Resizing a watch is one of the most commonly requested repairs. It can be done at a repair shop, jeweler, or even done on your own at home. A properly fitting watch not only looks better, but it actually serves a greater purpose and that is protecting it from damage. Below I will discuss the basics of this popular repair work and share my experience with the shop that does watch resizing near me.
Watch Resizing Near Me
If you need “watch resizing near me” or “watch band resizing near me”, the map below has your best choices…
Watch resizing is one of the top 5 most requested services. There are various reasons for a resize job. For many people it is because they have gained or lost weight, just purchased a new timepiece, and for some they have inherited a family heir loom they want to wear.
For most timepieces it can be done with a spring pen. It is a bit easier though if you have some additional watch repair tools handy. With that being said I have seen it done with a push pin and a pair of pliers. In my experience though if you take your watch back to the place you purchased it, many will resize your watch for you for free.
Watch Resizing
Watches vary a bit in the resizing requirements. For example resizing a leather strap is different then adding links into a metal band. The level of effort is often low and it can be done in about 20 minutes. If you have a high end watch though, I would recommend taking it to a pro technician.
For resizing, here is the difference between a strap and a band…
Watch Strap: a strap is made of fabric, leather, rubber, or some other material that is not metal or plastic. It will have a fastening mechanism in the likes of a safety strap, Velcro, tango buckle, or a flip clasp. Resizing these involves punching a new hole in the material or cutting the material shorter to increase or decrease the straps maximum or minimum diameter. The challenge with straps is that eventually you run out of material to work with and you reach your resizing limits.
Watch band: a band, also referred to as a bracelet, is made of metal or hard plastic. It has pieces linked together with pins or mesh. The locking mechanics commonly used are deployant clasps or jewelry clasps. Resizing is done by adding or removing links to increase or decrease the bands diameter.
Pro Tip: If you are having links removed from a band, ask for the removed links back when the job is complete. If you need to add links in the future you will have them handy. Also if you have a watch with a band made of a high end metal, that is your metal to keep not theirs.
Who Does Watch Resizing Near Me
There are plenty of places that do watch resizing. Unlike you or I doing a resizing job ourselves, these places will measure your wrist and know how to get the perfect fit for comfort and securing your watch safely. Here are the most common choices…
Local Watch Repair Stores
A local watch repair shop does this service. They will know how to resizing various brands, know all the tricks, and have the tools handy to get the job completed. If you have a strap that can’t be resized any further they will also have strap replacements on hand that may be more suitable to the length you require.
Jewelry and Watch Retail Boutiques
For the most part jewelry stores and watch retail boutiques are the same business model. Similar to a watch repair they will have tools and knowledge to make the adjustments for you.
Your Watch Manufacturer
If your watch is still under warranty, getting the manufacturer to resize it is ideal. This can be done by visiting an authorized dealer or mailing your timepiece into their authorized service center. Many manufacturers stipulate in their warranty that any unauthorized work on the watch will void the warranty. This includes having the watch resized by someone who is not authorized. If you are having your manufacturer do it, you need to measure your own wrist and provide your warranty information.
FAQ’s Regarding Watch Resizing
How Long it Take to Resize a Watch?
On average resizing takes 20 to 30 minutes. This could vary depending on the complexity of your band or strap and how significant the change in size is. No appointments are required at most places.
Is Resizing Covered Under Warranty?
Most warranties do not refer to resizing explicitly. Therefore it should be assumed it is not covered. It is however considered a repair and where the catch is that it matters who resizes the watch. An unauthorized repair voids most warranties. If something get’s damaged by an unauthorized person, the warranty will be voided.
What is The Difference Between a Strap and a Band?
Many people use the terms band and strap to mean the same thing. Watch repair shops use band to define a metal bracelet and strap to define a material like leather, rubber, or a fabric.
The difference in resizing one or the other matters. A strap is harder to resize because eventually you can’t punch more holes in it. You run out of material. Metal bands on the other hand you can add or remove links until you get the perfect fit.
How Much Does Resizing a Watch Cost?
You can often find this service free of charge. Taking your watch back to where you purchased it is a good way to get a resize repair for free. Many shops will do it as a courtesy for purchasing the watch from them. If you aren’t getting it resized at the time of purchase, bring your receipt with you.
How to Resize a Watch Yourself?
You can resize your own timepiece with the aid of a few common tools. See the video below for how to resize a watch band…
For most metal bands resizing is a fairly simple DIY job. You can pick up some basic tools on Amazon which make the job much quicker and reduce the risk of scratching the metal.
For high end luxury watches or antique watches you should contact a pro technician or contact the manufacturer. Despite how easy it may seem to adjust the strap or band, you can still do damage.
Watch Resizing Near Me – Conclusion
I always lean towards the side of getting a professional to do your watch work. A DIY job for resizing is easy and low risk though if you own an affordable watch. In most cases you can get this repair work done for free if you visit the place you bought it. Just remember though resizing is considered repair work. If the place is not an authorized service center, you may be voiding your warranty. This is what I have learned from the shop that does watch resizing near me.
