Here we focus on what may be the least forgiving bracelet in watch repair:
mesh. But it's important to know how to repair
mesh because its popularity is growing. It started with women's watches and continued to men's models – offered by fashion-forward brands as an option to the traditional
metal bracelet,
bangle or
leather strap.
No Links
Unless the strap is of the expansion mesh type, which is limited to a few manufacturers, chances are you'll need to trim the length of a
mesh bracelet. Without links to remove, the unwanted length must be cut off. Once removed, it can't be replaced. To shorten
mesh straps, remove one end of the strap from the watch case. Wrap the watch and strap around the customer's wrist, overlapping the clasp and the end of the strap. Mark the strap at the point where the inside of the clamp rests. Take care not to mark where the outside of the clasp rests on the strap, which would result in a strap too long for the wrist.
The length from the mark to the end of the strap needs to be removed – but not all from one end. Remove a little more than half this amount from the end of the strap that attaches to the 12 o'clock side. Then remove a little less than half this length from the end that attaches to the 6 o'clock side.
The reason for the difference here is the shape of a wrist – it's not a perfect oval. The inner side of the wrist is shorter than the outer side. To best center the watch on the top of the wrist, the 6 o'clock side must be a bit shorter than the 12 o'clock side.
Cutting the Mesh
Two methods are commonly used to cut
mesh straps. First, using your flexible shaft machine with a separating disc, grind through the strap where needed. This offers the cleanest cut.
Use nippers if the machine isn't available. It cuts quickly but can crush the ends of the strap. These ends will need to be trimmed square with a file or a separating disc. Ask materials suppliers about the type of nippers best suited to your strength (some are easier to use than others) and typical repair requirements.
Retailer Tip:
Try cutting a small bit at a time until you reach the most comfortable length for the owner.
After the ends are cut to the correct length and then trimmed square, reinsert them into the clasp. Position it so the serrated clamp bites the grooves on the underside of the strap. Remember to replace the clasp so the safety chain ends up on the same side of the watch as the crown.
