Key takeaways
- Identify your clasp: butterfly, fold-over or with push buttons.
- Push-button clasps open with a gentle squeeze of both buttons.
- Close a clasp by pressing it flat until you hear a click.
- If a clasp feels loose or won't click, have it checked.
A new watch clasp can be surprisingly stubborn at first. Once you know which type you have, opening and closing it becomes second nature.
In this guide
Know your clasp
- Butterfly (deployant) clasp: two folding parts that open symmetrically, often with push buttons on the sides.
- Fold-over clasp: one folding blade that clicks shut, sometimes with an extra safety flap.
- Push-button clasp: any clasp that opens with one or two small buttons.
How to open it
- Hold the watch with the clasp facing you.
- Push-button clasp: squeeze both buttons at the same time and gently lift.
- Without buttons: slide a fingertip under the edge of the clasp and lift slowly. Avoid using your fingernail as a lever.
- If there is a safety flap, open that first.
How to open a push-button clasp
A push-button clasp has a small button on each side of the folding part. It is the easiest type to open once you know the trick: the buttons release the clasp, you do not need to pull.
- Turn your wrist so the clasp faces up.
- Place your thumb and index finger on the two buttons.
- Press both buttons at the same time. The clasp springs open slightly.
- Lift the folding part with your fingertip and slide the watch off your hand.
Pressing one button is usually not enough, and pulling while the buttons are not fully pressed can bend the clasp. Some watches hide the buttons under the bracelet, like the Brone, which has a hidden push-button clasp: feel for the two small buttons along the edge of the clasp and press them together.
How to open a fold-over clasp
A fold-over clasp (also called a single fold clasp) has one hinged blade that folds over and locks with a click. Many fold-over clasps add a safety flap on top.
- If there is a safety flap, lift that first. It usually has a small lip at the end of the clasp.
- Slide your fingertip under the end of the folding blade.
- Lift slowly and evenly until the blade unclips. Do not twist it sideways.
- Fold the blade open fully and slide the watch off.
To close it, fold the blade back down and press until it clicks, then close the safety flap. A new fold-over clasp can be firm for the first weeks. That is normal and it softens with use.
How to open a butterfly clasp
A butterfly clasp opens in two halves, like wings, so the bracelet looks unbroken when it is closed. Most butterfly clasps open with push buttons on both sides.
- Find the two buttons on the sides of the clasp.
- Press both at once. The two halves release and open outwards.
- Spread the halves gently and slide the watch over your hand.
To close a butterfly clasp, centre the watch on your wrist and press both halves together until each side clicks. Not sure which bracelet suits you best? Our guide to how tight a watch should be helps you find a comfortable fit.
How to close it
Put the watch on, centre it on your wrist and press the clasp flat until you feel or hear a click. Close any safety flap. The bracelet should now feel snug, with room for one finger underneath. Too loose? See How to remove watch links at home.
Clasp too stiff or too loose?
New clasps are often stiff and loosen with use. A clasp that no longer clicks firmly, or opens on its own, should be checked by a jeweller.
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Keep it clean
Dirt in the clasp makes it harder to open. Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush when you clean your watch: How to clean a stainless steel watch.
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a watch clasp without buttons?
Slide a fingertip under the edge of the clasp and lift slowly. Avoid using your fingernail as a lever.
Why won't my watch clasp close?
Check that nothing is caught in it and that the parts are aligned, then press flat until it clicks. If it still won't close, have it checked.
Can I adjust the clasp instead of removing links?
Some clasps have micro-adjustment holes for small changes; for bigger changes you remove links.
How do you open a watch with a push-button clasp?
Press the two small buttons on the sides of the clasp at the same time, then lift the folding part. Pressing only one button is usually not enough.
How do you open a fold-over clasp?
Lift any safety flap first, then slide a fingertip under the end of the folding blade and lift slowly until it unclips.
What is a butterfly clasp?
A clasp that opens in two halves, like wings, usually with a push button on each side. When closed, the bracelet looks unbroken.
