Whether you have just purchased a new Citizen watch or are passing one along to somebody else, you likely need to adjust band in order for it to fit perfectly. Citizen watchbands come in a variety of materials, such as stainless steel links and leather. Leather bands require special tools and skills to readjust, so it is usually easier to replace it. Metal bands, on the other hand, are easy to readjust by either adding or removing links from the band. With only a few basic tools, you can easily adjust a Citizen watchband to comfortably fit your wrist.

Several kinds of metal watchbands exist. The most common type of Citizen metal watchband is the linked "split-pin" style. These bands come in two main formats: folded-link bracelets and solid-link bracelets.

Folded-link bracelets contain single links wrapped around a kernel, with small gaps between the metal sheet and the link kernel. Most Citizen folded-link watchbands are high quality, in which the gaps are barely visible.

Solid-link bracelets are made of solid metal links. They generally feel heavier than folded-link bracelets, and are characteristic of more high-quality watches.

Once you have determined whether a Citizen watchband is a folded-link or solid-link bracelet, you can look for matching links if you intend to lengthen the watchband. Check the watch's user manual to find the watch's exact model and for information about purchasing replacement band links, or check eBay.

To perform any adjustments on a Citizen watchband, Citizen recommends using a CIT-SZTOOL, which is designed specifically to adjust Citizen watches. A watch adjustment kit or link remover can also be used to adjust a watchband. At the very least, a jeweler's screwdriver, tweezers, or a pin pusher are required.

Before adding or removing links from a Citizen watchband, you need to know the correct wrist measurement to ensure the band fits properly. Watchbands typically fall into general size categories depending on gender.

Remember that these measurements are only standard watchband sizes. For the most accurate size and best-fitting watchband, it is necessary to measure your wrist and compare that measurement to the watchband to determine how many links you need to add or remove.

Before adjusting the watchband, contact the store or jeweler where you bought the watch. They may provide watchband readjustment for no cost.

Place the watchband in the CIT-SZTOOL, or stand the bracelet on its side.

Look for arrows on the links close to the clasp that indicate which direction to push the pins in. If there are no arrows, you can remove the pin from either side.

Use a pin pusher or a paper clip to slide the pin out in the direction of the arrows. You may need to remove two pins. Some watchbands have screws holding links in place instead of pins. A line normally marks removable screws for adjusting. If that is the case, use a jeweler's screwdriver to remove the screw. Set the pins or screws aside.

Once you remove the pins or screws, the link is loose. Use a pin pusher or paper clip to remove pins from each link you wish to remove. Remove links evenly from both sides of the band to ensure symmetry. Store the removed pins or screws in a safe place.

Reassemble the watchband once you have achieved the correct size. To do this, reinsert the pins by pushing it in the opposite direction of the printed arrows, or replace the screws with a screwdriver.

To add links to the watchband, follow steps 1 - 3 of the above section "Removing Links from a Citizen Watchband."

Align a new link with the grooves of one of the watchband's outer links. Attach a link with the extra pegs or screws, and then alternate installing new links between the top and bottom portions of the watchband.

Reassemble the watchband once you have achieved the correct size. To do this, reinsert the pins by pushing it in the opposite direction of the printed arrows, or replace the screws with a screwdriver.

You can find the replacements for your Citizen watch here.