Search through my tips and tricks. There you will find how to add or remove links.
For removing or adding links firstly you will have to remove bracelet pins or screws. In case if there are screw on each side of bracelet - you have to use two screwdrivers simultaneously. In case if there are pins - read the rest:
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 (screw ends and pin end may look similar). Examine both bracelet sides and find the side where pin ends have a groove. Start with a tiny screwdriver and try to unscrew one. If it turns, but doesn't come out, that means you have a pins instead of screws. 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 punches check if the split end is coming out and when you see that the pin end is coming out long enough - grab it with pliers and 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.
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Turn your watch on its side so the links are vertical. On the inside of the links closest to the clasp you can see arrows, which point in the direction that the pins must be pushed out. Only about four links on either side of the clasp have arrows, because these are the only links with removable pins. On the edge of the links on the opposite end from where the arrow is pointing you will see a small circle where the pin is inserted.
Place the tip of your pointed tool on the small circle mentioned in Step 1. Push downward on the pin in the direction the arrow is pointing. Once the pin starts to come out of the link, use your fingertips or a pair of tweezers to completely remove the pin from the link. You may need to use force, but be careful not to scratch your watchband. Use a pointed tool from a jeweler's or hobby kit or watch pin removal tool.
Slide the links apart where you removed the pin so there is a gap in the watchband. Slide your new link into the gap and fit the neighboring links into the new link so it matches the rest of the watchband.
Insert the new pin into the watchband. You will need to insert two pins, the pin you moved in Step 2 and your new pin, into the two empty pin holes. You need to insert the pin small end first so the larger pin head does not pass through the link. Insert the pin against the direction of the arrow rather than in the direction the arrow is pointing like you did in Step 2. Use your pointed tool and your fingertips to push the pins completely in the links until the pin head is flush with the edge of the link.
Best regards. Jewel
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