How to Adjust Your Watch Size at Home

Is your watch a little too loose? If it has a metal link bracelet, you can usually make it smaller at home by removing a few links.

This guide shows you how to remove the links, reconnect the band, and check the fit using a simple watch link remover tool.

Watch link remover tool for resizing a metal watch band

What You’ll Need

  • Your metal bracelet-style watch
  • A watch link remover tool
  • A small container or bag for the extra links and pins

Step 1

Decide How Many Links to Remove

  1. Put the watch on your wrist.
  2. Pinch the extra part of the band until the watch feels comfortable.
  3. Estimate how many links need to come out.
Tip: If possible, remove links from both sides of the clasp. This helps keep the watch centered on your wrist.

Step 2

Find the Arrows on the Band

Turn the watch over and look at the inside of the metal band. Removable links usually have small arrows on them.

The arrow shows the direction the pin should be pushed out.

Important: Only remove links that are marked as removable. Do not force a pin in the opposite direction.
Arrows showing which direction to remove watch band pins

Step 3

Push the Pin Out

  1. Place the watch band into the link remover tool.
  2. Line up the tool’s small metal tip with the pin in the watch band.
  3. Make sure you are pushing the pin in the direction of the arrow.
  4. Slowly turn the tool until the pin begins to come out.
  5. Once enough of the pin is showing, carefully pull it the rest of the way out.
Tip: Some link remover tools include extra replacement tips. If the small tip bends, replace it before continuing.

Step 4

Remove the Extra Link

Remove the pin on the other side of the link. The extra link should now separate from the band.

Repeat the process if you need to remove additional links.

Step 5

Reconnect the Watch Band

  1. Bring the two open ends of the band back together.
  2. Line up the holes.
  3. Insert the pin back into the band.
  4. Press the pin in until it sits flush with the side of the watch band.
Check it: The pin should not stick out from either side of the band.

Step 6

Try the Watch On

Put the watch back on your wrist and check the fit.

  • It should stay comfortably in place.
  • It should not spin freely around your wrist.
  • It should not feel tight or pinch your skin.

If it is still too loose, remove one more link and check the fit again.

Keep Your Extra Links

Save the links and pins you remove. You may want them later if you need to make the watch larger again.

@PrettyPickie