I am looking for some help on how to remove links on a ladder Gay Freres bracelet. I need to remove 2 links. Can anyone help me out?
Cheers,
Tyler

 

A picture or two might help.

 

Sorry, I don't see any obvious (1) screws, (2) pins, or (3) sliding covers in that bracelet that would allow you to remove links. You might have to take it to a jeweler.

 

There are two trains of thought on this:

1/ Ease open the centre links and re-fold them.
2/ Make a tool to pull the links apart and then re-press them after removing the links.

 

When you say "ease open the center links" does that mean to carefully pry them open with a small watchmakers screwdriver?

Thanks,
Tyler

 

I started the process and it is working. I need to get the right tools tomorrow and I'll finish this weekend and post a few pics when done. Thanks to all that helped.

Tyler

 

If I may chime in here..use a sharp knife to pry open the link, this way you will get even pressure against the whole link, a screwdriver will just give you pressure where the blade is..trust me, I made that mistake! I use an opinel knife FYI..

 

+1

 

Then fold the bracelet on itself to reveal the slightly opened link
Then carefully use the blade to apply pressure back and forth to slowly open the link
And voila..

 

Amazing! Thank you very much.

What size knife did you use?

Any tips for closing the links back?

 

My opinel knife has a blade that is 3/4" tall and about 4" long. That being said I also use a watchmakers knife sometimes which is smaller..strong steel and sharp..
As to closing the links, I have a pair is adjustable locking pliers, retailed by 'snap on', an automotive tools supplier. They have smooth jaws which are 3/16 wide, perfect fit for the width of the link. Gentle pressure to close the link, and then I cover the link with a cloth and press across the link to get the correct profile..again something I've learned by trial and error..will take some pics to show this later on today
Best
David

 

smooth jaws are important, if you can not find them new; a good black smith can grind and polish them. jewlery jewers " like um flat" both locking and parallel pliers. - vinn

 

TylerR; Welcome to the forum. i am happy to see all the good help with "bracelet repair and shortning"

 

This may be a silly question but the bracelets adjustable clasp looks like its on its longest setting in the picture.... did you try adjusting it?
I have this same bracelet on mine & it has the same number of links as yours....I had to adjust it a few holes up for my relatively small wrist but even then I still have adjustment left in it..

 

I could have done that but Then the bracelet really rubs against the links. It was actually really easy shortening with all the help from everyone.
Tyler

 

Glad it turned out well for you, I love the look of these GF ladder bracelets but wish they had made them a bit more robust, i have a second zenith which I'm fitting with a shark mesh style braclet so i can wear it to work without having to worry about beating up the GF bracelet - cheers Spencer