Wach Band length adjustment: PART 1 - A right screwdriver for watch bracelet makes all the difference
Watchmaker screwdriver essentials
As you probably already know, screwdrivers come in a multitude of sizes and featured blades. The most commonly used blades are indeed slotted, Phillips, and a hex key. But did you know there are as many as 24 different screwdriver blades in regular use?
No need to worry; you won't be needing nearly as many to remove the links from a metal watch band. In most cases, a slotted flat blade will be all you need.
However, if you happen to have one of the watches that require a special screwdriver blade to customize the length of a watch band, such as Oris Divers and Bell & Ross BR, make sure you closely read the following paragraph.
Learn from Functional Aesthetic
The luxury watch market is characterized by both high-quality and original design solutions. Among others, these authentic design elements can also be seen in unusual screws on various parts of watches.
Unusual screws and their unique screwdriver blades
The ultimate goal of luxury watchmakers is to create a flawless timekeeping mechanism while giving a touch of high-level aesthetic beyond mere functionality in any detail possible, screws included.
FP Journe Resonance and a three-foot screwdriver
Say that you own an F.P. Journe Resonance watch. If you wish to open its back case cover, you will need a unique three-foot screwdriver.
Royal Oak 26589TI Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT and a four-prongs screwdriver
Proud owners of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch will have to own and use four-prongs watch machine screwdriver to reach the watch's interior.
And, if you happen to own a Bell & Ross BR watch, to change the watch strap, you'll have to use an inner hexagon screwdriver.
Oris Aquis Small Second Date 500m watch needs a Y-type screw bar pin screwdriver
On the other hand, those who are not too keen on the vast majority of watches don't need to worry. They will surely be able to pick a watch out of many of those that feature one of several standard types of screws that you can easily find in any equipped tool store.
Common types of precision screwdriver blades for watchmakers
As mentioned before, a slotted blade will do the job in most cases. But, of course, with such precise mechanisms and products as watches, it is of great importance to use premium quality screwdrivers for any adjustments and repairs.
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Slotted blade screwdriver
Slotted Blade Watchmaker Small Screwdriver a Set of 5 sizes, Details
Some of the features that such screwdrivers should contain are a knurled handle that will enable secure gripping strength and a ball-bearing swivel cap for a more accessible and comfortable operation.
Watch Bands Flat-head Small Screwdriver with Spare Blades (5 sizes options: 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.6mm and 1.8mm), Details
In addition, the blade should be made of top-quality material that provides durability and guarantees that the screws will not be damaged when operated on.
Here is an example of premium screwdrivers with the most precise and durable blades you can find in the market.
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Cut out blade screwdriver
If you happen to own a metal watch band was assembled with slotted screws, a corresponding screwdriver will, in most cases, be the only tool you need to adjust its length. In that case, this anodized aluminum high-precision Japan-made screwdriver will execute flawlessly. Knurled handle and ball bearing swivel cap are accompanied by cut-out type blades in 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, and 1.6mm sizes, covering all possible applications.
Japan Made Precision Cut-Out type Screwdriver with knurled handle and a ball-bearing swivel cap, Details
Suppose you are one of the rich guys who owns a Swiss luxury R-X watches. In that case, the below Japan-made multi-purpose watch band tool & screwdriver will enable flawless watch band adjustment. Moreover, its compact size and the fact that blades can be mounted on both sides (one featuring 1.7mm and the other 1.0mm cut-out blade) make it perfect for frequent travelers.
Multi Purpose Traveler's Watch Band Tool, Cut-Out type blade plus a small fork for grabbing spring bars when for changing watch bands, Details
In most cases, the right screwdriver is all you need to adjust a watch band. However, on occasions when double-ended screws are used in watch bands, things can get tricky. Luckily, there's an easy solution.
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Double Ended Screw Removing Tool / Screwdriver
A double-ended screw removing tool comes to aid. A convenient screw base to be used on double-sided screws equipped with five (1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, and 2.0 mm) stainless steel slotted screwdriver blades fastened on the aluminum base will make the process simple and quick.
Extremely helpful for those double-ended screws found in some deployant clasps or watch bands such as Audemars Piguet
After reviewing watch screws and particular screwdrivers, it's time to focus on our most concerning topic: how to adjust a metal watch band to fit our wrist properly.
Reference & image credit:
- Tree feet screwdriver for F.P. Journe Resonance
- New Editions of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT
- Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Ceramic Heritage Review
- Oris.ch
Written by S.K., images by Toni and others as noted
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