Watch Resizing Near Me

by James · Published November 7, 2023 · Updated November 7, 2023

Watch Resizing is a routine repair. It can be done by a pro or with the right tools, done at home. Most people get a watch resized if they have either lost or gained a significant amount of weight. Resizing the band or strap to custom fit ensures stays on your wrist. Here I will discuss the ins and outs of this routine repair, the costs, some common questions, and share my experience with watch resizing near me.

Map of Watch Resizing Near Me

If you are looking for “watch resizing near me” or “watch band resizing near me”, see the map for locations…

Above you will find watch repair companies and local jewelers. Typically some band and strap repairs and resizing adjustments can be done at Walmart, Target, Macy’s, and JC Penny. If you have a high-end watch, you may want to consider letting the manufacturer resize it for you.

What You Need to Know About Watch Resizing

Resizing a watch is a common repair and requires a few small tools to complete the job. The difficulty of the job will vary based on the watch type, whether you are adding or subtracting from the size, and the material being adjusted.

Let’s look at the two most common ways a watch stays on your wrist: a strap or a band.

Watch Strap: a strap is made of leather, fabric, rubber, or soft material and closes with a tango buckle, safety strap, flip clasp, or Velcro. To resize a strap the material may be cut, new holes may get punched, or the material may be adjusted to shorten or lengthen the diameter. It’s much more difficult to resize most starps.

Watch band: a band or bracelet is made of metal or hard plastic, has linked pieces pinned together, or mesh metal, and closes with a locking mechanism which can be a deployment clasp or jewelry clasp. To resize a band new links will be added or removed, and the material will be extended or shortened into the locking mechanism. For most resizing jobs, they will have a small vice that holds the timepiece and they remove the links with a spring pen.

Pro Tip: If you have a high-end watch with a metal bracelet and you are having the band shortened ask for whatever material they remove to be bagged and given back to you. That is your precious metal that you paid for and some watches have heavy bracelets to wear them.

Who Does Watch Resizing Near Me

There are some local options that perform the repair and there is also your manufacturer.

Local Watch Repair Stores

Your local mom-and-pop watch repair who does all the basic services like cleaning, changing batteries, and strap replacement, also does resize. They will have the tools on hand and likely do it for you on demand. They will measure the size of your wrist and adjust the band or strap to the appropriate size.

Jewelry Stores and Watch Retail Shops

These two businesses are one and the same. They will have the tools and likely be able to perform the adjustment repair on demand. They will measure the size of your wrist and adjust or fix the band or strap to the appropriate size.

Your Watch Manufacturer

Having your manufacturer perform the sizing adjustment is recommended if your timepiece is still under warranty. You will need to visit one of their retail stores or mail your watch to an authorized service center.

You may need to provide your warranty information and proof of purchase if this repair type is covered. The downside here is you will need to also measure your own wrist and describe exactly how much adjustment you need.

What to Consider When Choosing a Watch Resizing Service?

When it comes to ensuring the perfect fit for your timepiece, finding the right watch repair service is crucial. Whether you’ve recently purchased a new watch or have an old favorite that needs some adjustments, here are some key factors to consider when choosing a watch resizing service:

Cost

The cost of watch repairs can vary significantly based on the watch brand, the type of watch band, and the specific services offered. For instance, a simple task like battery replacement might be less expensive than a custom jewelry design or engraving service. It’s essential to compare prices at different shops and ensure you’re getting value for your money. Some stores might offer a free initial assessment or even throw in a gift or accessories as part of a promotional deal.

Turnaround time

If you’re in a hurry, you’ll want a fast fix. Some watch repair services might offer quick battery changes or watch battery replacement on the spot, while more intricate tasks like ring resizing or remove watch links might take longer. It’s always a good idea to contact the shop in advance to get an estimate of how long the service will take, especially if you’re planning on purchasing additional items or services.

Expertise and experience

Not all watches are created equal. A luxury watch brand might require specialized knowledge and tools for repairs and resizing. Ensure the jeweler or technician has experience with your specific brand and model.

Additionally, if you have other items like a wedding ring, necklace, or even require eyeglass frame repair, it’s beneficial to find a store that can handle almost anything. An experienced jewelry repair service will ensure that links removed from your watch or ring are done with precision and care, preserving the fine craftsmanship of your piece.

Customer reviews

In today’s digital age, customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of service a company offers. Look for reviews that mention the service quality, the expertise of the jeweler, and any additional services like video tutorials or guides they might offer. Positive reviews about the repair work, the durability of batteries, and the overall shopping experience can give you confidence in your choice.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing a watch resizing service, it’s essential to consider not just the cost but also the expertise, turnaround time, and customer feedback. Whether you’re looking to fix a cherished heirloom or resize a new purchase, taking the time to research and select the best service will ensure your wrist accessory looks and feels just right.

DIY Watch Resizing

Tools Needed

When diving into the world of DIY watch resizing, it’s essential to gather the right tools. First and foremost, you’ll need a jeweler’s toolkit. This typically includes a set of small screwdrivers, pin pushers, and a watch link remover. If you’re dealing with a watch band that has watch links, a link removal tool is indispensable. For those looking to replace a watch battery, ensure you have the correct battery type on hand.

Additionally, a magnifying glass can be a bit of a lifesaver when working with tiny components. Lastly, if you’re working with fashion jewelry or custom pieces, you might need specialized tools, so always contact the jewelry store or service center where you purchased the item for guidance.

Step-by-step guide for metal, leather, and rubber/fabric bands

Metal Bands:
- Lay your watch on a soft cloth to prevent scratches.
- Identify the watch links you want to remove. Most metal bands have arrows indicating the direction to push out the pins.
- Using the link removal tool, push the pin in the direction of the arrow. Once the pin is out, the link can be removed. To add links, simply reverse the process.
- After adjusting, ensure all pins are securely in place.
Leather Bands:
- Determine the new position for the buckle for a comfortable wrist wear.
- Use a hole puncher to create additional holes if needed. Be cautious and measure twice to ensure precision.
- If the leather band has become too long, it might be best to visit a professional for trimming, especially if the band has intricate designs or engraving.
Rubber/Fabric Bands:
- These bands typically have a clasp or buckle system. Adjust the bracelet to the desired length by moving the buckle.
- For bands that are too long, you can cut them. However, ensure you measure multiple times before making a cut. Once cut, the process cannot be reversed.

Potential risks and when to seek professional help

While DIY watch resizing can be a fulfilling task, there are potential risks involved. One of the primary concerns is damaging the watch or bracelet. In most cases, a simple mistake can lead to irreversible damage, decreasing the value of your timepiece.

If you’re looking to get a watch battery replaced, be cautious. Incorrect battery replacement can damage the watch’s internal mechanism. Similarly, if you’re not confident in removing watch links without scratching or damaging them, it might be best to seek help.

Furthermore, if you’re dealing with luxury watches or most watch brands known for their intricate designs, DIY might not be the best approach. These watches often have unique mechanisms and require specialized tools.

In case of any doubts or if you feel the task is beyond your skill set, it’s always a great place to seek out watch repairs from a reputable shop or service center. They have a team of professionals who can ensure the job is done right. Plus, they might offer services like cleaning or engraving for free or at a discounted rate when you get your watch resized.

Finally, remember that while DIY can be rewarding, the life of your watch is precious. It’s always better to pay a small fee to a professional than to risk damaging a cherished timepiece.

FAQ’s Regarding Watch Resizing Near Me

How Long Does a Resizing Repair Take?

This is a routine watch repair and most places can have it done in 20 to 30 minutes. You likely don’t need an appointment scheduled and can walk in the store and ask for their resizing service.

Is Resizing Covered Under Warranty?

Typically most warranties for watch repairs don’t call out resizing specifically. therefore it is not common for resizing to be covered. However, since this is a custom adjustment for the owner and not related to the function of a watch many businesses and manufacturers will cover the resizing for you, no questions asked.

Whats The Difference Between Resizing a Strap vs a Metal Band?

Bands are much easier to resize. It’s most often the process of either adding or subtracting a link. Most straps have progressive tightening holes with a tango buckle.

They can punch more holes and cut material to make it tighter and look sharp, but for adding length eventually, you run out of material. A strap adjustment is often best with the original manufacturer.

How Much Does Resizing a Watch Cost?

This is one of the few services that you can often find for free. Most jewelers are repair shops are happy to do it and even your manufacturer may not charge you. This is especially true if you purchased the timepiece at the same place you are asking for a resize.

The other scenario I have seen with the watch resizing near me is that resizing is covered under their protection plan. When you purchase the watch, they offer a protection plan for $50 and they will resize anytime you want.

Can I Resize the Watch Myself?

Here is a video of someone resizing their watch with basic tools. To be honest it can actually be done with a thumbtack for some watches.

For most watches, especially with metal bands, this is a fairly straight forward DIY job.

If you own a luxury watch, fine antique watch, or vintage watch, my recommendation is to contact the manufacturer. Let them do it and save yourself the heartache of damaging the watch.