How do I remove a link from the Timex Ironman Triathlan men's watch

lagita, April 2009

I received a Timex classic series (T28812) watch with the stainless bracelet sized too generously for my wrist. Unfortunately, the included instructions (W92) did not apply to my watch. All paperclips, push pins, thumbtacks, brads, and small finishing nails I had were slightly too large to drive into the link hole to drive out the pin.
I found that a sewing needle (size 1/5) had an appropriate diameter to fit. I blunted the point of the needle then clamped it into a pair of vice-grip pliers, parallel with the length of pliers, so that the blunted needle point extended about 1/4" from the jaws of the pliers. I then noted the arrow direction on the links that I wanted to remove that indicated the direction the pin should be tapped out. Only instead of tapping out with a small hammer, I was going to reduce the shock to the watch by inserting the needle tip and gently increasing pressure until it slid out, which worked like a charm. I had placed the bracelet on several dish towels, which cradled the watch and allowed the pin some place to go as it was being pressed out of the bracelet. Be sure to hold the bracelet so that if you slip while pressing down, you don't injure your holding hand. I found I could easily pull the link pins out from the other side, but pliers could be used. After I removed the unneeded links, I rejoined the bracelet by inserting the blunt (non-forked) end of the link pin by hand against the direction of the link arrows as far as possible. I pressed the last 1/16" in with a wooden spoon to prevent marring the SS finish of the bracelet. My watch now fits and I've saved some cash by not having to make a trip to a jeweler. I like Timex products, but wish they made sure the instructions matched their products. I hope this helps someone else....keep on tickin'

D. Trent, January 2010

I have a Timex Expedition watch and was very frustrated trying to remove the pins that hold the adjustment links in place.
My problem was that I envisioned the pin as a spring loaded pin, like the ones normally found on watches. It is, instead, a solid piece of steel.
To remove the pin, I had to place the band on a solid surface to allow the pin to be driven from the circular indention on the top (in the direction of the arrow), but it had to have space below where the pin will be pushed out (small circle on the opposite side of the link). I managed this by placing it on top of a pair of pliers laying on its side, putting the pin above the space between the jaws.
I used a small finishing nail and a light-weight hammer to tap the pin out a little, then pulled it the rest of the way with the pliers.
Two pins have to be removed to take out one link. Putting the pin back is easier because the band can be placed on any solid surface and the pin can be tapped back in.

Spencer, Cypress Texas, May 2009