It is not just how many links
It is which side they come from. Take them all off one end and the clasp ends up sitting on the side of your wrist instead of underneath it, and the watch still turns. Balanced properly, the clasp sits centred and the head stays on top where you can read it.
How your band is held together
- Push pins — the most common. Pressed out and back in.
- Screws — usually on better bracelets. They come out cleanly and go back with the thread treated so they stay put.
- Split pins or collars — a pin plus a tiny sleeve. The sleeve is easy to lose and worth keeping track of.
- Mesh or Milanese — no links at all. The clasp slides and is set to position instead.
Two things worth knowing before we size it
Wrists swell. Yours is bigger in August than in January, and bigger at six in the evening than at nine in the morning. We size it so it works across that range rather than perfect at one moment.
And a band should move a little. Sized dead tight it marks your wrist and it is uncomfortable by mid-afternoon. About a finger's width of movement is right for most people.
You keep the links
Every link we take out goes back to you in a small bag. Keep it somewhere you will find it — if you ever sell the watch or your wrist changes, those links belong to that bracelet and matching them later is not always possible.
Questions we get asked
How long does it take?
Usually about fifteen minutes at the counter, while you wait.
Do I get the links back?
Yes, every one of them, bagged. They belong to your watch.
Can you add links if it is too tight?
We can if we have a match. Bring the watch in and we will see what the bracelet needs.
Can you size a mesh or leather band?
Yes. Mesh clasps slide and set to position, and a leather strap can be adjusted or replaced. Bring it in.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.