How to adjust a watch strap or bracelet: How to do it yourself and the benefits of asking someone to do it for you

Even if you buy a watch because you're satisfied with its design and functionality, there may be cases where you find that it doesn't fit your wrist when you try it on. To ensure a comfortable fit, we'll look at how to adjust the strap or bracelet and where to get it done. We'll also explain how to adjust it yourself.

How do I adjust the length of the watch?

Nowadays, it is common to purchase a watch over the internet without visiting a watch shop in person, and in some cases, it is not uncommon to have it shipped from overseas.

While online shopping is convenient, it can be difficult to adjust the fit. A common problem is that the belt or bracelet doesn't fit properly.

The adjustment process itself is not that complicated, but when asking a contractor to do it, it is important to choose the right company. Let's take a look at the differences between asking for an adjustment and doing it yourself.

Request to the manufacturer

If you need to adjust the strap or bracelet of your watch, it is safe and reliable to ask the manufacturer. They will adjust even unusual bracelets without fail, and if parts need to be replaced, they will use genuine manufacturer parts.

If you care about the lifespan and asset value of your watch, this is a surefire choice. However, the cost is generally high. If the manufacturer does not have a service center in Japan, it may take more than a month to return the watch.

Ask a specialist shop or repair shop

If you want to have your watch adjusted more quickly and cheaply than the manufacturer, you can take it to a repair booth at a watch repair shop or mass retailer.

Regardless of which company you hire, make sure to check the technician's skill level and whether they use genuine parts. You can rest assured if they have a "Class 1 Watch Repair Technician" or "CMW (Certified Watchmaker)" on staff.

At watch repair specialty stores, there are cases where skilled watch repair technicians will perform repairs using genuine parts, but you cannot expect much from mass retailers.

Be aware that if any of these involve part replacement or repair, they may be considered adjustments or modifications outside of official service, and will void the manufacturer's warranty.

Adjust it yourself

Some bracelets can be easily adjusted by yourself without the need for special tools or techniques. Some adjustable tri-fold bracelets do not require tools and can be easily adjusted using the included tool.

Even with other types, you can adjust it yourself if you have the necessary tools. In this case, please note that you will need to pay for the tools and that your ability to adjust it correctly will depend on your skill.

The work is done at your own risk, and there is no warranty if any parts are damaged or lost.

How to adjust it yourself

To adjust a belt or strap, all you need to do is punch holes in the appropriate places. For bracelets, the method for adjusting the links varies depending on the type. Let's take a look at how to adjust "screw-type" and "punched-type" bracelets.

In the case of screw type

If the links have a screw head on one side, remove the pin with a precision screwdriver. To avoid scratching the bracelet or deforming the pin, hold it in a bracelet vise with a cloth.

It's easy to remove the pins on both ends of the link, but it takes some skill to align the pin holes when installing it. The pin holes tend to wobble when held by hand, so aim for the hole positions and fix them in a vise before starting.

In the case of punching type

If there is an arrow engraved on the back of the link, it means that the pin will be removed in that direction. In this case, place a bracelet pin removal tool over the pin and hit the tool with a hammer to remove it.

It will be impossible to fix it without fixing it, so a vice is essential. Place a synthetic resin film or similar that has stronger friction than the cloth, and fix it in place with enough space for the pin to pass through.

When inserting the pin, push it back in from the side where it came out. The key is to aim for the hole and drive it in straight.

This is an example of a simple "round pin type." It is best to read the instruction manual and ask the manufacturer if it is a "cotter pin type" or "C-ring type."

Benefits of requesting a manufacturer

As long as you have the tools, you can adjust it yourself whenever you want, but depending on the specifications of the bracelet and the strength of the case, you may need to ask the appropriate service. Here we will explain the benefits of having the adjustment done by the manufacturer or a watch repair shop.

The most reliable is the manufacturer

You can adjust the strap or bracelet yourself if you want to, but you need to understand the structure and use the right amount of force. Watch repair shops are reliable in terms of their technical skills, but you should be aware that the work is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

If a part is damaged during the repair, even if a genuine part is substituted, it will be considered a modification by a third party. Also, if special tools are required for adjustment or if the watch is not strong enough, we cannot handle it.

The manufacturer is the only option that does not cause any such concerns. Official service is the correct point of contact recommended by the manufacturer, and is the most reliable and secure option.

If you're concerned about time and cost, go to a repair shop.

The manufacturer's official service is the best place to go, but if you are concerned about the time and cost involved in adjustments, a watch repair specialist may be a good option.

If the manufacturer's warranty has expired, you may want to take it to a watch repair specialist, who will adjust it quickly and inexpensively using genuine parts.

If you want to receive your watch on the same day, even cheaper, you can ask a mass retailer to repair it for you. However, in this case, you should only do so if you can ignore the lifespan and asset value of the watch.

Proper adjustment for comfort

The official contact point for strap and bracelet adjustments is the manufacturer's after-sales service, but if you're willing to compromise on quality assurance, you can also take the work to a reputable watch repair shop.

Depending on the bracelet's construction, you may be able to easily adjust it yourself. Adjust the strap or bracelet properly to ensure a comfortable fit.