Shortening Vintage Omega Bracelet

CRB · Apr 14, 2023

Hello All,
A newbie to the forum so forgive any errors. I'd like some advice on shortening the bracelet on my Grandfather's 14k gold Omega tank, bought in NYC in the 1950s. I've taken it to Omega HQ in London but they couldn't offer much advice as it's not an Omega bracelet. Has anyone had any experience with a similar bracelet? I tried to capture the detail on the side view to show that each link has a small hole. I'm told a jeweller could cut it but I'd like the option to enlarge it again if required. All advice appreciated.

watchlovr · Apr 14, 2023

Photos are not good enough.
Take in natural light with no flash, not directly sunlight.

I personally wouldn’t worry about shortening the bracelet, it’s not original to the watch.
Just get it done

Ascalon · Apr 14, 2023

Nice inheritance!
First of all, you need some clear pictures of the inside of the bracelet where it meets the clasp, both sides.
That should reveal if there are adjustment links that are designed for easy removal.
Usually, these bracelets have a few adjustment links either side of the bracelet. They would have a sliding pin or plat that allows a link to be removed.
There is often an arrow inscribed to tell you where the link is and which way to push it for removal.
However, it is impossible to tell from the pictures you have provided.

CRB · Apr 15, 2023

Ascalon
Nice inheritance!
First of all, you need some clear pictures of the inside of the bracelet where it meets the clasp, both sides.
That should reveal if there are adjustment links that are designed for easy removal.
Usually, these bracelets have a few adjustment links either side of the bracelet. They would have a sliding pin or plat that allows a link to be removed.
There is often an arrow inscribed to tell you where the link is and which way to push it for removal.
However, it is impossible to tell from the pictures you have provided.

CRB · Apr 15, 2023

Not to draw this out, but additional pictures are shown below, of the mesh at the point of meeting both ends of the clasp. There is a small adjustment feature in the bracelet but it's not even close to the size I require. The small holes on each link of the mesh are identical all around the bracelet, to each side of the clasp. Unless I've missed something, the only option is for a jeweller to sympathetically cut it and resolder it.
Kind regards,
CRB

Ascalon · Apr 15, 2023

Thanks for the updated pics, but they don't quite show the necessary detail. You need pics of the inside of the bracelet, either end of the clasp.
That is where the adjustment links would be, if they are present.
Best thing to do is get a paper clip and open it out.
Remove the spring bar from the clasp (the one on the RHS in pic 1) and then lay the watch dial down with the bracelet psread flat. Then you can get a detailed, focused picture of the bracelet ends, and that should show adjustment links.
That said, from the pictures you ahve provided, I donlt see anything that looks like a removable link.
Judging by the quality of the clasp though, this does not look like anything that would normally be associated with Omega quality, let alone an OEM.

CRB · Apr 16, 2023

Ascalaon,
Attached are the closeups of the clasp/mesh attachment on each end. The braclet is soldered to the bars at both ends of the clasp and as mentioned earlier, all links in the mesh are identical. Unless anyone else has a different suggestion, it looks like a jeweller will be needed to resize the bracelet by cutting it and resoldering. BTW, I can't tell you how difficult it was to reattach the bracelet to the clasp. It's not one, complete spring bar at the end I removed, but 2 tiny springs bars, each perhaps 2mm long. The 1st foto has 1 spring bar removed.
Again, many thanks for your time on this.

watchlovr · Apr 16, 2023

I’m guessing you are not a professional photographer, your photos are terrible.
Not really any help.

Dan S · Apr 16, 2023

Unfortunately, I don't think we're going to be able to help from those photos, we would really need very clear macros. However, quite likely it is not adjustable anyway. You would be better off taking it to an expert who can take a close look. Maybe a good jeweler.

Personally, I think it will look better on a high quality strap.

CRB · Apr 17, 2023

Thanks everyone for your time. Indeed, photography is beyond me, but yes, I've decided to go with a good strap.

hen · Apr 17, 2023

Can`t the pins be pushed out? Or am I missing something?

Olhenry56 · Apr 17, 2023

hen
Can`t the pins be pushed out? Or am I missing something?

I don't think the holes are pin holes, since they don't line up with where the pins would be. I've not seen such a thing, but it could be that these are holes to access a release mechanism (screw?) that lets the outer row come off. It's also possible they could come off with a bit of careful prying. I've accidentally removed (and easily reinstalled) "permanent" links on a BOR bracelet like that before.

JimInOz · Apr 17, 2023

hen
Can`t the pins be pushed out? Or am I missing something?

Although there appears to be a "pin removal hole" in the centre of the end of each link, the pins are actually at either side of the hole so it's obvious that the links are pressed together and could probably be separated/re-joined.

Probably.

Ascalon · Apr 17, 2023

C CRB
Ascalaon,
Attached are the closeups of the clasp/mesh attachment on each end. The braclet is soldered to the bars at both ends of the clasp and as mentioned earlier, all links in the mesh are identical. Unless anyone else has a different suggestion, it looks like a jeweller will be needed to resize the bracelet by cutting it and resoldering. BTW, I can't tell you how difficult it was to reattach the bracelet to the clasp. It's not one, complete spring bar at the end I removed, but 2 tiny springs bars, each perhaps 2mm long. The 1st foto has 1 spring bar removed.
Again, many thanks for your time on this.

Thanks for posting the pics, @CRB but yes, I too do not see the usual indicators of removable pins or plates.

To be honest, I'd have to concur with my other learned colleagues and say cut your losses. This is not a quality item worthy of the watch.
While I understand that there may be sentimental value to it, to have the thing fit securely, you'd need something that is at least properly adustable.

To preserve the look of it, I'd go with a gold ref 1040 bracelet, or a 'beads of rice' style, for which there should be many optinos. Just make sure you can get straight end links for it.

Good luck!

Shortening Vintage Omega Bracelet

CRB

watchlovr

Ascalon

CRB

CRB

Ascalon

CRB

watchlovr

Dan S

CRB

hen

Olhenry56

JimInOz

Ascalon

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