Jump to content

How do I resize this bracelet?

MikeCam
 Share

Recommended Posts

MikeCam New Member

MikeCam

Posted
Posted

I got a cheap vintage Seiko off ebay. I've resized several straps before but I've never seen one like this. Is it even possible to resize this and if so how? Thank you!

IMG_8476.jpeg

IMG_8477.jpeg

IMG_8478.jpeg

MikeCam New Member

MikeCam

Posted
  • Author
Posted

One more photo just in case anyone's curious to see the ebay watch. I read the dial may have been hand painted or something. Not the best watch in my collection but I want to at least be able to wear it without spending any more money on it for a new bracelet.

IMG_8479.jpg

Neverenoughwatches Distinguished Member

Neverenoughwatches

Posted
Posted
  On 9/27/2023 at 12:31 AM, MikeCam said:

One more photo just in case anyone's curious to see the ebay watch. I read the dial may have been hand painted or something. Not the best watch in my collection but I want to at least be able to wear it without spending any more money on it for a new bracelet.

IMG_8479.jpg

Expand  

Hi Mike its not a bracelet i have tried before. Its known as a  beads of rice, try googling it or a youbtube search for adjustment. 

Waggy Distinguished Member

Waggy

Posted
Posted

Those look like riveted pins (see below) I think there are two ways to go about this, the first it to remove the riveted pin either by filing off the head (tricky work) and then later replacing the rivet or maybe you can prize it off or get enough of a grip on it to pull it apart. The other option is to open up the links on the underside, looks like there will be 7 you will need to open up on each side (also tricky work). I think either option is high risk and you stand a good chance of damaging the bracelet. Unless someone else has another suggestion I think you have to take the risk or replace the bracelet with something else?

This is how the rivets look before they are installed, so you would need to overcome the friction holding the two parts together or cut/file off the head:

image.png.b069efb42dc8eb77eafc0a7af4e226fa.png

Here is the other option:

strap.jpg.bdfb21619903980bfe7e75c1044021d6.jpg

  • Like 1
Waggy Distinguished Member

Waggy

Posted
Posted
  On 9/27/2023 at 8:51 AM, oldhippy said:

certain links will unscrew

Expand  

I considered this too, but looking at the pictures, all the domes in the one side that is shown in the pictures look to have been flattened slightly which is consistent with a rivet type linkage which narrows the options. But it is strange that the maker didn't provide some means of adjusting the bracelet.

oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

Posted
Posted
  On 9/27/2023 at 9:20 AM, Waggy said:

I considered this too, but looking at the pictures, all the domes in the one side that is shown in the pictures look to have been flattened slightly which is consistent with a rivet type linkage which narrows the options. But it is strange that the maker didn't provide some means of adjusting the bracelet.

Expand  

You will find with the cheaper bracelets there is no way of removing links. 

  • Like 1
watchweasol Distinguished Member

watchweasol

Posted
Posted

Like OHSaid some of the cheaper ones do not adjust.  I have used the method shown to open up the grains of rice and refitting, time consuming but can be done but mind your fingers. Best done in a block to support the bracelet.

MikeCam New Member

MikeCam

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks so much for all the tips! I tried both methods. I tried pulling the pins with two pliers but they wouldn't budge. I then tried the method shown in the clip but that was way too much effort and I was pretty sure the bracelet would not have looked right once I was done. I ended up getting a similar bracelet that's easy to resize but I'm glad we gave this a shot.

IMG_8509.jpg

  • Like 3

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • watchmegobroke
      Hello Watch lovers

      By watchmegobroke · Posted

      My name is George, and I am a passionate watch enthusiast, seller, and content creator in the watch community. I am very interested in expanding my skills in watchmaking,watch Design and repair.   I would love to inquire if you offer any mentorship programs, internships, or volunteer opportunities where I could learn directly from experienced professionals. I am eager to contribute, learn, and deepen my knowledge of the craft. Best regards, George M @watchmegobroke  
    • Nucejoe
      Argh. Breaking pallet pivots

      By Nucejoe · Posted

      If a runner, I usually let the movement run in naphta for a minute, some movements need a bit of encouragement to run in liquids, so a quick dip of the movement in naphta then remove and encourage the oscilator with puffer, repeat several soaks.  Or if you don't want to soak or dip the movement in cleaning solution ,   keep putting naphta on jewel holes as the movement runs on bench. A pre-clean of some sort  helps.  Avoid lifting out the fork with tweezers or any tool.  Try blowing fork pivot out  with strong puff of air from jewels holes back side. Good luck .      
    • HectorLooi
      Argh. Breaking pallet pivots

      By HectorLooi · Posted

      60! Wow, that's a lot. Can't say I understand the problem because disassembly is usually quite uneventful, except for springs launching into space. Most people break pivots during assembly. I use a homemade brass pry tool to loosen parts. It's just a short length of hard brass wire sharpened to a chisel point. Don't pry at just one point and crowbar it out. Pry at the notch and when a crack opens up, slip the pry tool in and loosen it at a few more points until the bridge is free.
    • WpgRob
      Argh. Breaking pallet pivots

      By WpgRob · Posted

      Beginner here. Of about 60 watches I’ve serviced and repaired, I’ve broken a pallet pivot on three, always during disassembly, and usually when the old oil has transformed to glue. Each watch was Swiss, in case that makes a difference. Here’s what happened in each case: - unscrewed the pallet bridge or cock - gently inserted a screwdriver in the  slot under the pallet bridge or cock - gently but firmly rotated the screwdriver, avoiding a forwards force on the screwdriver. If alignment pins stick, the cam action is alternated back and forth between back corners of the plate. - heard a small but horrible click. Is there a special tool or technique for safely lifting the pallet bridge? Should everything be soaked in naphtha before beginning disassembly if there’s any sign of old oil gluing parts together? Thanks! Rob
    • mbwatch
      Full plate watch, Suitable tool for adjusting & testing pallet stones?

      By mbwatch · Posted

      You shared this test with me a few months back on a Hamilton project and so I had checked this watch to find the pins were still equally spaced. Their screw slots were undamaged and very tight hard to move so maybe no one has messed with them before. I can't work on it much today but I did measure the fork slot again and it seems like 0.44 is the right size. I measure the jewel that had been installed at just 0.42. would an undersized too narrow impulse jewel impact the impulse drastically? I ask because I have had it at a state where flipping the fork manually with a tool would unlock some of the time, but the balance was never capable of unlocking.
×
×
  • Create New...