Oyster bracelet dumb question

[magnaton]

Hi all -- just received my first! 16700 Swiss only from 1999. Very excited about it!

I'm trying to adjust the size of the band. I know the bracelet clasp can be adjusted by moving up the spring bar in those holes, and I also know you can take out some links in the bracelet. I need to shrink the band by about one of those small links, which seems to be about the same as the total travel distance within the clasp if I was to use the other way of adjusting.

So... is there any difference between these options? I get that if it was just a small tweak I'd adjust the clasp but seems I'd need about the full number of notches on the clasp making it the equivalent of a link.

Definitely overthinking things but there's probably an answer out there. If helpful I find my watch tends to rest facing slightly away from me and I'd rather it centered or inward if that's at all a difference. Currently have one small link on one side and one small and one big link on the other (away from me) side.

Thanks!

[koryong]

Originally Posted by magnaton

Hi all -- just received my first! 16700 Swiss only from 1999. Very excited about it!

I'm trying to adjust the size of the band. I know the bracelet clasp can be adjusted by moving up the spring bar in those holes, and I also know you can take out some links in the bracelet. I need to shrink the band by about one of those small links, which seems to be about the same as the total travel distance within the clasp if I was to use the other way of adjusting.

So... is there any difference between these options? I get that if it was just a small tweak I'd adjust the clasp but seems I'd need about the full number of notches on the clasp making it the equivalent of a link.

Definitely overthinking things but there's probably an answer out there. If helpful I find my watch tends to rest facing slightly away from me and I'd rather it centered or inward if that's at all a difference. Currently have one small link on one side and one small and one big link on the other (away from me) side.

Thanks!

Congrats on your 16700 !

This is how I'd do it but it could be different with others.

1. Firstly add or remove the links on the 6 o'clock side so that the clasp is centered on the underside of your wrist.
2. Then move the clasp springbar to the center holes of the clasp.
3. Finally add or remove the links on the 12 o'clock side until you're comfy with the bracelet fit.

This way you have plenty of room to adjust at the clasp holes in case of hot or cold weather, and also not having to use up any spare links.

[RayRay89]

Remove the links first, when you mow the clasp that much it wont sit right and would be uncomfortable

[magnaton]

Very helpful, thank you!

The smallest I can get the bracelet on the 6 o’ clock size is when there’s one link with a screw in it right?

Loving the watch so far. Excited to make it fit right haha

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by magnaton

Very helpful, thank you!

The smallest I can get the bracelet on the 6 o’ clock size is when there’s one link with a screw in it right?

Loving the watch so far. Excited to make it fit right haha

That's correct. The last remaining permanent link with a screw is as small as that side can go.

It may take a little trial and error with the screws and clasp positions. When all is said and done, the clasp should be close to the middle of the underside of your wrist (give or take a few mm in either direction). Ideally, the springbar adjustment in the clasp is in one of the middle positions so you have room to adjust in either direction if needed.

Congratulations, and best of luck with your GMT Master! I love mine!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by magnaton

. . .
So... is there any difference between these options? I get that if it was just a small tweak I'd adjust the clasp but seems I'd need about the full number of notches on the clasp making it the equivalent of a link.

. . .

Actually, there is a difference.

If you take out a single link, it is generally done on the 6 oclock side first. This seems to be best for fitment because of the characteristics of the wrist.

If you move the clasp spring bar to make the bracelet smaller, you are effectively making the 12 oclock side shorter. This is the exact opposite of what one may desire.