HELP! I want to make my watch smaller!

A watch that is too big can be uncomfortable and aesthetically unsatisfactory. In this article, we will discuss different methods of making your watch smaller yourself , the costs involved, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to shorten different types of watch straps.

Why do you want to shorten your watch?

• Comfort: A band that is too loose can be uncomfortable on your wrist and constantly shift.
• Aesthetics: A well-fitting watch looks better and sits tighter on the wrist. It simply looks better!
• Pain: If your watch is REALLY loose on your wrist, it can hurt even when you swing your arm quickly.

Video: How to shorten a watch strap

Are you a visual person? And would you like to see step by step how to best remove links from your watch strap? Then watch the film below. It explains very clearly and calmly how you can get started yourself!

What do you need

The supplies to shorten your watch strap are minimal. If you order from Urban Ace you will receive the watch strap shortener for FREE.

1. Watch Link Pin Tool Kit (you get this for FREE when you order from Urban Ace!)
2. Small hammer
3. Soft (hand)towel
4. Small pliers (optional for precise work)

Step-by-step plan: Shorten a watch yourself

To make a watch smaller yourself, follow the steps below:

1. Step 1: Prepare - Lay your watch on a soft surface such as a cloth to prevent scratches. Have all the tools ready.
2. Step 2: Determining the correct size - Measure your wrist and determine how many links you need to remove.
3. Step 3: Open the strap shortener - Twist the push pin remover all the way open.
4. Step 4: Insert your link watch - Place your link watch into the push pin remover with the correct link for the shortener push pin.
5. Step 5: Tighten the shortener - Push the small pin out of the link you want to remove.
6. Step 6: Repeat: Tighten the shortener - Repeat this step again on the other side of the watch.
7. Step 7: Note: - Remove the required number of links on both sides of the clasp, both left and right. This way the clasp will also remain in the middle.
8. Step 8: Replace Links - Replace the remaining links and tighten the pins securely with a small hammer or small pliers.
9. Step 9: Enjoy - Okay, you did it :) What you need to do now is enjoy your Urban Ace city watch .

How much does it cost to make a watch smaller?

Cost of making a watch smaller

The cost of shortening a watch can vary depending on the method you choose. When you buy a watch from Urban Ace you will receive a push pin remover so you can do it yourself at no extra cost.

• Professional service: At a jeweler you usually pay between €7.50 and €20, depending on the type of watch strap, the complexity and how many links you want to remove.
• Buying your own tools: If you want to do it yourself, you can buy professional tools for about €10 to €30. Think of a push pin remover ( watch reducer ), screwdriver, pliers and a small hammer.
• Buy a watch from Urban Ace: When you buy a watch from Urban Ace you will receive a push pin remover so you can get started yourself at no extra cost.

Shortening a steel watch strap

As you now know, you need a few specific tools. A watch pin remover (we will send you these for FREE), a hammer, a cloth and possibly a small pair of pliers. If you have these ready, it is actually quite easy to adjust your steel watch strap. A child can do the laundry... You do have to keep calm and not get frustrated if it doesn't work. Try to unscrew the pin calmly. Once it is loose, you can remove the pin with your fingers or a pair of pliers. Then remove the links you want to remove Tip: do this both to the left and right of the clasp. Otherwise, the clasp will not be in the middle after reducing it . Place the pin back in the hole and tap the pin very gently with a small hammer. Note: do this carefully. Don't hammer very hard on this pin. This pin can handle quite a bit of pressure, but if you hit your thumb or even worse... you hit your watch, that would be a shame!

How to shorten a steel watch strap without tools

Can you shorten a steel watch strap without tools? In principle, this is not possible! There are many small pins in the steel strap. You can push these pins out with a push pin remover. Do you not have this remover? Then it will be very difficult to shorten your watch without tools.

Tips for adjusting your watch strap

• Wrong size: Make sure you measure accurately to avoid removing too many or too few links.
• Loss of Parts: Work on a flat surface and watch for small parts such as pins or screws.
• Keep calm: Don't hit the pin too hard.
• Remove both sides links: Remove both left and right links of the watch clasp. Otherwise, the clasp will not be in the middle after shrinking.

FAQ: Make watch smaller

• How much does it cost to make a watch smaller? - With a professional it costs between €7.50 and €20.
• Can I shorten my watch myself? - Yes, with the right tools and our step-by-step plan you can do this yourself. We will provide you with the tools, the only thing you need to provide yourself is a small hammer.
• What tools do I need? - A push pin remover, small pliers, towel, and a hammer are the main tools.
• Can I make my watch smaller without tools? - Unfortunately, this is not possible. You will need some tools to make your link watch smaller!

Conclusion: FREE watch shortening

Reducing the size of a watch is a relatively simple task, provided you have the right tools and are careful. Whether you choose a professional or do it yourself, a well-fitting watch provides comfort and a neat appearance.

If you order a watch from Urban Ace, you will always receive a FREE watch strap shortener / pin pusher. This way you can easily make your watch smaller yourself. Do you think after our step-by-step plan or our tips that you will not succeed yourself or are you in doubt? At a jeweler or watchmaker it will cost you a few euros to make your watch smaller. Good luck!