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Brand guide

How to adjust a Bulova watch band

Updated by the Lugwork editorial team

Bulova digital watch on a steel link bracelet on a display cushion
A Bulova on a steel link bracelet. Check the inside of the links for arrows before you push anything out. Photo: Joe Haupt, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (license). Cut out, converted to black and white and resized, this version also licensed CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Bulova bracelets we could verify, including the Precisionist, use pins with arrows on the inside edge of the band. Bulova's own sizing video shows the same: pins out with a sizing tool, in the direction of the arrow.

If you do not own a proper tool, ask your retailer or Bulova's service about sizing before you improvise. With the right tool, this is a straightforward job.

Correction note: an earlier version said heavier Bulova models are often screwed. We could not find an original Bulova bracelet that uses screws, so that claim was removed.

  1. Find the arrows. They sit on the inside edge of the band next to the removable links.
  2. Seat the bracelet. In a holder, arrow pointing down.
  3. Push the pin out with the arrow. iFixit used a 0.8 mm punch on the Precisionist. Match the tip to your pin.
  4. Remove links evenly. The same number on both sides of the clasp.
  5. Refit against the arrow. Push or tap the pin back until it is flush. Replace any pin that bent.
Bulova's official sizing video, using a sizing tool on the pins. Video by Bulova on YouTube. Loading it connects to YouTube (Google), see our privacy policy.
stamped arrow on the underside push from the right, the pin exits on the arrow side pin runs through the whole link
Bulova places the arrows on the inside edge of the band. Push in the direction they point.

Models we have not verified

We confirmed pins with arrows on the Precisionist. For the Lunar Pilot and Marine Star original bracelets we found no source that states the link type. Some aftermarket Lunar Pilot bracelets are sized with screws, so if your bracelet is not original, check the link sides for slots before you push anything. Slot means screwdriver, arrow means pusher.

Bulova quirkThe pins can be reused if they come out straight. A bent pin will not seat properly again and should be replaced.

Loose removed steel watch bracelet links
Keep removed links with their pins. You will want them if your wrist size changes. Photo: Robbie Sproule, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (license). Cut out, converted to black and white and resized.

FAQ

How do I adjust a Bulova watch band?

Push the pins out in the direction of the arrows on the inside edge of the band with a pusher that fits the pin, remove links evenly on both sides of the clasp, and refit the pins against the arrow.

Are Bulova watch links screwed?

The original Bulova bracelets we could verify use pins. Some aftermarket bracelets use screws, so check the link sides for slots before you start.

What size tool do I need for a Bulova bracelet?

iFixit used a 0.8 mm punch on the Precisionist 96B252. Match the tip to your pin and use a holder that supports the link.

Sources we checked