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how to adjust citizen watch band
How-To

How to Adjust Citizen Watch Band to Fit Your Wrist

Learning how to adjust your Citizen watch band helps you get a perfect and comfortable fit on your wrist.
Jun 28, 2024

When you have a watch, there are these moments when you want to do some strap adjustments for a perfect fit. In this case, we’re going to talk about how to adjust the Citizen watch band with some easy steps.

Strap adjustments are usually common, especially when you buy watches on online platforms. Often, the default size of the watch band may not match the exact circumference of your wrist, necessitating a few tweaks to achieve the ideal fit.

Whether you need to remove or add links, having a properly fitted watch enhances your overall experience, ensuring that your Citizen watch not only looks good but also feels great on your wrist. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process, ensuring your watch fits perfectly every time.

Tools You Will Need

Before learning how to adjust the Citizen watch strap, you need to prepare the required tools. Here are some of them:

  • Watch band adjustment tool: This is a small tool specifically designed to remove and replace the pins in a watch band. If you don’t have one, a small flathead screwdriver or a pushpin can work in a pinch.
  • Soft cloth: To protect your watch and work surface from scratches.
  • Needle-nose pliers: Helpful for handling small pins.
  • Magnifying glass: Useful for seeing small parts clearly, though not essential.

How to Adjust Citizen Watch Band: Step-by-Step Guide

Adjusting a watch band is also crucial to ensure it fits comfortably on your wrist – not too tight or loose. Here are the steps on how to adjust the Citizen watch band:

1. Prepare Your Workspace

The first step on how to adjust the Citizen watch band is to lay a soft cloth on a flat surface. This will prevent scratches on your watch and help you keep track of small parts. A well-lit area will also make it easier to see what you’re doing, and having all your tools within reach will help streamline the process.

2. Identify the Links to Remove

Put the watch on your wrist and determine how many links need to be removed for a comfortable fit. It’s often best to remove an equal number of links from both sides of the clasp to keep it centered. 

Make sure to account for the slight changes in fit that might occur as the watch is worn throughout the day, and consider wearing the watch for a short period to see if further adjustment is necessary.

Read also: The Best 5 Spring Bar Tools to Change Your Watch Strap

3. Locate the Link Pins

On the underside of the watch band, you will see small arrows pointing in the direction you need to push the pins out. These arrows indicate the direction in which the pins should be pushed for removal. Carefully examine the links to find these arrows, and make sure to work on a stable surface to prevent any accidents.

4. Remove the Link Pins

Using the watch band adjustment tool or a pushpin, press down on the pin in the direction of the arrow. You may need to use needle-nose pliers to pull the pin out completely once it’s pushed partway through. 

Carefully set the pins aside in a safe place. It’s crucial to apply steady, gentle pressure to avoid bending the pin or damaging the link. If the pin is resistant, try tapping it lightly with a small hammer included in some adjustment kits.

5. Remove the Links

Once the pins are removed, the links should come apart easily. Remove the necessary number of links from each side of the clasp. Be sure to keep the removed links and pins in a safe place, as you may need them for future adjustments. Double-check the number of links you’re removing to ensure that you’re making the correct adjustment for a comfortable fit.

6. Reattach the Band

The next step for Citizen watch band adjustment is aligning the remaining links and reinserting the pins in the opposite direction of the arrows. Push the pins back into place using the adjustment tool or pushpin. 

Ensure the pins are securely in place to prevent the band from coming apart. Take your time to make sure each pin is fully inserted and locked into place, as a loose pin can cause the band to come apart unexpectedly.

7. Final Adjustments

Try the watch on again to ensure the band fits comfortably. If it’s still too loose or tight, you may need to adjust by adding or removing another link. Fine-tuning is important for both comfort and ensuring the watch stays securely on your wrist. If the watch feels slightly off, repeat the process until you achieve the perfect fit.

Read also: How to Clean Metal Watch Strap: 6 Simple Guides

Tips and Warnings

While adjusting a watch band might sound easy, you still need to be aware of these:

  • Patience is key: Working with small pins and links can be fiddly. Take your time to avoid losing any parts or damaging your watch.
  • Use proper tools: While improvisation can work, using proper watch adjustment tools will make the process easier and safer for your watch.
  • Keep spare parts: Save any removed links and pins. You might need them in the future if your wrist size changes or if you need to reattach links.

Adjusting a Citizen watch band is a straightforward process with the right tools and a bit of patience. Following the steps explained above, you can ensure your watch fits perfectly, providing both comfort and style on your wrist.

Read also: How to Adjust Seiko Watch Band for a Perfect Fit

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