How to Resize Your Watch Band
Getting the Perfect Fit
A well-fitted watch sits comfortably on your wrist — snug enough not to slide around, but loose enough to slip one finger underneath the band. If your North Ouest watch needs adjusting, here's everything you need to know.
How to Measure Your Wrist
Use a flexible measuring tape or a strip of paper to measure around your wrist, just below the wrist bone. Note the measurement in millimetres. As a general guide:
- Under 160mm — Small wrist, you may need to remove 2–3 links
- 160mm – 180mm — Average wrist, standard sizing usually fits well
- 180mm and above — Larger wrist, the band should fit as-is or require minimal adjustment
Resizing a Metal Bracelet
Metal bracelets are adjusted by removing or adding links. Here's how:
- Lay the watch face-down on a soft cloth to protect the crystal.
- Locate the arrows on the inside of the bracelet links — these indicate the direction to push the pins out.
- Using a watch link removal tool or a small pin punch, gently push the pins out in the direction of the arrows.
- Remove the desired number of links from each side to keep the clasp centred.
- Reattach the bracelet by reinserting the pins until they click into place.
- Try the watch on and repeat if needed.
Tip: We recommend removing an equal number of links from each side of the clasp for a balanced fit.
Resizing a Leather or Rubber Strap
Leather and rubber straps are adjusted using the buckle holes. If the existing holes don't provide the right fit:
- Use a leather hole punch to add a new hole at the desired position.
- Space new holes approximately 5mm apart to match the existing spacing.
- Fasten the buckle through the new hole and check the fit.
Tip: Avoid punching holes too close to the edge of the strap to prevent tearing.
Need Help? We've Got You.
If you're not comfortable resizing the band yourself, any local jeweller or watch repair shop can do it quickly and inexpensively. You can also contact our team and we'll be happy to guide you through the process.