Removal of Watch Links

Popices

Hey everyone,

I just got a pretty nifty Invicta Reserve Swiss watch as a gift (this thing is HUGE) and don't have quite that big a wrist to wear it out-of-the-box. My dad was telling me that these types of watches can only have X number of links taken out of them to have them fitted--is this true? I'd estimate I'd need at least four of these links taken out to have it fit comfortably--maybe even 5. Anyone with watch experience know if that would be doable? I've only had lower-quality watches in the past so I'm not used to wearing a pound on my wrist...

Thanks!

Omnicron9999

I would just take it down to a jeweler and see what they say. Most likely, you'd have to take it to them to get the links removed anyway.

SoullessSoup

I don't know what the norm is but mine had 4 on each side, identifiable by a small hole on either side.

iglidante

Removing links on your own is really hard to pull off unless you've got a pin-pusher (little tiny screw-driver-like thing with a round head and a slot), jeweler's (or other very delicate) hammer, and a gentle vice (pad that sucker with a towel or cheesecloth or anything. You need to hold the watch very still, solidly, so you can tap the pins out, remove the links, and reconnect the band.

Short answer: take it to a jeweler. It's easy work for a professional with the right tools.

Sir Headless VII

Just take it to a jewler they should be able to do it without any problems. If you take it to the place it came from they may even do it for free (although it should not be expensive).

Bionic Monkey

iglidante wrote: »

Removing links on your own is really hard to pull off unless you've got a pin-pusher (little tiny screw-driver-like thing with a round head and a slot), jeweler's (or other very delicate) hammer, and a gentle vice (pad that sucker with a towel or cheesecloth or anything. You need to hold the watch very still, solidly, so you can tap the pins out, remove the links, and reconnect the band.

Short answer: take it to a jeweler. It's easy work for a professional with the right tools.

Oh yeah, with the right tools, it can be done in about a minute or two. Without them, done at home, it can be a harrowing 30 minute experience.

matt has a problem

If they can't remove enough links, it's always possible to buy a new, smaller band.

Popices

Thanks guys, I'm gonna take it in this Saturday after I get off of work to get it fitted. It looks like they can take out 4 links on either side, so I'm definitely all set.

I appreciate the help in lieu of my watch noobness!

Richard M. Nixon

most places will charge at most about $10 for the service. I once worked in a mall where the jeweller did it for free because I worked in the mall which was nice because the watch only cost about $10 to start with.

iglidante

Bionic Monkey wrote: »

iglidante wrote: »

Removing links on your own is really hard to pull off unless you've got a pin-pusher (little tiny screw-driver-like thing with a round head and a slot), jeweler's (or other very delicate) hammer, and a gentle vice (pad that sucker with a towel or cheesecloth or anything. You need to hold the watch very still, solidly, so you can tap the pins out, remove the links, and reconnect the band.

Short answer: take it to a jeweler. It's easy work for a professional with the right tools.

Oh yeah, with the right tools, it can be done in about a minute or two. Without them, done at home, it can be a harrowing 30 minute experience.

Without a way to hold the watch still while you apply pressure with the tool, it's just about impossible. Those pins are in there very tightly and will not come out with a little tap.

Delzhand

It's an easy fix for someone with tools. If you've got steady hands and the right kind of band, you can use a hammer and a cut down paper clip. Depends on the band. There are some that require a special tool, and there's not really a substitute for it.

matthasaproblem wrote: »

If they can't remove enough links, it's always possible to buy a new, smaller band.

Don't do this. Replacement bands (metal ones, at least) will never fit flush with the case if it is in any way irregular.

LaPuzza

Watches have a limited number of removable pins and links. After that, you're taking out stuff that won't go back together properly or you need a new band. But, yeah. Go to a real jewelery story (ie Kay Jewelers) because they have the right tools and may do it for free if you pretend to look at engagement rings while you wait. I think I used to charge $10 if I felt like charging.

I keep considering a watch sizing kit for personal use, but a rubber mallet, towel, and push-pin with the end snipped off always do the trick when someone in the family gets a new watch.