Shorten folded BoR - tips?

Andreas-am · Sep 28, 2023

Hello all,

I got this beautiful IWC Ref. 810 on the original BoR a few weeks ago. I have narrow wrists and will have to shorten the BoR by 2 links. The bracelet is folded so I will have to bend the links open. Has anyone done this before and have some tips for me? Knives, pliers and other tools are available.

Thanks, Andreas

Dan S · Sep 28, 2023

I have stopped doing that, tbh. I’ve always regretted shortening folded bracelets in retrospect.

Andreas-am · Sep 28, 2023

Hey Dan,

thanks for the tip. Do you have them shortened by the watchmaker or not at all? The BoR looks really good on the watch, but I can't wear it like this - the clasp sits crooked and presses...🙁

SOG53 · Sep 28, 2023

Why cant you just move the adjustable pins inside the clasp- see photo 2- just move it in 3 holes should be about right
No need to remove links its a messy business and ruins the bracelet for resale

JimInOz · Sep 29, 2023

Try what @SOG53 suggested. If it's still a bad fit, get another bracelet or strap.

Some BOR bracelets lend themselves to shortening by link removal but this one would require a lot of work and it's not worth risking damage IMO.

Andreas-am · Sep 29, 2023

Good morning,

adjust the bracelet at the buckle shorter unfortunately does not work. Attached a few pictures, the length is good but the clasp crooked and uncomfortable.

Then I'll see if I can find somewhere a shortened BoR from IWC :-(.

Thanks, Andreas

Davidt · Sep 29, 2023

I’d try a proper working jeweller to get their opinion. Make sure you’ve seen their work through as the one of the first things I look on vintage bracelets is whether someone has done a hack job at resizing with a flat head screwdriver. Seems to have been common.

Spruce · Sep 29, 2023

I use a jeweller. I also adjust the clip before I drop it off so that I can subsequently loosen or tighten it when I get it back.

Andreas-am · Sep 29, 2023

Davidt
I’d try a proper working jeweller to get their opinion. Make sure you’ve seen their work through as the one of the first things I look on vintage bracelets is whether someone has done a hack job at resizing with a flat head screwdriver. Seems to have been common.

Thanks for the idea - I have a good watchmaker, it's just always a big hassle since I have to send him the watches. In addition, he is totally busy - the waiting time for a revision is about 6 months. He has just a few watches from me, which I'm really looking forward to 😀.

I'll keep an eye out for an already shortened BoR and, if I don't find one, talk to my watchmaker to see if he can do it well.

Andreas-am · Sep 29, 2023

Spruce
I use a jeweller. I also adjust the clip before I drop it off so that I can subsequently loosen or tighten it when I get it back.

Thank you, good point. Unfortunately I'm not even sure if 1 or 2 links would have to be removed for the BoR to fit perfectly :-(.

dsio · Sep 29, 2023

Just as an alternative option to messing with a nice OEM bracelet, both Forstner and Uncle have some good options

https://forstnerbands.com/collectio...pwKrlzDn03aVIsKCkxkiOJW04m-bYP-RoCJSkQAvD_BwE

https://unclestraps.com/en-au/produ...ight-end-bracelet?_pos=1&_sid=9df2b99f9&_ss=r

Andreas-am · Sep 29, 2023

dsio
Just as an alternative option to messing with a nice OEM bracelet, both Forstner and Uncle have some good options

https://forstnerbands.com/collectio...pwKrlzDn03aVIsKCkxkiOJW04m-bYP-RoCJSkQAvD_BwE

https://unclestraps.com/en-au/produ...ight-end-bracelet?_pos=1&_sid=9df2b99f9&_ss=r

I've thought about it too, but I think it's great if the endlinks fit properly and I don't want a BoR with straight endlinks. One possibility would be to use the end links simply with an aftermarket BoR. Since I must then but find one that also fits on the end links - at Forstner and US there seems to be nothing suitable....

Andreas-am · Sep 30, 2023

In my mind I do not have such narrow wrists with 17.5 cm diameter. Now I bought an Omega 1120/116 for my Seamaster 600 with grey structure dial. Unfortunately it does not fit even in the smallest setting ... 🤬

SOG53 · Sep 30, 2023

Andreas-am
In my mind I do not have such narrow wrists with 17.5 cm diameter. Now I bought an Omega 1120/116 for my Seamaster 600 with grey structure dial. Unfortunately it does not fit even in the smallest setting ... 🤬

Take picture of buckle side those are usually very adjustable take photo of it laying flat

DON · Sep 30, 2023

If you damage the bracelet. You damage the value. Will also make it difficult to sell as a whole if someone with a larger wrist can't wear it.

That's why those all gold integrated combos are difficult to sell if the bracelet has been sized down to fit someone's wrist (that and so old man bling looking)

Should also point out. Most of these watches from that era (guessing 60's and 34.5 mm) have the same case sizes, so even a generic bracelet end pieces should work. Buckles are also standard in design, so you can probably just swap the buckle over and keep the rest of the IWC original

Andreas-am · Sep 30, 2023

SOG53
Take picture of buckle side those are usually very adjustable take photo of it laying flat

Here are still pictures of the bracelet, on both sides I set it as short as possible. I'm surprised it can't be adjusted shorter - my wrist isn't that narrow. Was the bracelet perhaps in different lengths to order?

Dan S · Sep 30, 2023

Andreas-am
Attached a few pictures, the length is good but the clasp crooked and uncomfortable.

I don't see the issue, TBH. It's not crooked and it looks like it fits OK. If you are insisting that the clasp should be perfectly centered under your wrist, that seems a bit overly picky IMO. It's just how things were, back in the day. End-links didn't fit perfectly and bracelets weren't infinitely adjustable. Anyway, as mentioned by many people in this thread, I would think long and hard before tampering with that nice bracelet in a way that is likely to damage it.

sathomasga · Sep 30, 2023

Interesting. I have what appears to be that exact same bracelet (except it's for a vintage Sandoz rather than IWC and signed accordingly) and the exact same problem. Even worse, my wrist circumference is 15cm. No chance of finding a third-party replacement since the watch has a semi-tonneau case with atypical curvature. I really like the bracelet and was disappointed that I wouldn't be able to wear it. It never occurred to me that the folded links could be removed, and I guess, at least from the discussion above, it's probably not worth attempting.

The good news is that I found that squeezing a 20mm tropic strap into the 19mm lug space forces the strap edge to assume a curvature that matches the watch case quite nicely. I had previously only considered tropic straps for dive watches. Sort of limits the watch to summer wearing, but with global warming it's soon going to be summer year-round, so even that's not a problem.

SOG53 · Sep 30, 2023

Mesh bracelets with moveable clasp mechanisms are good options for any wrist size. The piece that the clasp attaches to can be moved up and down the bracelet where it can be easily fixed for any wrist size. Here is example of Omega 2058 mesh the clasp is fixed at top and the sliding hook piece at bottom which can be easily moved to shorten or lengthen for any wrist size. The are light and comfy particularly in summer. They are vintage and look sharp IMO.

Andreas-am · Oct 1, 2023

Dan S
I don't see the issue, TBH. It's not crooked and it looks like it fits OK. If you are insisting that the clasp should be perfectly centered under your wrist, that seems a bit overly picky IMO. It's just how things were, back in the day. End-links did fit perfectly and bracelets weren't infinitely adjustable. Anyway, as mentioned by many people in this thread, I would think long and hard before tampering with that nice bracelet in a way that is likely to damage it.

Hello Dan,

You're right, it does work - but I'm a bit fussy about it - you've made that point well 😀. The IWC is not centered on the wrist because the clasp is not centered, and it presses a bit when I sit at my desk and put my hand on it. But I decided not to have the band shortened. You guys are right, it would be a shame....

Shorten folded BoR - tips?

Andreas-am

Dan S

Andreas-am

SOG53

JimInOz

Andreas-am

Davidt

Spruce

Andreas-am

Andreas-am

dsio

Andreas-am

Andreas-am

SOG53

DON

Andreas-am

Dan S

sathomasga

SOG53

Andreas-am

Similar threads

Help identifying correct end links for BOR 1502 on166.0168

First Time Owner of an Omega, My 166.010 & Questions on Beads Of Rice/BOR Options...

Experiences/Tips on getting started with servicing for myself?

The proper way to resize/shorten a 7077 bracelet without "quick remove" links

Omega 168.024, superb condition, chronometer, long BOR, onyx hour markers, serviced, free ship with insurance

Heuer BOR bracelet too short