Community Stories

Remove link in 1940/50s montal beads of rice bracelet

OllieOnTheRocks
Posts
1,447
Likes
3,018
Hey guys,

I have this old bracelet circa 1940/50s and it has a sliding clasp. This means it can get bigger but even fully closed it is about half an inch too big for me and is not comfortable flapping around.

The links appear to be riveted is there anyway I can remove 3 or 4 links to shorten it slightly?

71321651-8778-4EF6-9E0F-C0AD22245284.jpeg B0A51825-912A-4BE5-B9CF-DB57B2FDDF36.jpeg 0E82F070-64F4-4E9C-9BAE-99BF3E2F4334.jpeg
 
chadpowe11
Posts
621
Likes
2,827
I shortened the exact same bracelet using a jeweller flat tip screwdriver prying apart the 3 beads to remove links. Be very careful and only open the bead enough to remove link. Once a link is removed use a slim needle nose flyers with some tape around to close the beads back up.
 
timesofplenty
Posts
966
Likes
11,335
take your time, make sure you can see what you're doing, for mean an optivisor and smooth-jaw pliers are indispensable.
a case-back opener with a smooth wide flat blade can be helpful when closing, use the flat side of the blade and push carefully.
a bic lighter or something like it can also be useful.
try to make the metal travel back into position in the same way it was opened.

IMG_3788.JPG IMG_3787.JPG
 
OllieOnTheRocks
Posts
1,447
Likes
3,018
timesofplenty timesofplenty
take your time, make sure you can see what you're doing, for mean an optivisor and smooth-jaw pliers are indispensable.
a case-back opener with a smooth wide flat blade can be helpful when closing, use the flat side of the blade and push carefully.
a bic lighter or something like it can also be useful.
try to make the metal travel back into position in the same way it was opened.

IMG_3788.JPG IMG_3787.JPG
You’re using the lighter to warm up the metal to make bending easier?
 
timesofplenty
Posts
966
Likes
11,335
OllieOnTheRocks OllieOnTheRocks
You’re using the lighter to warm up the metal to make bending easier?

no, can be used as a tool to push things back into position, it's non-marking, easy to grip, and sometimes the curves can be helpful in getting the pressure just where you want it.
just a general tip.
 
wsfarrell
Posts
2,443
Likes
4,232
timesofplenty timesofplenty
no, can be used as a tool to push things back into position, it's non-marking, easy to grip, and sometimes the curves can be helpful in getting the pressure just where you want it.
just a general tip.
I'd recommend this lighter:

perfect_for_candles.jpg
 
OllieOnTheRocks
Posts
1,447
Likes
3,018
Wow so a couple of hours on from starting one side is shortened. I used a loup throughout the entirety and now I feel like I can barely see hahaha!

It’s probably one of the most fiddly things I’ve ever done. But I guess practise makes perfect.

So one side down, one to go.. having a 10 minute break to try and regain my eyesight and then I will go for round 2.

I think I might invest in some kind of handsfree magnifying glass, anyone know of a good one? would that help the eye fatigue?

Thank you for all your help thus far!
 
OllieOnTheRocks
Posts
1,447
Likes
3,018
WhatYourWatchSay WhatYourWatchSay
I love these Montal bracelets. I have one that was apparently made for Andre The Giant's wrist it's so long. Great watch too @OllieOnTheRocks 👍
Well whilst reducing these bracelets is certainly not for the faint hearted. After 3/4 hours I got a result I am very happy with (maybe next time I’ll just pay a jeweller though)

If yours is sitting in a drawer not being worn becuase it’s too big you’re missing out! Shorten it

FCAA67E5-53A0-4100-BF11-56A8DAB878EF.jpeg
 
WhatYourWatchSay
Posts
1,458
Likes
940
OllieOnTheRocks OllieOnTheRocks
If yours is sitting in a drawer not being worn becuase it’s too big you’re missing out! Shorten it

That's my plan but I don't have a suitable watch to wear it on 🙁

Edited to add: Yours still looks great. Mine had the end pieces filed down from 20mm to 18mm and they're slightly lopsided.
 
SkunkPrince
Posts
5,636
Likes
5,810
The new Forstner makes a bracelet like that. For those of you (like me) who have a watch with 11/16" lugs, don't buy the 17mm... he actually made it exactly 17mm, so it's too narrow. You'll have to make an 18mm narrower.
 
OllieOnTheRocks
Posts
1,447
Likes
3,018
WhatYourWatchSay WhatYourWatchSay
That's my plan but I don't have a suitable watch to wear it on 🙁

Edited to add: Yours still looks great. Mine had the end pieces filed down from 20mm to 18mm and they're slightly lopsided.
Yeah this one has been filed down too unfortunately it’s now just over 19mm so I’m living with the little gap until I find a 20mm one

I’m really enjoying the sliding clasp. I wonder why they don’t make them like that anymore?
 
WhatYourWatchSay
Posts
1,458
Likes
940
OllieOnTheRocks OllieOnTheRocks
I’m really enjoying the sliding clasp. I wonder why they don’t make them like that anymore?

They can be a bit fiddly until you used to them but they are comfortable and have that vintage look and feel that modern bracelets can't match.
 
SkunkPrince
Posts
5,636
Likes
5,810
OllieOnTheRocks OllieOnTheRocks
I’m really enjoying the sliding clasp. I wonder why they don’t make them like that anymore?

Omega has been using that on some of their bracelets for many years. 😀 Not a ratchet clasp though, maybe yours is?
 
OllieOnTheRocks
Posts
1,447
Likes
3,018
SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Omega has been using that on some of their bracelets for many years. 😀 Not a ratchet clasp though, maybe yours is?
Yes I suppose that is exactly what I am referring to, as I slide it closed it clicks and locks in place until I feel comfortable.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

jantjewgm

Solid 14k gold Beads of Rice bracelet

jantjewgm Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
samarofficial777
samarofficial777
Posts
13
Views
789
souly

Help Identifying Correct Beads of Rice Bracelet for Seamaster 2791 (1958)

souly Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
souly
souly
Posts
0
Views
505
gbesq

VINTAGE OMEGA 5 ROW BEADS OF RICE BRACELET 1036/8220/1502 WITH 11 END LINKS

gbesq Wanted To Buy
gbesq
gbesq
Posts
0
Views
164
Davidt

Vintage Omega 1503/1 Beads of Rice Bracelet

Davidt Watch Parts and Accessories For Sale
Davidt
Davidt
Posts
0
Views
450
Davidt

Vintage Omega 5 Row Beads of Rice Bracelet 1036 512 Endlink

Davidt Watch Parts and Accessories For Sale
Davidt
Davidt
Posts
0
Views
609
Davidt

Vintage Seamaster DeVille 166.020 Factory Original Black Gilt Gloss Dial w Beads of Rice Bracelet

Davidt Private Watch Sales
Davidt
Davidt
Posts
2
Views
1K