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Resizing Seiko XQB050 bracelet

DirtyDozen12
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Greetings. This is my first attempt at resizing a bracelet. Firstly, I wanted to confirm that this bracelet uses screws rather than pins. Please see the photos below for reference. Secondly, I wonder if anyone has a sense of how to remove links? Presumably, I will have to remove the screws and then the link will separate? Any advice would be welcome.

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Spruce
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Yes, your first and second photos show what look to be screws although some manufacturers use split pins, which has occasionally fooled me.

Before you start, have a rough idea of how many links you want to remove. Generally, you’ll want to remove the same number from each side so that the clasp remains centred on your wrist.

Remember also that you can adjust the fit of the clasp to make micro adjustments.

I tend to use a small screwdriver that I got for my glasses.

Good luck
 
DirtyDozen12
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@Spruce Thanks for the advice.

I was sort of surprised to see screwed links on an old (early 1970s) bracelet.

Great point about removing links from both sides to keep the clasp centered, I had not thought of that.

I will likely be modifying an existing 3/64" down to around 1/32" with some careful sanding.
 
Spruce
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Yours is of a better quality than the standard Seiko bracelets attached to the 'more affordable' watches.

IMG_0229.webp IMG_0228.webp


In these two photos (taken off eBay) you’ll see the standard links for which I use a bradawl or bodkin and a pair of pliers.

As I said, your first two photos look like screw retainers for the links.
 
JimInOz
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I suspect they are split pins. Try pushing one out from the blunt end.
You can also try gently unscrewing one, if it simply turns it will be a split pin.
I'm surprised that there are no arrows on the inside of the bracelet though, that usually indicates pins/tabs and the direction of removal.
 
DirtyDozen12
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@Spruce and @JimInOz Thanks for the additional input.

I have made some progress and removed 2 links. They seem to be fastened by long screws. Unfortunately, I need to remove more links and the remaining ones have screws that look rusty and won't budge. I wonder if you recommend using any product/chemical to attempt to unbind the screws?

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JimInOz
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Try soaking in a penetrating oil. A run though an ultrasonic as well as that sometimes helps.
 
Spruce
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But remember to remove the watch from the bracelet before soaking/running through 🤪

On a helpful note, remember that you won’t need to use/re-use all the screws. The damaged screws can be ‘discarded' with the surplus links …
 
HamDoctor
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These screws seem to be prone to rusting. I have the same bracelet, and several screws are pretty rusty, too.

The XQB050 originally came with the 3803-7020 quartz watch, but works well as a replacement for the XQB220 that goes on the GS Special 6156-8040. Apparently, the links are interchangeable, too? At least according to this instagram post:

 
DirtyDozen12
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JimInOz JimInOz
Try soaking in a penetrating oil. A run though an ultrasonic as well as that sometimes helps.
Thanks for the tip. I will probably end up doing this. I also read about heating and then cooling the bracelet, which assumes that the different expansion/contraction rates of the screws and the links will help break the bond between them.
 
DirtyDozen12
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Spruce Spruce
On a helpful note, remember that you won’t need to use/re-use all the screws. The damaged screws can be ‘discarded' with the surplus links …
That's true, but I hope to preserve all of the screws and links. They could prove useful for someone down the line.
 
DirtyDozen12
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HamDoctor HamDoctor
These screws seem to be prone to rusting. I have the same bracelet, and several screws are pretty rusty, too.

The XQB050 originally came with the 3803-7020 quartz watch, but works well as a replacement for the XQB220 that goes on the GS Special 6156-8040. Apparently, the links are interchangeable, too? At least according to this instagram post:
Hmm, I wonder why. Maybe the alloy that was used?

My XQB050 came on a 3803-7020. I did not know about XQB220, but I did come across XQB040, which also looks very similar to mine.

Source: https://www.plus9time.com/blog/2018/3/3/vintage-grand-seiko-bracelets
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