Removing links

[Tommalone]

I think im going to get a few links removed from a watch I bought online because it's to big.

Was just wondering, if i take it to a watch shop in town, how long will it take, and how much will it cost, just an estimate.

Thanks

[Don1]

if they are the pin type, then you can do it yourself. if they are screw thread, then you can do it with electrical screwdrivers - not hard at all either way.

[Tommalone]

looks like they are the pin type, how would i go about removing them then, without breaking the watch!

You got any good tutorials or anything?

the strap looks like this if it helps: http://www.2shopper.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCo...

thanks alot

[Owain]

Those links should be easy to do, if you look at the back of the strap there should be little arrows
just use something small enought to knock the pin the same direction as the arrow

This is what's usually used, and knock it in with a small hammer
http://www.tickintimeworldofwatchtools.co.uk/pin-l...

the pin should pop out at the end, and just pull it out

once you've taken the links out remember to put the pin back in the opposite direction to the arrow!

[Tommalone]

ah okay thanks alot

do you know if any household objects would be strong enough for this?

like safety pins or a needle from my mums sewing kit?

thanks <3

[Owain]

safety pin should do,
think that's what i used to take my brother's links out recently actually! with a stapler as a hammer lol
normally a couple of hits with a hammer and they should pop out - not too hard though
but yeah a pin or something should do, or maybe a very small screwdriver

[Owain]

Can you see the arrows on the inside? if not it may be a different type - but if there are arrows you should be fine

some pics here too, not great mind!

http://www.webwatches.co.uk/how_to.htm
first type

[ShadownINja]

"Hit"? Just push and the ends should sink in because they're spring-bound.

[Owain]

ShadownINja said:

"Hit"? Just push and the ends should sink in because they're spring-bound.

dont look like spring bars though?

look like normal split pin things, just need to be knocked out
sometimes they push out, but generally need to be knocked with a hammer

the one's connecting the bracelet to the actual watch would be spring bars though

[Tommalone]

thanks for all the replies, I will try using a hammer tomorow because I dont want to wake up my mum and dad

and yeah i tried just pushing them out, looks like it will need a bit more force though

and yeah I can see all the arrows

also, what type of surface did you rest your watch on when you hammered the pins? im thinking just 2 peices or something i can find in my garage

[simkin911]

If you decide to take it into town, takes 5-10mins and £10. I went into Watches of Switzerland (Edinburgh) last week to have links removed from an Omega which wasn't purchased from them.

[WatchObsession]

Should be everything you need here to do it yourself.

[Tommalone]

Owain, thank you very much! I managed to do it myself with a needle and using a stapler to hammer it out!

Thanks alot, I love you! :P

[Owain]

Tommalone said:

Owain, thank you very much! I managed to do it myself with a needle and using a stapler to hammer it out!

Thanks alot, I love you! :P

glad to hear it! lol
saved you a tenner anyway - useful to know in case you need to adjust in future too