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How do you resize a Optel JB Champion bracelet?

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wzy-hman

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How do you resize a Optel JB Champion bracelet?

Post19 Dec 2013, 08:33

Hi, can anyone let me know how to adjust a Optel bracelet, the type typically found on Optel Segtronic and Optel "Quartz" stainless steel watches. I've not been able to find anything on web so any instructions would be much appreciated.

Here's a photo. I can't see where to start on to get links removed

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Image

Thanks!
Last edited by wzy-hman on 19 Dec 2013, 16:42, edited 1 time in total.
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bucko170

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Re: How do you resize a Optel JB Champion bracelet?

Post19 Dec 2013, 15:41

Removing one of those links is going to make a significant difference to the size of the band as they are quite large. ~:(
Are there any holes in the side of the band allowing access to spring loaded pins or screw pins?
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wzy-hman

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Re: How do you resize a Optel JB Champion bracelet?

Post19 Dec 2013, 16:33

Its a reasonably long band such that I need to remove about 3 links. There arent any holes in the side of the band for access to spring loaded pins or screw pins. It has none of the usual suspects for band resizing typically seen on a folded metal or wrapped link type bracelet. My guess is that the opening must be in the middle links (which look like squares connecting the outer "H" shaped links) but its not obvious where the release and/or pins for disconnecting the links are
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bucko170

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Re: How do you resize a Optel JB Champion bracelet?

Post19 Dec 2013, 18:54

Well I wasn't much help was I :no:

I can't see the photo's direct (this might just be me?) I have taken the liberty of adding some close ups of the band below, hopefully it will help others advise you better.
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wzy-hman

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Re: How do you resize a Optel JB Champion bracelet?

Post19 Dec 2013, 19:05

bucko170 wrote:Well I wasn't much help was I :no:

I can't see the photo's direct (this might just be me?) I have taken the liberty of adding some close ups of the band below, hopefully it will help others advise you better.


Thanks for the close ups, appreciate it
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767Geoff

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Re: How do you resize a Optel JB Champion bracelet?

Post19 Dec 2013, 19:20

It appears to me that the top center link snaps over the bottom center link. That is, there are two sides to the central link and they can be separated. Remove the top and voila!

Capiche?
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azimuth_pl

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Re: How do you resize a Optel JB Champion bracelet?

Post24 Dec 2013, 17:06

These are quite easy to work with and can be found on Zodiacs and also the Bulova Big Block.
As Geoff mentioned these simply snap on to each other from both sides.
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wzy-hman

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Re: How do you resize a Optel JB Champion bracelet?

Post08 Jan 2014, 12:28

Thanks Geoff and Azimuth. What tool have you used to pry open your links before? I managed to snap the screwdriver I had been using. Also, the link is a little warped now even though it's not off. Another contact of mine (if you're reading this then let me know if you don't mind me naming you) kindly tried on his band and got off one link but at the cost of two jewellers screwdrivers. Prying seems to be the correct way to resize for this version of this bracelet but the design is as well thought out as a snap on case back. I'm speculating that this was a cost saving shortcut as Abe Megahed, a fellow forum member who runs the Time Trafficker website, has a version of the bracelet which has a notch for releasing some links as shown in pic below (thanks for photo Abe). And thanks to everyone who replied

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azimuth_pl

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Re: How do you resize a Optel JB Champion bracelet?

Post08 Jan 2014, 12:49

the term "easy" might depend on how loose the links are.
some can be removed with a screwdriver (a thick one) whereas some need some assistance with a hammer.
here is another version of this bracelet with separate clamshell links:
Image
I would pry these open from the top side or punch them from one side from the back.
Naturally these connecting links consist of two sandwiched links where you first need to work on the top piece and then disconnect the bottom piece.
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wzy-hman

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Re: How do you resize a Optel JB Champion bracelet?

Post24 Jan 2014, 18:10

Many thanks Azimuth and Geoff for the guidance/comments which have been helpful. Here I'll do a quick roundup to summarize things in case anyone wonders what seems to work in practice

I found that the best motion is to wedge a small/thin flat point screwdriver into the top link in one steady and smooth motion (should feel a little like when you roll the edge of the blade of a case back opener around the edge of a tight case back - the force exerted by the blade in a forward motion wedges open the link). This works better for some links than others. You can see in the pic below one of my links which warped when it had to be pried out as the two halves of the links were clamped together very tightly. When reinserting into the band, just cover the link with a svelte cloth and use pliers to firmly press back into position

Image

As mentioned above, this procedure can wear down and break specialist jewelers screwdrivers, spring bar tools etc. I found the best (most sturdy/durable) tool to be a Muji pack of screwdrivers which are strong enough to withstand the punishing prying and wedging actions, and also cost a lot less than any specialist tools. I think I paid around USD10 for this a few years ago

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