sizing JBC jubilee bracelet

[jon p]

  ok i give up!!! how the hell do you remove links from the jubilee bracelet?!i see the holes and i feel something spring loaded but when i push in on it nothing happens. i have a jubilee on my new gold/ss gmt and it is REALLY A LONG ONE! i have it taken up to the last hole on the clasp and it still is TOO BIG. i have a small wrist even though i am 6foot 3 and 210 lb, can anyone help? also , since we are here, is the push to set date crown supposed to wiggle a tiny bit, or is mine just worn?

[Sea Wolf]

I had the same problem with all of my zodiac bands like that one.

I was sure I would break the spring loaded pin, so I shipped it off to BWG to do it for me.
You need a special tool maybe to remove the link, not sure.

I had asked the same question here a while ago and never got an answer.

Don't break it.

[jon p]

        SW--thanks, this sure is a mystery and i agree i dont want to screw it up!! i have sized a LOT of bracelets but never one like this. some of my vintage bulovas have holes like this but they just have a SOLID pin that drifts out either side. i will let BWG do it when i send him the watch for service.

[jon p]

        i would have thought out of all the zodiac collectors gathered here SOMEONE would know how to size this bracelet!! i bet it is simple, if one knows the trick--thats the problem. those springs move for some good reason, i just dont know WHAT that is!  ULTRA--any ideas?

[orangecorallimorph]

Jon,
I have added links because I have the opposite problem, bands always too small. I simply take a paper clip that fits in the holes and squeeze from BOTH sides. It takes a little wiggling and patience but I can always seem to get them apart. I have also added links simply by prying the two outside(small) links just enough to slip off. It is the a simple matter to hook the links and use very small pliers to squeeze back tight. It is impossible to even tell that I have had added links unless you count links from original band. I scored on some JBC jubilee band pieces- parts and have used these to add links to a few JBC jubilees that I have.
your friend, O.C.
p.s. I use a magnifier loupe on my glasses because ,well, it makes it a cinch!
p.s.s.- they do make a tool , look for link-removal tool on the Bay.

[jon p]

    ORANGE, thanks for the great info, i had not thought of using a paper clip bent to shape, i couldnt find anything that would go deep enough into the holes!! maybe i can get it shortened up, it IS the LONGEST jubilee JBC i own. it is a lot longer than my one owner sea wolf i bought new.

[jon p]

   ORANGE----i tried the paper clip but nothing would come apart!! i finally pried the outer links open and took out two links that way. i really didnt like doing it BUT IT DID WORK! getting the links bent back together wasnt too easy but i finally got it. thanks for your help, i STILL want to know how the spring loaded pins work! weird way to assemble a watch bracelet.   JON P

[orangecorallimorph]

Maybe a little WD-40 in the holes? All that is in there is little spring bar. Which I am sure you know how boogered up and stuck they can get. Glad you got the links spread open enough and back together. I have very cool set of little needle nose  pliers that will fit just right for me. The key is patience and I think my magnifier helps alot! -your friend O.C.