to hold the pin. If one falls out, keep it, because you'll need it when you reassemble.
Step 4: Remove the links and reconnect
Take out the links you need to remove, then line the two ends of the bracelet back up. Push the pin back in against the direction of the arrow until it sits flush. If your bracelet uses collars, make sure the collar is back in place first. Repeat on the other side.
Step 5: Check the fit
A well-sized bracelet lets you slide one finger between the bracelet and your wrist. The watch should stay on top of your wrist without sliding down onto your hand, and it shouldn't leave marks. Wrists swell slightly in heat and after exercise, so a touch loose is better than tight.
If you're between sizes, many clasps have small holes for micro-adjustment. Use the pin tool or a toothpick to compress the spring bar, move it to the next hole and let it click into place.
Troubleshooting
- The pin won't move: double-check you're pushing in the direction of the arrow and that the pusher is centered on the pin.
- It's screws, not pins: some bracelets use tiny screws. You'll need a small flat-head watch screwdriver instead of a pin tool.
- You lost a pin or collar: spare pins are cheap at most watch shops, or contact the seller.
- You don't want to do it yourself: any jeweler or watch repair shop can size a bracelet quickly.
Keep the links you removed in the watch box. If you sell the watch or your wrist size changes, you'll want them.
Related guides
- How to wind and care for an automatic watch
- How to choose an automatic mod watch under $300
- Royal Oak mods: a guide to the integrated-bracelet look
Frequently asked questions
How tight should a watch bracelet be?
Loose enough to slide one finger under the bracelet, tight enough that the watch stays on top of your wrist.
Which side should I remove links from?
Remove an equal number from both sides so the clasp stays centered under your wrist. If the number is odd, take the extra one from the 6 o'clock side.
Can I size a watch bracelet without a tool?
It's possible with a thumbtack or small nail, but it's easy to scratch the bracelet or bend a pin. A link-removal tool is inexpensive and much safer.
Do Chronos Mods watches come with a link-removal tool?
Most of our bracelet watches include one. It's listed in the product description when it's in the box.