How to adjust a bracelet on a watch: tips and tricks

In this article:

Main types of watch bracelets
Adjusting the metal bracelet on a watch using special tools
Adjusting the metal bracelet on a watch without special tools
Step-by-step algorithm: how to independently adjust the bracelet on your watch
Adjusting the elastic bracelet on the watch
How to adjust a Milanese bracelet on a watch
Adjusting the leather bracelet on your watch
Selecting a watch based on your wrist size so you don’t have to adjust the bracelet

Every owner of this accessory should know how to adjust the bracelet on a watch. Most often, you can remove unnecessary links directly in the store immediately after purchase. However, there are situations when a watch is purchased as a gift, and the future owner is simply not around. In this case, many will think about going to a watch workshop, but in fact, this simple procedure is quite possible to perform on your own.

First of all, you need to determine the type of bracelet for your watch. After all, the method of fitting will depend on it. We will tell you about all the possible options in our article; from it you will also learn how to choose an accessory by size so that you do not have to shorten the bracelet.

Main types of watch bracelets

Bracelets are divided into 3 types. They can be classic, sporty, avant-garde. Special cases include bracelets made in ethnic, historical, Gothic and other styles.

Classic straps are usually made from materials of natural origin and various alloys. These bracelets come in leather or metal.

Sports - made of flexible materials with shockproof properties, such as rubber, nylon or tarpaulin.

Avant-garde straps, depending on the imagination of the creator or the wishes and preferences of the owner of the watch, can be suede or plastic. To make such unusual straps, a variety of beads, patent leather, wooden plates and other creative decor are often used.

There is another conventional division of watch bracelets: men's, women's and children's.

The first group includes more formal models, with virtually no decorations. The appearance of women's straps is more intricate and sophisticated. The straps of children's models are usually colorful, rich and bright colors. In addition, watches for children can have a wide variety of shapes.

Consider the popular types of belts:

Leather watch straps. Most often they are made from genuine calfskin. However, people who prefer creativity and eccentricity have the opportunity to choose a strap made from the skin of a wide variety of exotic animals (crocodile, llama, python, ostrich, lizard and even stingray or shark).

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The eye-catching bracelets in the Leather Watch Straps collection are made of leather and have enough elasticity to fit snugly, but not too tightly, around your hand. In addition to the fact that the bracelets are very ergonomic, they have their own unique design in the form of exclusive patterns.
The only disadvantage of leather products is their short service life.
Leather straps go perfectly with classic mechanical watches.
Rubber Watch Straps. These are more wear-resistant than previous models. They are not afraid of exposure to water, alcohol and even acetone, so they are best suited for lovers of sports and extreme sports. In addition, despite their softness and velvety texture, the belts are quite dense and elastic. Another important quality of rubber products is hypoallergenicity.
There are a wide variety of colors for rubber bracelets. Their only drawback is the porous structure of the material, which is why it absorbs dirt faster. As a result, the surface of the bracelet becomes dull.
Metal bracelets. Just as popular as leather products, but more practical. Metal products do not wear out or become dirty. Unlike rubber or caoutchouc, metal looks solid; such a bracelet gives the image a businesslike look. Metal straps are combined with quartz, mechanical and combined models of watch movements.
The most inexpensive of these bracelets are made of stainless steel, brass, and alloy. People who prefer weightless and easy-to-use products can choose titanium bracelets. If you like wealth and chic, feel free to buy silver, palladium, gold and platinum accessories.
The design features of models made of metal determine their quality characteristics and the presence of decorative elements. Bracelets can be cast and hollow inside, closed and hinged, jewelry, glider, in the form of a chain or woven. Metal goes well with both classics and the most avant-garde and exotic looks.
Read also: How to polish watch glass and get rid of scratches?
Canvas Watch Straps. Suitable for mechanical or electronic watches in military style. Such bracelets are practical; they are not afraid of snow, rain, sand and dirt. However, not everyone likes canvas accessories.
Straps made of synthetics (silicone, nylon, nylon, composites, etc.). They make up a fairly impressive group of a wide variety of products.
There is another type that is gaining popularity - carbon fiber straps. These textured products are interwoven thin graphite (or rubber) threads. Bracelets with an unusual fiber structure are not inferior to their metal counterparts in practicality and durability.
Synthetic products are lightweight, inexpensive, and go well with avant-garde and sports watches. The advantages of such straps include their moisture resistance and color variety. It should be noted that a watch with a plastic bracelet is appropriate for walking or parties, but not for the office or theater.
Combined bracelets. For their manufacture, a combination of leather and rubber, rubber and carbon is used. This strap option is quite common among buyers.
Fabric straps. Thanks to special processing they become strong, durable and moisture resistant. The colors of fabric bracelets are very diverse. These do not go well with massive watches; they go well with super-fashionable or original designer accessories.
Ceramic bracelets. They have impact resistance and dirt-repellent properties. Glossy shine gives ceramic products a festive and respectable look. There is a wide range of bracelets of different designs that can be worn with mechanical and quartz watches.
Wooden bracelets. They consist of thin plates of different types of trees. Bamboo, rosewood, rosewood, and African walnut are used to make these exclusive watch straps. A bracelet like this will add originality to any watch, even the famous Apple Watch.

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Automatic butterfly clip fasteners for straps

Automatic clips have hidden buttons, as do hidden locks. They come with one and two buttons, as well as with additional latches that protect the lock from accidental pressing. They open automatically, without applying additional mechanical effort.

Since the clips are designed for metal bracelets , there are holes on the top link. Using them you can adjust the length of the belt, customizing it to suit you. This is done in the same way as with a regular clip, by moving a special pin.

Adjusting the metal bracelet on a watch using special tools

Removable link fastenings are divided into several types:

knocked out or squeezed out pins;
twist-out screws;
extruded pins.

On the inside of the bracelets there are arrows that you need to navigate by pressing out the pins or pins. There is another option for determining the direction. On the end part of the bracelet you can see that the hairpin looks like a plate folded in half. Moreover, one side is smooth or slightly rounded, and on the other there is a cut reminiscent of a screw slot. The pins need to be pressed out onto the side of the cut. This can be done in a watch workshop using special tools.

There are sets of tools available for sale that are designed to accurately shorten bracelets. For example, a link remover, which reduces the length of the strap.

The needle of the puller must be pointed at the pin with the arrow indicating the direction of extrusion, and the handle of the tool must be rotated until the pin falls out. After the links are removed, the pin is inserted into its original place.

Hidden butterfly clip for bracelets

Hidden clip without automatic mechanism is only suitable for metal bracelets . There are options for locks with two and three links. This clasp is invisible from the outside, convenient and reliable.

To fasten the lock, you need to fold the sides of the bracelet towards the middle of the “butterfly” and press on them until they click

When you need to open the decoration, just grab the center and pull up. The decoration will open with a soft click. The risk of accidental opening of the mechanism is practically eliminated, since it does not open without effort .

Adjusting the metal bracelet on a watch without special tools

The links are removed with a screwdriver or other suitable tool. First you need to determine the direction of the arrow, and then carefully, trying not to scratch the surface, press the pin in the desired direction. After this, remove the plate or pin with pliers and remove the link. It is important to maintain symmetry when removing parts of the bracelet. If you remove a different number of links from each side, the watch may slide to one side or the other of the wrist, which will cause discomfort when wearing the accessory. You can only remove a certain number of links (5–6 pieces). The quantity depends on the parameters of the part (the smaller the link, the more of them can be removed).

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After removing the links, the strap is reassembled in the reverse order, without removing the parts. It is important to insert the pins the same way. To consolidate the result, they are tapped with a small rubber hammer. Next, the bracelet is attached to the watch and put on the hand. To avoid discomfort when wearing, you must leave a distance of 2 fingers between the strap and your hand.

Hidden automatic butterfly clip for bracelets

This type of clasp is used for bracelets made of metal. The clip is invisible from the outside because it is located on the back of the strap. It seems that the metal fits tightly around the wrist without any kind of lock. At the same time, the bracelet “sits” comfortably on the hand and does not overtighten the hand.

Butterfly clasp for leather strap

The clip opening mechanism is automated, the instructions for use are simple. It is enough to press a couple of buttons located on the side opposite each other at the same time, and the clasp will instantly unfasten . In this case, no physical effort is required to open the bracelet. To fasten the butterfly, some effort will still be required: you should fold both sides of the bracelet towards the middle of the lock and press with slight pressure until it clicks.

Step-by-step algorithm: how to independently adjust the bracelet on your watch

There are two ways to adjust the bracelet: using a buckle and removing the links. To reduce the length of a strap with a buckle, press on the pin and remove it, then insert it into the next hole.

The method that involves removing the links is suitable if the bracelet clasp is different or you need to significantly reduce the length.

Put the watch on and adjust it to the most comfortable position without tightening it too tightly. Remember that your index finger should fit between the bracelet and your hand. The fastening elements of the links can be pins, studs, plates, and screws. Using a sharp awl, you can align the pins and studs, focusing on the arrows on the inside of the bracelet. If the links are secured with screws, a small screwdriver will help to remove them.
Use pliers to remove the fastener from the hole.
Remove excess links, maintaining symmetry, so that an equal number remains on each side. This way the lock will be exactly in the center.
After removing all the extra links, start assembling the bracelet. The steps are similar, only performed in reverse order. First you need to insert the plates, screw in the screws or pins.

Additional Steps

During operation, a number of other methods and solutions are identified on how to fix the dim screen of the Mi Band 2. Let's consider the main options.

Reset the application

An alternative option is to reset the settings using the Diagnostic program. This option is suitable when the reason for the dim screen of the Mi Band 2 is temporary malfunctions. Take the following steps:

untie the fitness bracelet from Mi Fit;
install the Diagnostic program (can be found on w3bsit3-dns.com);
enter the program and in the Type section select Mip;
select a bracelet from the list;
click Restore factory settings;
press the button on the bracelet;
add a fitness device to Mi Fit;
delete the Mi Fit app.

After that, check whether the screen on the device is dim or not.

Alternative solutions

If your Mi Band 2 has a dim screen, try a number of other solutions. Additional options:

Check the charge of your phone and bracelet and charge your devices to 100%.
Reflash your fitness device to original or custom firmware. To do this, you can use the built-in functionality or additional applications. Alternatively, use the Notify Fitness app. Download the firmware file from the official resource, and then use the program’s functionality to perform synchronization and further firmware. The most difficult moment is connecting the smartphone to the fitness bracelet. This may require additional software that allows you to determine the MAC address of the device, for example, BLE Scanner.

Try another application. In a situation where the screen on Mi Band 2 is dim, try installing the Mi Band Master program and connecting the bracelet. Perhaps in this case it will be possible to make more precise adjustments.
Please use a different charger. One of the banal reasons why it is not possible to “resurrect” the Mi Band 2 is the use of a faulty charger. In such circumstances, try another device.
Give a full discharge. Try placing the device on a shelf with it turned on and wait for it to fully discharge. After this, charge the fitness bracelet again to 100% and leave it to discharge again. After several such cycles, the device can come to life.

Shake and tap the Mi Band 2. Hit the device several times (without fanaticism). Perhaps the reason lies in a poor contact connection. If, when performing these actions, the dim screen becomes brighter, take the device to a service center.
Try putting the device in the refrigerator. The problem with a dim screen can sometimes be solved by cooling the fitness bracelet. To do this, leave it in the freezer for one or two days. This is a last resort when other methods no longer produce results.

If there is no result, take the Mi Band 2 to a service center and tell the specialists about the problem with the dim screen. If they cannot fix the problem, they will at least tell you how to proceed.

In the case when the service center employees are powerless, and you need Mi Band 2, you will have to go to the store for a new device. In this case, you should consider buying a newer model, which is less likely to have problems with a dim screen.

Adjusting the elastic bracelet on the watch

How to adjust the elastic band on your watch:

Determine the number of links to remove. An elastic band bracelet consists of links in which U-shaped metal brackets are fastened together. To reduce the length of such a strap, you need to carefully remove the bracket from the link using small narrow pliers. To avoid breaking the staple, it is important to prevent it from rotating.
Move the part of the bracelet from where the staple was removed to the side. Move until the link itself pops out of the other. The most convenient position of the bracelet is when the second bracket is located on the link on top. The remaining links are removed in the same way.
Assembling the bracelet is done in reverse order. Place the two parts of the product one on top of the other and slowly move them from top to bottom so that they connect. Take the pliers and carefully place the staples in place. You can determine that the bracket is inserted into the grooves and all connections are secure by a characteristic click.

If, after trying on the strap, it becomes necessary to remove a few more links, you need to repeat all the above steps again.

Is it possible to reduce the length of the bracelet?

This question is often asked by women who received jewelry as a gift. The length turned out to be too long, the product is uncomfortable to wear, but I don’t want to part with the gift. In this case, contact a jeweler - the length of the bracelet can be reduced , unless it is a rim bracelet.

Usually chain bracelets, hinged items or accessories consisting of bead links are reduced.

Link bracelet can be made smaller

How to adjust a Milanese bracelet on a watch

Classic Milanese weaving is a very strong connection of links to each other that cannot be removed. Therefore, you can only adjust the size of the strap by moving the clasp.

Moving the lock to the desired location is quite simple.

First you need to unfasten the bracelet, remove the watch and place it on a table or other flat surface so that the dial is at the top.
There is a small hole on the mount in the middle of the lock that you need to find.
Take a paperclip, pin, SIM card key or other item. The main thing is that the device has a thin end that can fit into the hole in the fastener. If the fastening is too tight, a small flat-head screwdriver will do.
Use a sharp tool to lift the latch located inside the hole.
Carefully move the clasp to the desired position and snap the lock into place.

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Types of folding clasps

Deployant Buckle

The folding clasp design features a metal belt buckle detail. When adjusting the girth (according to the owner’s hand), the belt hole is fixed in this buckle to match the desired size. After which the folding clasp itself is used to put on and remove the bracelet. The folding clasp is used for both leather and rubber belts.

Deployant Buckle

The popularity of this type of fastener is explained by the following advantages:

-With the correct size of the strap, the “closed circle” design significantly reduces the risk of the watch falling when the clasp is opened;
-The service life of the belt itself is significantly extended, due to the absence of periodic bending forces near one of its holes.

Adjusting the leather bracelet on your watch

Leather straps, both natural and artificial, are popular and are in as much demand among buyers as metal watch bracelets. You can reduce or increase their size in the same way as is done on trouser belts. To adjust the length of such models, it is enough to make a new hole in the product.

To do this you need:

put the watch on your hand, fix it in the most comfortable position;
mark the place where it will be necessary to pierce a new hole;
Usually the strap buckle has a tongue of different thickness, which will determine which tool should be used (an awl or a thick needle);
the hole will look more neat if it is made with a tool heated over a fire;
pierce the strap at the previously marked point.

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All actions should be performed with extreme caution, as the strap may be damaged due to careless chaotic movements.

Not everyone is able to make a hole on their own. You can contact a workshop where, using a special puncture device, they will do this work for a small fee. In addition, a specialist can carefully shorten the bracelet if it is too long.

VARIETY OF BRACELETS

It is quite natural that over the century of the existence of wristwatches, many variants of metal, ceramic and polymer bracelets have been designed and tested. And although many of them have lost their relevance over time, even now the number of types of metal bracelets is very diverse and differs according to the following criteria:

on materials for manufacturing;
by shape and silhouette;
in terms of comfort and ergonomic fit on the hand;
in terms of reliability and durability of the structure;
according to the type of bracelet clasp;
according to the method of fastening and adjusting removable links.

It is the last point that interests us in the first place, but first, let’s find out the most convenient way to determine how many links the bracelet needs to be shortened for comfortable wearing of the watch.

Selecting a watch based on your wrist size so you don’t have to adjust the bracelet

The main parameter when choosing a watch strap is the width. This is the size of the place where the bracelet is attached to the watch. Width is measured in millimeters and can be an even number ranging from 6 to 32 mm. In some models, the designation of this parameter consists of two numbers, by which you can determine the shape of the bracelet (straight or tapered). Often the width of the strap depends on the size of the dial and is equal to half its diameter. For example, if the case is 39 mm or 42 mm, the bracelet is 20 mm, respectively. The length should be chosen depending on the size of the wrist circumference. The strap should fit freely to your hand so that it does not leave marks on the skin. Below is a table showing the parameters of the straps depending on the circumference of the wrist.

Standard bracelets are produced without any markings. For sizes L or XL, watch straps are marked.

Jewelry stores or watch salons provide a service for selecting the optimal watch size. In addition, our experienced staff will help you find the most suitable models for your look and style. Therefore, do not refuse professional service.

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Butterfly clip fasteners for straps

Clips come in different varieties depending on how they are fastened:

Non-locking fasteners consist of three links that require folding and pressing to close them. The clip will close with a soft click. To unfasten it you need to pull the edge of the clasp.
Fasteners with a lock are an element that locks the clip and additionally protects against accidental unfastening. The mechanism for closing and opening the bracelet is no different from a clasp without a lock.
Fasteners with several holes in the top link . With their help, you can change the length of the bracelet and adjust it to suit you. The length changes due to the movement of the pin that attaches the clasp directly to the bracelet. Such locks are used on metal straps.

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Tools for work

Before starting work, cover the table with a white sheet of paper so as not to lose small elements: nuts, links, pins. To remove links from a watch bracelet, you will need:

awl;
small hammer;
screwdriver with medium bit.

Collect all small parts in a separate container. They will be clearly visible on white paper. To collect them, select a small box and place it in front of you. Also make sure there is good lighting and clear your workplace of unnecessary items.

Sizing

One of the important parameters is width. The bracelet should fit freely into the space provided for it, but not dangle. Therefore, before purchasing, you should measure the distance between the lugs on the watch or the width of the old strap.

As for the length, it produces straps of both adjustable (they are made of hard materials and individual links) and fixed sizes.

There are several bracelet length options:

S (15–16 cm);
M (18–19 cm);
L (20–21 cm);
XL (21–23 cm);
XXL (from 23 cm).

When choosing a model, you should pay attention to the fact that the accessory does not fit tightly to the wrist. There should be a small space left (about 1 cm).

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Hole change method

For a typical product, changing the hole in the fastener is most often used. The work must be done from the side into which the free end of the strap is inserted. This is one of the simplest and fastest ways. The photo shows how to shorten a watch bracelet. You can handle the task yourself, saving money.

Watch repair experts advise using any soft material instead of metal. For example, they say a toothpick works great. The hairpin is usually made of soft metal, so using a hard tool can easily damage it. Thus, it will take a long time to select a suitable replacement for the damaged item. Using a tool, you need to press the pin located under the spring inward.

There are times when an element flies out and is lost, but if everything is done carefully, the process will go quickly and without additional costs. As a result, the pin must be moved into the resulting hole. This action is accompanied by a specific click. Let's look at how to shorten a watch bracelet in another way.

Additional tips and tricks

When removing excess links on a metal bracelet, it is necessary to do this symmetrically and remove the same number of them from each side. If the person who will be performing this procedure has poor vision, it is best to use a magnifying glass and put small parts in a special container to prevent their loss.

Do not rush when disassembling the holder and removing the auxiliary brackets. Sudden movements can cause auxiliary tools such as an awl or a screwdriver to slip on metal parts. Doing so may damage the strap or cause noticeable scratches, which will detract from the beautiful appearance of the watch.

Is it possible to shorten a gold or silver bracelet?

It is theoretically possible to reduce a gold or silver bracelet, but without special equipment and appropriate skills it is difficult to do. If you really want to shorten a silver bracelet at home, at least buy a special tool for removing links from chains: it is inexpensive and is sold in online stores.

However, there are a lot of restrictions: you can only work with fairly massive chains of simple weaving or glider models. If the weaving is complex or the links are soldered, go straight to the workshop.

Never experiment with soldering jewelry, even if you are familiar with working with a soldering iron! This is an almost 100% risk of ruining the decoration.

A thin chain on your hand cannot be adjusted in any way at home: you simply do not have enough skill to carry out micromanipulations. And the jeweler works with special equipment, with the help of which he can either build up several links or remove them by soldering the necessary ones.

The greatest difficulty in the work is represented by jewelry with inserts and designer weaving models. Sometimes you have to slightly change the design of the jewelry and recreate each link manually. This work is long, painstaking and very expensive.

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However, there are several tricks that will help increase the length of a chain bracelet without the slightest harm to the jewelry. The first option is a special extension (extender), consisting of several links with a lock. A correctly selected extender can add additional charm to the jewelry, but you need to understand that the reliability of attaching the jewelry will be somewhat reduced.

The second option is a jewelry pin. This is a very interesting addition in every sense, capable of adding the missing millimeters of length and a slight touch of playfulness to the decoration.

To enlarge a gold bracelet in the form of a hoop, cuff or snake, the same methods are used as for rings. Bracelets are rolled out, stretched on a cone, or pieces of metal are added and carefully processed to make the product look monolithic. And there is only one way to reduce it: cutting out the excess section and restoring the design of the decoration.

The more sophisticated the design, the more complex and expensive the work. Particularly difficult are multi-tiered models, bracelets with complex decor and jewelry with inserts.

Before shrinking your bracelet, make sure it is really necessary. For example, if you are going to wear jewelry with charms and pendants, you need a decent amount of length.

Example of the cost of removing links

General discussions about prices for services can give no more than an equally general idea of them. We need to make it a little more specific, at least with abstract examples, but with real prices. To remove one link from the bracelet of an inexpensive Chinese watch in Moscow will cost about 300 rubles . At the same time, repairing a gold bracelet on a German mechanical watch will cost no less than 3,000 rubles in Moscow and the Moscow region.

In the regions, price tags are not much different from those in the capital, this is due to the fact that precious metals cost the same almost everywhere, and accordingly, repair work is priced with minimal differences. Price tags can be found on official website stores that also deal with service.