Thanks for this spectacularly illustrated procedure for changing bracelet length!

Oct 20, 2017,14:55 PM
 

You did a great job explaining both the process, and the cautionary approach to avoid damage. And congratulations on the new watch - I love titanium GS watches (but I guess you guys know that).


If you don't mind, can I add a couple small points?

Overall, since this job involves impact, it's safer to take the watch off the bracelet. But that adds risk of additional injury or scratches...

If you spend a few dollars more, you can get a screw-press to push the pins out, and avoid the hammering (and need for the holder).




If your watch is not brand new, you may want to soak the bracelet in cleaning solution or a lubricant like WD-40. 
On a well-worn (sweat-soaked) watch, the pins can easily rust to the little sleeves, resulting in much pounding being necessary.
Here's an image of the pins and sleeves in one of my bracelets. Titanium doesn't rust, but the steel pins will.
Even a small amount of extra friction makes these pins virtually impossible to press out.




Thanks so much for the contribution.

Cazalea

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How to: Resize a Grand Seiko 5-link Bracelet (SBGA011) - Pin-Collar type

 
 By: skyeriding : October 20th, 2017-14:06
So, you have just acquired your shiny new Grand Seiko on a bracelet. However, it is a few links loose/tight and you'd like to change the number of links (Unfortunately, the non-diver GS bracelets do not have a quick adjust mechanism). How would you do tha...  

Thanks for this spectacularly illustrated procedure for changing bracelet length!

 
 By: cazalea : October 20th, 2017-14:55
You did a great job explaining both the process, and the cautionary approach to avoid damage. And congratulations on the new watch - I love titanium GS watches (but I guess you guys know that). If you don't mind, can I add a couple small points? Overall, ...  

Thanks Cazalea for the insightful comments,

 
 By: skyeriding : October 21st, 2017-06:25
Having the bracelet off the watch is always preferable before doing such work. However, given that these kind of bracelets like on the GS would require some proper tools to prevent scratching the lugs (e.g double springbar forks), I did it with the watch ... 

Another tips...

 
 By: JFT : October 20th, 2017-20:08
Perhaps you could use a wooden mallet to hit back the pin into the bracelet. It's sturdy enough to hit the pins but soft enough to not scratch the bracelet. And uses a thick wrapping paper than a tape instead to prevent any glue sticking into the bracelet...  

Thank you Jev for the comments,

 
 By: skyeriding : October 21st, 2017-06:29
A wooden mallet would work fine too as it would not damage the metal surfaces. Personally, I used the nylon side of the mallet I have as it will also not dent any metal surfaces. In either case however, the mallet would only get the pin in a certain dista... 

 
 By: jensmuhlert : March 27th, 2022-22:47
Great overview, thanks!