JLC bracelet/clasp removal question

[watch_my_six]

So I have a vintage JLC with an all-metal bracelet, and I'm wondering how to remove the clasp (noob question); are these pins removeable? And if so, how?

Secondly, I have found other versions of fold over clasps (eg in the link below and in the 3rd photo), but does anyone know where I can find replacement/alternative pieces for the other side of the clasp, that the fold over part would actually fold over (the second photo, sorry I don't know what this is called)? Thanks!

https://www.esslinger.com/watch-band-clasp-solid-link-fold-over-single-channel-clasps-series-302/

 

[X350 XJR]

You're going to need a good jeweler/goldsmith for both removal of the pins and fabricating the end link you want, like don't try this at home.

Out of curiosity, what are you trying to accomplish?

 

[watch_my_six]

I'm trying to reduce the length of each side of the clasp to shorten the overall bracelet without the more destructive option of having a jeweler/goldsmith cut/remove metal from each side of the bracelet. Unless you have any other suggestions?!

 

[Evitzee]

Those are rivets and are not designed to be removed. Fiddling with the clasp won't gain you much, if you really need a shorter length cutting the bracelet is the process.

 

[watch_my_six]

But if they can be removed and a new clasp attached, I'm only looking to remove about 1 cm, so I figure this would be a more reversible (and potentially easier / less expensive) method than cutting, no?

 

[mikeo1]

any chance you could just move the pin in the last pic towards the bracelet pin bu un/re solder?

 

[watch_my_six]

I think no, because there has to be enough room between that pin and the bracelet to accommodate the size of the clasp, but that's why my thought was to swap to a shorter clasp, and then also shorten that piece with the pin...

 

[watch_my_six]

For future reference, I ended up having a jeweler remove 0.5 cm from the 6 o'clock side of the bracelet (photo #1), which is about 1 hole on a leather watch strap, and it fits well (perhaps even better since having the 6 o'clock side shorter results in the clasp sitting more centered on the underside of my wrist).

Photo #2 shows the 12 o'clock side of the bracelet, which shows the previous solder job of the bracelet already having been shortened at least once via this method.

Edit: for reference the case is 33.6mm in diameter (excluding the crown), my wrist is 16mm, and the bracelet is 18mm at the case and ~15mm at the clasp.

Edited: Jun 11, 2024

 

[mikeo1]

silver or gold solder/pics make it look like silver?

 

[watch_my_six]

mikeo1

silver or gold solder/pics make it look like silver?

Hm I think it's gold! Maybe it's the lighting? But I am color blind. Now I will ask to confirm!

 

[Larry S]

Congratulations to you for actually listening to advice and having a professional do the work. Looks great.

 

[watch_my_six]

Larry S

Congratulations to you for actually listening to advice and having a professional do the work. Looks great.

I was always going to have a professional do the work, the question was just which work (the more reversible work or less reversible work). I was just trying to understand the options to have a voice in the decision. I don't appreciate the patronizing tone.

Edited: Jun 12, 2024

 

[Larry S]

jspdl

I was always going to have a professional do the work, the question was just which work (the more reversible work or less reversible work). I was just trying to understand the options to have a voice in the decision. I don't appreciate the patronizing tone.

Point taken..We’ve had many of late who were not interested in advice given. Apologies.

 

[watch_my_six]

Larry S

Point taken..We’ve had many of late who were not interested in advice given. Apologies.

No worries. I appreciate the clarification and de-escalation.

 

[drster]

The result looks great.

 

[watch_my_six]

Was able to wear it to an event this weekend : )