How do I remove the links from the band ?

If the metal band is the expandable type and you can turn it inside out without taking it off the watch then these instructions apply to you.

You may want to work on a hard cardboard or a small piece of scrap wood.

Each link has two main parts the shiny surface you see and the underside that touches your wrist. The two parts of the link are held together with tiny U shaped pieces on each end.

The end of each link has a bent over tab. Use the blade of a small penknife to start to unbend the tab then use the flat side of a small screwdriver to bend the tab the rest of the way until it's flat. Do the same thing on the underside. When all four tabs are straightened you'll be able to slide the links apart.

Now use that same process to remove the number of links you want to shorten the band.

Work slowly and smoothly so that the small U clips don't fall out of the ends. These are the clips that work in the slots to allow the band to stretch and spring back.

To reassemble the band, position the links together but slightly offset and slide the links latterly together.

Finally, rebend the tabs back over using the blade of the small screwdriver.

Arthur V. Dieli
April 2009