How to Shorten the Metal Wristband on a Seiko Watch

Place the watch on a clean, flat table covered with a large, white terry-cloth towel. The towel will catch any dropped pins or collars, which will show up well against the white, cloth background. Use a push pin to press on the spring bar that sits next to the clasp -- this will allow the band to open up. Determine where on the watch you wish to remove a link to shorten the band length.

Place the watch band in a jeweler's vise, with the edge of the band facing up. You can use a plastic block with a central hole, if you wish; just make sure the pin sits over the hole in the block. Look for arrows on the inside band surface, and make sure the arrows are pointing down. Do not crank the vise too tightly if using one, as too much pressure could deform the link and possibly bend a pin.

Place a watch push pin inside the pin hole. The push pin must sit flush against the watch pin and not ride against the small collar that holds the pin. You want the pin to move and the collar to stay in place. Tap the pin gently with a small jeweler's hammer until you see the pin exiting the other side of the band. Use your fingers or a small pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the pin free from the other side, allowing you to remove the link or links. Use the same procedure to remove any additional links as you size the band for fit.

Close the remaining links together. Watch that you do not lose any of the small collars inside the links of the band -- they will remain inside loosely. Insert a pin into the top of the band and gently tap it down into its seat with the jeweler's hammer. Remove the watch from the vise. Press on the spring bar and reconnect the clasp. Test-fit the watch band.