A repair challenge! Taking unremovable links off a J12?

[cubancurls]

I just received my J12 from WBK which I LOVE. (see review under wbk)

Anyway, I am not having a problem with the watch, per se, it's a problem with my wrist; I have very thin wrist, thinner then average so I have always had a problem sizing down watches and bracelets. My watches have to be sized down to about 5 1/4".

On this J12 there are only 4 links that can be removed and 2 of them should not because its on the clasp. The only way to make this watch smaller for me is to take off regular links. That would mean to break the ceramic links to be able to attach. I hope the photo helps to explain what I'm talking about.

All watch bands have only a certain amount of links that are able to be taken off, they have pins in them to attach and re-attach. The links I want to take off do not have pins, they are sealed in the ceramic so I would have to break open part of it to put the pin in it.

Have I confused everyone?

 

[no_one]

On this J12 there are only 4 links that can be removed and 2 of them should not because its on the clasp.

:shock: Umm...

If you remove the ones that are 'covering the clasp', the ones that are left will move into that position... covering the clasp.

 

[Tranman]

unless the 2 that you think should not be removed are attached to the clasp in some way which we can not see from just the picture, you should be fine.

It looks like you can remove those 2 links, and the 2 links just to the outside of them, then the rest can slide in and take their place. Now if you still need more links out, then your out of luck.

 

[cubancurls]

Yes, tranman, that is my delima: I want to remove the solid ones. If I hold them up to light I can see there is pin inside them, I just have to crack it open.
****This would be done by a watch repairman****

 

[Tranman]

cubancurls, why don't you remove the 2 links on the clasp??? B/c you don't want to or are you not able to? There is a difference here. From the pictures it looks like you can. If you can and just don't want to then I don't think a watchmaker can help you.

Here's my very inexperience advice. When it comes to removing links that are not meant to be remove (such as what you want to do), it generally is not a good a idea and may damage the bracelet permanantly.

So again, why not remove the links on the clasp? b/c you don't want to? or b/c you can't? Im confused, sorry b/c looking at a picture and having a watch infront of you are sometimes 2 different things.

 

[cubancurls]

Thank you for trying to help me tranman.

Well the first reason I don't want to remove the links on the clasp is because they are extra long and sit perfectly on the clasp, the ones on either side were the only ones meant to be removed. Also, removing those 2 and the 2 on either side, it will still be a bit too big. BUT removing the 2 on either side plus another 'regular' link will be perfect. 3 on each side. I've always had to be creative with making a watch fit.

I know it can work, I have used the same watch repairman for a few of my watches. I'm hoping he'll be a little daring....

I know it seems trivial and silly but I'm hoping it's been done before. If my watch repairmand only wants to remove the removable links,it'll be fine, not as tight as I want but I can live with it.

 

[smithy37]

I have just re-sized my wifes (a ladies version). Just removing the 'removable pins' was tough. It snapped my 0.8mm pin, but I managed with a 0.7mm pin.

My experience with ceramic is it is damned hard!. I use ceramic inserts in my line of work to turn hard metal (can be better than Tungsten Carbide). Have you ever drilled a wall tile in your bathroom, if so you will know what I mean!

I suggest you grind the link you want removing. Try with a dremel and a very steady hand, but only use it to 'cut' the link. Forget about trying to drill a hole in the side to expose the pin.

I hope your watchmaker isn't held accountable for any mistakes.

Let me know how he/you get on!

 

[cubancurls]

smithy37: drilling...of course, sounds right. You 'get' what I'm trying to do.

I know it can be done because with another J12 I owned, 38mm, I accidently chipped a large piece of ceramic on one of the links, exposing the metal pin underneath. I did this wearing the watch while moving furniture, I don't recommend it.

What my watchman can do is take off one of the removable links and 'experiment' on it. I won't need it anymore and it will be removed anyway.

 

[cubancurls]

Well, went to my watch repairman, and when I told him I wanted to take out 6 links he told me it would be too small. :shock: And he showed me, I put the watch on and he held the links out on each side and sure enough, no way it will fit me, too too tight. What was I thinking?! I explained I didn't want the links on the clasp removed, blah, blah and said let's try to see how it will look. He removed the 4 removable links with pins.....PERFECT FIT!!!!! I mean, like the band was made for me. AND it looks good, no difference on the clasp, no links sticking out. I LOVE IT!!!

I feel so foolish with all this talk of drilling links off.....I'm so glad my watch tech new what how neurotic I am with watches and so patiently did what he knew he had to do and knew I would love it.

The white J12 really is a beautiful watch for a woman. I've read post where the guys don't know what watch to get their wives/GF's. Trust me, this is it. When this watch first came out by Chanel, I knew it would be a hit, it was, it's everywhere especially on celebrities. (I'm trying to forget the image of Hilary Clinton wearing hers :roll: )

Try it.

 

[no_one]

Glad it all worked out in the end. Knew it would :lol:

Now... Where's the wrist shot!!!!

 

[cubancurls]

Will post my wrist shot tomorrow. I can't use my cheapy digital camera in my computer, I have to develop at drugstore then scan. :x