Fossil AM 3688 Wrist Watch Logo
Posted on Jun 09, 2009
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Fossil AM4200 shorten band - Fossil AM 3688 Wrist Watch

1 Answer

Anonymous

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  • Expert 183 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 19, 2009
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Joined: Aug 30, 2009
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Depending on the age of the watch you will see indicators of pin direction on the inside of the band. Little arrows that point the direction the pins should come out. If there are no arrows you can look at the edge of the band. You are looking for a split in the pin that makes it look like a screw. The opposite side will be solid. You want to push on the side that is solid so the side that looked split comes out. This is a cotter pin and the split side is bigger and needs to come out first. Use a small punch to push the pins out. Make sure you take links from the band evenly on either side.

  • Anonymous Sep 19, 2009

    Depending on the age of the watch you will see indicators of pin
    direction on the inside of the band. Little arrows that point the
    direction the pins should come out. If there are no arrows you can look
    at the edge of the band. You are looking for a split in the pin that
    makes it look like a screw. The opposite side will be solid. You want
    to push on the side that is solid so the side that looked split comes
    out. This is a cotter pin and the split side is bigger and needs to
    come out first. Use a small punch to push the pins out. Make sure you
    take links from the band evenly on either side.


  • Anonymous Sep 19, 2009

    Depending on the age of the watch you will see indicators of pin
    direction on the inside of the band. Little arrows that point the
    direction the pins should come out. If there are no arrows you can look
    at the edge of the band. You are looking for a split in the pin that
    makes it look like a screw. The opposite side will be solid. You want
    to push on the side that is solid so the side that looked split comes
    out. This is a cotter pin and the split side is bigger and needs to
    come out first. Use a small punch to push the pins out. Make sure you
    take links from the band evenly on either side.

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Anonymous

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I also have an Adidas watch, but cannot find a replacement.
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Anonymous

  • Posted on Sep 04, 2008

SOURCE: How to remove links from Fossil metal band?

I did not know this was this easy, all this time with this problem. I like the internet.

Thanks!

Anonymous

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  • Posted on Dec 27, 2008

SOURCE: skagen mesh band shorten

just solved the mystery...U probably have too ..by now....but just in case..

here is a fun link to the solution by an actual user....was actually inspired by him...coz like I said I had mispaced the manual...

http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B0000C9ZBX/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

I just used my nail file and lifted the locking mechanism and moved it forward...Now I can sleep better tonite....!

Mrs Martin

Anonymous

  • 43 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 14, 2009

SOURCE: remove links from fossil metal band

The links most likely need a tool that will push the pins out so you can adjust the bracelet. This can be easily done by any jeweler or watch store. You can also order these types of tools online to do it yourself at home. Please do not attempt to remove links without the proper tools as you will not be able to remove them and you will also damage both the bracelet and the pins.

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Arturs Kalnins

  • 2338 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 09, 2009

SOURCE: how to shorten the watch band without breaking it

You may or may not have arrows inside bracelet. Arrows are pointing the way the pins must come out.
First you have to find out what sort of pins or even screws are used to keep links together.
Examine both bracelet sides and find the side where pin ends have a groove.
Start with a tiny screwdriver and unscrew one of the screws. If it turns, but doesn't come out, that means you have a pins instead.
For removing pins the best would be pin removing tool (approx.5GBP on ebay), but it's possible to do the job without it.
Take a hardened steel needle and blunt the sharp end to the approx. size of pin end diameter using any sharpening stone or sandpaper. Get an old towel and fold it to make a soft base for work (like small cusion). As you don't have a special bracelet holder you will need a pair of helping hands to hold the bracelet steady upright. You will need small hammer and pair of flat nose pliers as well.
NOTE: The pins MUST be driven split end out first, not vice versa. Make sure that the grooved pin ends are facing towel, not the needle and hammer!!!
Now place the watch on the folded towel, take that needle and smallest hammer you have and start driving the pin out using light blows. Do Not hit hard, as you will brake the needle, scratch your watch or even injure yourself. Watchmakers are using 45 gram hammer, so, calculate your strength of blows.
After a few blows check if the split end is coming out and when you see that the end is long enough to grab it with pliers, pull the pin out with pliers. When pulling, do NOT turn pliers, as pins tend to brake when twisted. Use firm grip and your strength to pull the pin without twisting.
After shortening the bracelet or adding extra link(s) make sure that the pins go back EXACTLY the same way as they came out- the blunt end first in the hole and the split (grooved) end last. Before doing that check remaining pins in bracelet to make sure that you put them back from the right side of bracelet.
It is recommended to use plastic hammer to drive pins back in or you will scratch or damage bracelet. If plastic hammer is not available use an old toothbrush handle (or some plastic item) as an absorber. Simply put pin into the hole as deep as you can with your fingers, put the toothbrush handle on split pin end and hit handle, not the pin.
Make sure that pin ends are flush with bracelet. If needed- hit few more times.
Job done!
If you do not want to do it yourself, any jeweler will do it in a matter of few minutes.
Don't forget to rate, please.

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I have found some instructions on the Fossil website and since most watches are very similar you can try the method described there.

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Purchased fossil ladies watch am4183 at Macy's, stainless steel band is too big, is this band adjustable, if so how.

Check the sides of watch band and you will see the pin ends. They are holding all links together. If there are arrows inside the watch band, they are pointing the way the pins must come out.
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I bought 2 Fossil watches today and need to shorten the wrist band by a link. Both watches have indicators which link can be taken out, yet the arrows show inwards.....

The pins on these watches can be taken out either way, you don't have to worry about if your taking or putting the pins in the wrong way. If you have anymore problems PLEASE let me know. Good Luck!!
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Trying to shorten the band on a fossil watch. removable links have arrows which point outward on both sides of the link.

You need a small, (smaller than the pin hole) punch to force the pins out of the band. Since the arrows point in both directions you can push from either direction. Push enough of the pin out to be able to grasp it with a pair of small pliers and remove it. Do that on both sides of the link, replace the extra with a small hammer and you're done.

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Fossil jr9339

I can only give a general guide.
Usually, watch bands can be shortened by removing links. These links are commonly held together by small pins. These need to be removed with a very fine punch. Looking at the ends of the pins, one end commonly appears "split", the other end may look quite smooth. The pin needs to be driven out from the "split" end. 2 will need to be removed to remove 1 link, then 1 replaced to rejoin.
Links should be removed equally, so gar as possible, from each side of the band. Your choice which side if 1 only is to be removed.
Sometimes the ending links are different to the others. It is only the ones that are identical that can be removed.
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Band

If it not obvious how the hinge pins are removed, then I suggest that you go to a watch shop to do it for you.
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