Stupid question about bracelets...

[FredAstaire]

I'm interested in a Christopher ward.

But what do you do about getting the bracelet sized?

Is it a DIY thing?

Or do you go to a jewelers and have to pay them to size a watch you didn't buy from them?

Stupid question, I'm sure. But I don't know the answer!

[Doofus]

FredAstaire said:

I'm interested in a Christopher ward.

But what do you do about getting the bracelet sized?

Is it a DIY thing?

Or do you go to a jewelers and have to pay them to size a watch you didn't buy from them?

Stupid question, I'm sure. But I don't know the answer!

I've DIYed my bracelets, whether £500 or £5,000. As long as you have the correct tools, it's not hard. I prefer to buy watches on bracelets, because aftermarket straps are cheaper than aftermarket bracelets, but my two CWs only came with straps, so I can't comment on CW specifically, but bracelet sizing isn't difficult.

[blingybongy]

Also, yes most independent jewellers will size your bracelet - for a fee.
The place near me charges a fiver.

[Drooles]

I’m fairly sure Christopher Ward will resize the bracelet for you - I think they charge, though. I’ve resized many of my own bracelets but never had a CW on anything other than a strap so, I’m afraid, I can’t be more help.

Some bracelets are resized by removing links held in by screws, some pins. If it’s screws I find it easier - sometimes the pins have tiny collets that seem to disappear despite your best efforts (Seiko are like this if I remember correctly). I’m no expert but I would have a go myself - you can buy all the tools you’d need reasonably cheaply and then you’ll be able to resize any watch you get.

[Tabs]

As mentioned, it's fairly easy to DIY. Amazon sell decent tool kits for about £15, and then go to YouTube.
I do my own, as I like the watch head and clasp to sit centrally. Removing links from just one side makes for uncomfortable wearing.

[Drooles]

Tabs said:

As mentioned, it's fairly easy to DIY. Amazon sell decent tool kits for about £15, and then go to YouTube.
I do my own, as I like the watch head and clasp to sit centrally. Removing links from just one side makes for uncomfortable wearing.

I totally agree with this. I’ve never been to a jewellers for resizing a bracelet - do they really just take the kinks out of one side?

[NDA]

FredAstaire said:

I'm interested in a Christopher ward.

But what do you do about getting the bracelet sized?

Is it a DIY thing?

Or do you go to a jewelers and have to pay them to size a watch you didn't buy from them?

Stupid question, I'm sure. But I don't know the answer!

Not a stupid question...

There are two types of bracelet adjustment essentially - screws and pins.

Screws tend (not always) to be on more expensive watches and pins on everything else. Screws are obvious - but it's really very important to have a decent screwdriver set so you don't knacker the heads. Once a screw is out, the rest is pretty obvious. Take your time, do it on a clean desk so you don't lose any parts!

Pins are a different matter. There are a few types of pins and most (not all) can only be forced out or put back in, in one direction. Also you most likely will need a tool to force the pin out - they can be in very tightly. Also some pins have collars which are extremely small and easy to lose! The collar fits over the pin and sits within the bracelet - a bit hard to describe.

I've adjusted many watch bracelets over the years and would say the more expensive the watch, the easier it is! My cheaper watches, like Citizen for example, can be a real struggle - even if you know what you're doing.

If you're buying a watch from a dealer (shop) ask them to adjust it for you - they should do it free of charge.

[pcameron]

Christopher Ward charge £10 to resize the bracelet. There is a link just above the price before you add a watch with a bracelet to the basket. You select the size of your wrist, and the bracelet will be resized to match. Had it done on a watch I bought and it works well. BTW, nice, well made watches.

[FredAstaire]

pcameron said:

Christopher Ward charge £10 to resize the bracelet. There is a link just above the price before you add a watch with a bracelet to the basket. You select the size of your wrist, and the bracelet will be resized to match. Had it done on a watch I bought and it works well. BTW, nice, well made watches.

Thanks - I hadn't noticed that before, but it's fairly obvious now you point it out!

Do they include the removed links?

[Fiedka]

pcameron said:

Christopher Ward charge £10 to resize the bracelet. There is a link just above the price before you add a watch with a bracelet to the basket. You select the size of your wrist, and the bracelet will be resized to match. Had it done on a watch I bought and it works well. BTW, nice, well made watches.

It’s also a great way to prevent yourself from returning an item if you decide you don’t like the watch.

I realise CW don’t have boutiques but charging 10 pounds to make the watch functional is a bit cheeky in my view?

[Alex Z]

FredAstaire said:

Thanks - I hadn't noticed that before, but it's fairly obvious now you point it out!

Do they include the removed links?

Yes they do

[FredAstaire]

Thanks for the advice all. Decided not to buy one in the end, I searched my feelings and realised the only real reason I wanted one was as an expedient substitute for a Rolex OP in tiffany blue.