New (to me) Cartier Santos 2961 - Links removal
Hi folks!
long time reader, first time poster.
I’ve just taken delivery of my new Santos Carrée, ref 2961. I’ve lusted over this piece for a LONG time, so to finally have it in my possession is simply wonderful.
HOWEVER; I have relatively average-sized wrists (not sure exactly but sub 7” for sure). It seems the bracelet on this watch is therefore a few links too big.
I’m looking for advice on how best to go about getting this watch re-sized. I live in a mid-sized town in Scotland so I’m not spoiled for choice with where I can take this thing, and I’m not sure my local watchmaker is too familiar with this style of bracelet (he has resized for me previously and did a great job but that was a more modern piece).
Does anyone have any info/ advice on how to do this myself, or if I should leave it to a professional?
EDIT: Figured it out! Bracelet resized, and fitted to my little wrists. 😎
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Thanks!
Good news, I managed to figure it out, turns out, you need to push in a tiny spingbar in the middle of the back of each link, and slide the link out sideways. A little too tricky with a regular springbar tool, BUT I can confirm a small sewing needle worked perfectly (accompanied by quite a few swear words and some sweat).
Perseverance wins in the end.
Cant wait to wear this thing to the office tomorrow!
A little Google searching and I found this answer: https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/santos-carree-bracelet-sizing-help.5278143/
I've seen it done in person ONCE and it was a little fiddly. Holding down the spring, while sliding the link out, is not for the faint of heart. And make sure you do it in a clean area in case things start falling out like this!
https://youtu.be/Q46G7hDp9qU
Good LUCK!
Hi!
Really nice piece! I have the same, I am waiting for it to come back from service (with a new bracelet, the old one broke, sadly).
I don't know if that can interest you, but this model is in fact the "Santos Carrée", i.e., the first Santos with the bracelet, from 1978 🙂 The Galbée is another model, which came after (end of the 1980's I would say from the top of my head) and is more rounded (hence the name, "galbée" meaning arched in French).
Hoping that this piece of information could be of interest 🙂
Enjoy this piece, it is so beautiful!
Hi!
Really nice piece! I have the same, I am waiting for it to come back from service (with a new bracelet, the old one broke, sadly).
I don't know if that can interest you, but this model is in fact the "Santos Carrée", i.e., the first Santos with the bracelet, from 1978 🙂 The Galbée is another model, which came after (end of the 1980's I would say from the top of my head) and is more rounded (hence the name, "galbée" meaning arched in French).
Hoping that this piece of information could be of interest 🙂
Enjoy this piece, it is so beautiful!
Hi there!
Thanks for clarifying the model name; I'll admit, I'm rather embarrassed as I'd watched a video where someone illustrated the differences between the two previously... and yet, when it came time to write the above, I still got it wrong! I've updated the post now.
I've been loving this piece thus far; took it in my watch roll for a few days away in Gdańsk with my partner, during the recent hot weather. Sitting outside in the old town with a good drink, watch glistening in the sun against the backdrop of such a gorgeous city was truly a marvellous experience. :)
Hi there!
Thanks for clarifying the model name; I'll admit, I'm rather embarrassed as I'd watched a video where someone illustrated the differences between the two previously... and yet, when it came time to write the above, I still got it wrong! I've updated the post now.
I've been loving this piece thus far; took it in my watch roll for a few days away in Gdańsk with my partner, during the recent hot weather. Sitting outside in the old town with a good drink, watch glistening in the sun against the backdrop of such a gorgeous city was truly a marvellous experience. :)
Don't be ashamed 🙂 maybe I should be ashamed of seeing the difference directly 😂 such a niche haha
Sounds like a great moment 😄 Am I talking about the travel with your partner or drinking a drink watching your beautiful watch under the sun, no one knows 😇
Thanks!
Good news, I managed to figure it out, turns out, you need to push in a tiny spingbar in the middle of the back of each link, and slide the link out sideways. A little too tricky with a regular springbar tool, BUT I can confirm a small sewing needle worked perfectly (accompanied by quite a few swear words and some sweat).
Perseverance wins in the end.
Cant wait to wear this thing to the office tomorrow!
Hi there, how many links did you keep on the bracelet for 7”. I am looking to get one that has 19 links, not including end links. Thanks!
Thanks!
Good news, I managed to figure it out, turns out, you need to push in a tiny spingbar in the middle of the back of each link, and slide the link out sideways. A little too tricky with a regular springbar tool, BUT I can confirm a small sewing needle worked perfectly (accompanied by quite a few swear words and some sweat).
Perseverance wins in the end.
Cant wait to wear this thing to the office tomorrow!
Had to make an account just to thank you! have been searching for hours on how to remove/add links to my new Cartier!
You wouldn’t by chance want to sell those extra links would you? I’ve found myself in the exact opposite situation unfortunately! I’ve finally received mine and it won’t fit my 7.25 in wrist. Please let me know if so!