How To Size A Seiko Watch

How do you size a Seiko watch, you ask? We will concern ourselves with sizing metal bands or bracelets as they are also called. There are two ways to size a bracelet: remove the links or adjust the clasp. In some cases both have to be performed. For our purposes we will assume that both adjustments have to take place. Most Seiko watches use pinned links, so that is the procedure we will discuss.

Tools needed:

• Pin pushers
• Tack hammer
• Bracelet holder
• Spring bar tool

Procedure to remove bracelet links:

1. Put watch on and see how many links need to be removed. By pinching together links on the bracelet, estimate how many links will need to be removed. If it is more than one or two, try to remove links from both sides of the watch case evenly so it sits correctly on the wrist.
2. Position watch in bracelet holder. Position bracelet in bracelet holder so that the arrows on the back of the bracelet point down. This is the direction the pins are removed.
3. Remove pin from first side of link. Use the pin pusher closest to the size of the pin but not larger than the pin end. Put pin pusher against the pin and tap gently with the hammer until pin slides free.
4. Remove pin from second side of the link. Use the same pin pusher and hammer to tap out the second pin. If two consecutive links are to be removed you can simply move to the other side of the second link and remove them together. When the pin is removed the link(s) is free of the bracelet.
5. Flip bracelet in the bracelet holder. Take the bracelet and rotate it so that the arrows are now pointing upwards. Pins are put in against the arrows.
6. Attach bracelet ends together. Line up the holes in the two links which are to be joined. Slip a pin into the holes as far as it can go. Use the hammer to tap the pin back into place.
7. Repeat procedure until the correct number of links have been removed. Since we are making sure the watch is balanced on the wrist, this procedure will need to be repeated on the opposite side of the watch case if more than one link is to be removed.

 Procedure to perform fine clasp adjustments:

1. Lay watch on side and inspect the clasp. Along the edge of the clasp you will see a series of small holes. In the two opposite ends of the clasp, the ends of the bracelet will be pinned in place. The pins, or spring bars, are spring loaded, so take care.
2. Move the first spring bar aside. Use the spring bar tool to move the pin to the next hole in the clasp. The easiest way to do this is moving one side of the clasp at a time. Push in the end of the spring bar until you can move the bracelet end. Slide it carefully, making sure not to get the end of the spring bar to the edge of the clasp. If it does, it can fly away.
3. Move the second side of the spring bar. Turn the watch over and use the spring bar tool to push in the second side of the spring bar. Move it slowly back until it clicks in the hole corresponding to the other side.
4. Repeat procedure until the watch is perfectly sized. Try on the watch. If it is still too loose you will need to move the pins again. Repeat until the watch feels comfortable on your wrist.