Frustrated with my new watch

White95Max · 01-06-07, 05:39

I ordered a new watch through the mail, and the metal band is way too big for me, so I need to remove some links. The pic shows the pin that I'm supposed to compress. I have some tiny jewelry screwdrivers, but I'm still having a lot of trouble.

Has anyone done this before, that might be able to offer advice?

I went to TWO jewelry stores today, and both managers told me that they were unable to adjust this particular watch. They both do free watch cleaning and adjustments, but one said that she had not seen a design like this before and therefore did not feel comfortable working with it, and the other said he didn't have the right tools to remove the links.

White95Max · 01-06-07, 06:36

I just had the idea to try a sharp poker that came with my screwdriver set out in the garage. Within seconds, I had a pin out. 10 minutes later, 5 links were removed, and the watch was put back together. Now the watch is sitting on the countertop, after being cleaned with S&G and wiped down with 4* UPPS.

SilverLexus · 01-06-07, 06:38

Paul, what kind of watch is this? Do you have a full picture?

jsatek · 01-06-07, 07:10

Isn't is funny that 2 "pros" couldn't or wouldn't do this for you?

Its not just the detailing business that is loaded with hacks.

yakky · 01-06-07, 07:17

If you are a watch addict, you need a good sizing tool. They are pretty cheap and come in quite handy. Best of all you don't have some hack at the mall screwing up your watch.

White95Max · 01-06-07, 07:25

The watch is a Casio G-Shock MTG solar-powered atomic watch. Here it is, charging under my terrarium UV lamp. It must have sparked a little curiosity, though I was hoping that wouldn't happen. Oh well...no harm done.

truzoom · 01-06-07, 08:17

Oh my god that watch is huge because that is a normal sized turtle YES IT IS!

White95Max · 01-06-07, 09:11

lol yeah Zoomer, I wear it around my waist like a wrestling championship belt.

seikoguy · 01-06-07, 10:12

I size all my own bracelets as the thought of having some hack put a scratch on an expensive timepiece would simply kill me. And sizing a bracelet is so easy especially with the right tool. I have several bracelet sizing tools, but the one I always keep reach for due to its versatility is this one, which costs about $16.00:

What I like about it is that it's very gentle on the timepiece. All you have to do is lay the bracelet down and slowly turn the knob - the pushpin will gently push the link pin out. Couldn't be easier. The two added pieces at the bottom are used to adjust for the thickness of the bracelet to ensure that the pushpin and the link pin are aligned when you start turning the knob.

White95Max · 01-06-07, 10:22

Neat little gadget. I was able to adjust my band pretty quickly and easily when I found a good tool for the job. It wasn't made for that purpose, but it did well. This isn't a terribly expensive watch, so I wasn't horribly concerned about using a makeshift tool.

JohnZ3MC · 01-07-07, 12:41

Everyone that has a watch should have some of those really tiny screwdrivers and a sizing tool. They're always real handy like in cases like this.
The final photo of the watch was both informative and thought provoking. I look at it as proof positive that it is indeed, are you ready for this:
The Dawning of the Age of Aquarium.
-John C.

paul34 · 01-07-07, 08:35

I think those jewelers were just messing with you. It's probably "free" for their own customers.

I was about to buy my own tools when I bought my watch, but I decided to just take it to a store. I think I paid about $5-$8 at some family jeweler's store to get about 3-4 links removed. Ridiculous? Probably... but at least I got to wear it. I guess that counts for something.

I think you really have to have that special eyelet tool or those clamp type tools, pictured earlier. I've tried endless online tutorials with paper clips and other such things. Nothing works as well as the jewelers little eyelet tool thingy... they just push, and the pin pops right out. No paperclip or anything else you can try will do that.

BTW, those pins look like pretty standard watch pins, exactly like all of my metal link watches! I don't know why any jeweler would say "no." Most jewelers just looked at me and said stuff like "uhh... yea.... $15" or "$20"! so yea... just shop around a bit or maybe buy your own tools if you see yourself buying more watches in the near future.