How To Change Or Resize Your Watch Band - Jack Mason

Metal watch straps are typically made from a combination of small, interconnected links. These links are held together by tiny pins. The pins bridge the length of each link, fastening one link to the next. The connection between two links in a metal watch band is similar to the link between two pieces in a typical toilet paper holder. One link locks into the next by sliding into a divet in one side of the link beside it – think of one link as the toilet paper and the other as the holder. The pin is the rod that locks the toilet paper to the holder.

Although there are many perks to choosing a metal band for your watch, one important consideration to make is sizing. Unlike leather watch bands, metal straps are usually not adjustable. This means that if your metal strap is too loose or too tight, you will need to add or remove links from it to get the right fit.

How Big Of An Adjustment? 

Removing links from your metal watch band is typically an easier task to complete than adding new ones. Additional links may be included with your metal strap, but if not, you will need to order new ones from your strap manufacturer. When your watch strap is too loose, you simply need to shorten the band by removing a few links in the chain.

When it comes to resizing your watch band, you need some key information before you get started. First, you’ll need to determine how many links you need to add or remove to your watch’s metal strap. The best way to make this assessment is to try on your watch. If your watch strap is too loose, you will need to remove a certain amount of links to get a better fit. If it is too tight, you will need to add additional links.

If your watch strap is fitting too loosely, you can determine how many links to remove by fastening the clasp and then using your fingers to pinch your strap tight. Any excess links will then be visible outside of the section of the strap that you have pinched.

Even when you have a relatively clear assessment of how many links you need to remove from your watch band, it is best to take the process slowly. Removing too many links will leave you with a fit that is too tight, requiring you to go backwards in the process. Remove one link at a time, testing out your watch to see how it fits with each adjustment you make.

Once you’ve determined how big of an adjustment you need to make to your watch, you’re ready to get started. Below is a simple list of steps to follow for shortening your metal watch band.