Brand guide
How to adjust a Fossil watch band
Fossil Group, which also makes Michael Kors and Skagen watches, trains its own technicians on four link types. The arrows on the inside of the band tell you which one you have: one arrow, two arrows pointing apart, no arrow, or a visible screw.
The four Fossil link types
| Link type | How to recognize it | Which way it comes out |
|---|---|---|
| Hairpin (folded friction pin) | One arrow | In the arrow direction only |
| Smartpin | Two arrows pointing away from each other | From either side |
| Pin and tube | No arrows | Pin plus a small tube or collar in the middle link. Catch the tube |
| Screw pin | Small screw heads on the outside of the band | Unscrew with a flat screwdriver. Never hammer |
This comes from Fossil's own link resizing job aid for service staff. It is the most useful identification table for any Fossil Group watch.
Removing links step by step
- Identify the link type. One arrow, two arrows, no arrow or screw heads, see the table above.
- Seat the bracelet in a holder. For arrowed pins, arrow pointing down.
- Remove two pins per link. Push pins out with the arrow. Smartpins go either way. For screw pins, unscrew instead.
- Keep tubes with their pins. Pin and tube links drop a small tube from the middle link.
- Remove links evenly. Fossil's instructions say to take the same number from both sides of the clasp.
- Refit and tap home. Push pins back against the arrow and tap them flush with a small hammer.
Straps: check the lug width, then the spring bar
Many Fossil watches take interchangeable straps. Fossil sells them in 18, 20, 22 and 24 mm, so measure the gap between the lugs before you buy. If the spring bar has a small lever on the underside, it is a quick-release bar: slide the lever with a fingernail and the strap is off. Without a lever, use a spring bar tool.
FAQ
How do I remove links from a Fossil watch?
Look at the arrows on the inside of the band. One arrow: push the pin out in that direction. Two arrows pointing apart: it goes out either way. No arrows: a pin and tube, catch the tube. Screw heads: unscrew. Remove links evenly from both sides of the clasp.
Why does my Fossil band have two arrows?
That is a smartpin, which Fossil designed to come out from either side.
Do Fossil watches have quick release straps?
Many Fossil straps are interchangeable. Check the spring bar for a small lever. If there is one, slide it and the strap comes off without a tool.