How to size a Seiko (or any!) Pin and Collar Bracelet. Watch and Learn #15

In the last episode of Watch and Learn, we showed you how to size the standard friction or cotter pin bracelet. Today, we tackle the mighty Pin and Collar bracelet that so many people are frightened of. We have all read the horror stories, and maybe even experienced one ourselves when sizing these popular bracelets.

With a little know how, and some 'Watch and Learn' under your belt, there is no need to be apprehensive. We will show you how to tackle the pin and collar bracelet with standard strap tools, and also some non conventional items like paper clips.

This video uses a few tools, and showcases some items available on our website.

[TONY_FEZ]

these colar and pin systems are a complete nightmare to resize. Not just because it so fiddly and really adds nothing to the reliability or function of the bracelet, but because the collar part is SO TINY that if it flicks off when you are working on it you will never see it again and these are very hard and expensive ton get as replacement parts.

[David-nxvm]

Marc, I can’t thank you enough for this. My Citizen Paradigm titanium bracelet was kicking my butt, then I searched for this and immediately found your video. Just like you said, the collar was on the pin pusher. These topics are not glamorous or sexy, but we amateurs need this badly. You, sir, have the heart of a teacher!

[aumshanti]

So I bought my dad a Prospex and eagerly started the watch sizing.... Having NEVER come across collar and pin... Immediately lost the collar in a deep pile white rug.... Then found it and spent 3.. Yes 3 hours trying to sort the bastard thing out. I could not figure out which end (!...) the collar went in. However, I figured it out by mistake and the watch is still in one piece 3 years and counting! So I think you for this review as I've just ordered an Audaz Octomarine! Keep rocking my friend. Thank you for your amazing teaching videos! 🙏❤️👍

[Tripolish]

Out of all the videos FINALLY one that gets to the point and is detailed. You MUST be a professional watch repair person because this video is so refreshing and helpful!!!

[pbanders]

Thanks, this video saved my butt when resizing my son's new Citizen watch. Did it on my own to start with, I was incredibly lucky not to lose the collars. Once I saw those, I knew I needed help and found your video. My son's new (2019) Citizen is different than my older one, which is like the Seiko you show here. The newer Citizen has the collar drop into the inner tang of the link, not the outer, which makes assembly and removal much easier, just drop the collar in, put the link together, then drive the pin through. Thanks again for making Dad look good.

[Happyfacehotwheels]

I know this video is 5 years old but I had to chime in after watching said video. I have a HEIMDALLR monster that uses a pin & collar setup but the collar sits in the middle of the link instead of at the end. When resizing you have to put the collar in the middle link first, place the 2 links together then push the pin through. Also worth noting, the pin can be pushed in either side.
After watching this video I had to go back to my HEIMDALLR that I sized 2 years ago to double check my work. It was all good.
Thanks for all the great videos you make, I love learning new stuff.

[thistleclockworks]

Mark, this video saved my tail today when I went to adjust my Seiko Presage. I figured it was just a friction / cotter pin adjustment, but nope! I tried to pull out the pin and it would not pull out all the way. Then I remembered this series and watched this video. My collar was hidden in the center of the bracelet. As I watched, you said, “expect the unexpected.” So I grabbed a white paper plate to put under the bracelet. Good thing, as I yanked the pin out the collar popped out of the center and was trapped inside the lip of the plate. Another watch nube saved by Mark of Long Island Watch!

[nickarya]

Thanks Marc !! This video is the best watch bracelet instruction video. I am a Mechanical Engineer by profession, knew there were pins & collars, but thanks for taking us through it step by step.

[ianmude]

An excellent guide! Takes the 'stress' out of it. Clear, practical and easy to follow x

[brianhinder]

Thank you Marc for this exceptionally useful video. The entire watch community (including professionals/jewellers) is indebted to you for such a lucid and thorough tutorial.

[MoodiFLEX]

Great video, helped me size my Grand Seiko rep. You're a gem to the rep community. We love you.

[BiaMaith]

Thanks for this.
It went into the middle part in mine rather than the outside part as shown in the video.
I used a sewing needle to pick the collar up. It made it really easy to get into the hole.

[blueXtwoplustwo]

NOTE: For presage bracelet, you also need to drop the collar from inner side of the link. you won't be able to drop it from outside.

[Fitomann]

Great video with essential tips! After watching the video, it was really easy to shorten the bracelet of my King Seiko. Thank you very much.

[keithabberstein]

Thank you for such a lucid professionally produced video. You are not only very knowledgeable and thorough in your delivery, but explain everything to make it all look so simple! Very well done indeed. Thanks.

[MagnaxVingtTrois]

I had my Casio Lineage delivered from Japan yesterday, and of course I immediately set out to shorten the bracelet. I wasn’t aware of the pins and collars variety of bracelets, so I would have gone absolutely crazy, had I not found this clip. It literally saved my day. I cannot thank you enough! Now I can wear my new watch proudly! (The construction differs on my bracelet in that the collars go on the inside of the link, but the principle is the same.)

[eigrp]

Great instructional. Sized my first pin-and-collar and felt like an old pro thanks to Marc. No problems, it was easy. But it would've been a nightmare had I not known.

[craigsalvatore]

Excellent video, Mark. Thank you for explaining how to easily size a pin-and-collar bracelet. After having sized many bracelets that use the cotter pin system, thanks to your simple tutorial, I can confidently proceed to what I had formally perceived as a complex coupler.

[DZ_AU]

Yes, yes, yes. What a relief!

I was determined not to mess up (another) Seiko bracelet because of my lack of knowledge and technique regarding P&C. Easy once you know how. Thanks again Marc!

[qwerty]

Thanks again for this video!!
I used your video to size my Seiko monster over 3 years ago and here I am again sizing my new Seiko turtle PADI.
Totally forgot about the fork tip method at the end of the procedure but after watching that segment, I finished my project.
Seriously Buddy, thanks for the detailed explanation and excellent camera angles!