Removing Watch Bracelets, Bands, and Straps Created 05-06-2002
Page 1 of 2This page attempts to explain how to remove bracelets and watch straps so that another may be fitted. The bracelet in the example is from a Seiko diver's watch but is similar to the ones found on many other watch brands. Click the pictures below for a larger view.
Removing a Bracelet Tools which can be used to remove bracelets and bands are: A - A printer's bindery knife. Very handy tool.
B - An Olfa utility knife with break off blades.
C - Bergeron 3153 pin and spring bar tool.
D - Homemade spring bar tool made from a small screwdriver with a groove cut into the tip.
Start by removing the spring bar from the clasp to separate the bracelet into 2 parts.
Use the pushpin tool to compress the spring loaded tip and tilt the bracelet end out.NOTE: the spring bar is spring loaded so make sure that it does not fly away when removing.
The Seiko watch shown does not have springbars with grooved ends so the Olfa knife was employed to get in between the springbar and watch case.
The bracelet closure pieces are very close fitting and do not leave much room for a tool, but the knife's sharp blade digs into the springbar enough to start it moving out of the hole.Make sure to push in the direction of the arrow while pulling out slightly on the bracelet. You will feel or hear the springbar tip leave the hole in the watch case.
NOTE: DO NOT use the tool as a prybar to twist the springbar out by leveraging against the case DOING SO MAY BREAK THE LUG OFF THE CASE!
Once the springbar is free of the hole in the watch case tilt the band out at the top to reveal the springbar. Use a pair of pliers to pull the springbar the rest of the way out in the direction of the arrow. At this point the closure piece and bracelet can be separated from the case.
NOTE: it is sometimes necessary to bend the closure piece slightly to get everything apart. just make sure that you only bend on the bottom side and reform the bent part before putting things back together,
The bracelet is shown separated from the watch case. A - The springbar.
B - The closure piece.
C - The bracelet.
