GildenUnisex Non-Expansion 18-23mm Stainless Steel Watch Band 1536

Lighter in weight than my "OEM" band, but so far after 2 months, it has worked great!It hasn't come loose, it hasn't broken or anything like that; it wasn't too difficult to replace my old band, but I did run into a couple of issues, that were ultimately solved.One was the way you can "remove links" to shorten the band (I had to do this, as well as move the pin on the clasp, to fit my wrist properly); they come out easily enough (be very careful though; a slip could cause you to jam a screwdriver into your hand) - but replacing them was tricky; I actually bent one, but with a pair of small needle-nose pliers, I got it bent back and managed to get it to push back into place. I think it was some kind of "hangup" on the edge that caused it to jam, and the force needed made me bend it.I also found that to shorten the "clasp", you have to move the pin that is connected to the band - not the pin located at the very end that holds the clasp "hinge" (if you try to move it, you won't be able to close it properly).Finally, I like that the band came with extra pins; it is super-duper easy, when removing the old band, installing the new one, or shortening the clasp - for one of those pins to slip and launch itself into orbit; I'm sure I'll find the one that launched on me someday in my shop - unless it really did reach escape velocity...It bothered me that it happened, but the extra pins "saved the day" (actually, I own a box of replacement pins, for another "watch project" I needed them for - it seems like there are a thousand of those small things in that box, and you don't want to spill it).Overall, I'm enjoying my new watch band; honestly, I need a new watch, as this one is almost 30 years old, and looks terrible (other than the new band, that is) - but I see no reason to replace a watch that still works, and I'm not one to just wear a watch or something for "fashion", something I don't care about, at all.A new band was all I needed, and this band was the perfect replacement.

I just finished making my final adjustments to this band and this will be my initial review. After some time wearing it, I'll update if necessary. This band is replacing one almost exactly like it that I've had for years. I like the look of it better than a couple other bands I was looking at. I'm already familiar with adjusting its size, so the reviews that complained about the links didn't worry me.The links have a polished, shiny finish down the center and a satin (or brushed) finish on the outsides. My previous band was just the opposite, but this still looks good. The contrast is very appealing to the eye. The spring-loaded adjustable ends make it fit any watch case 18-23 mm, which is convenient. You don't have to worry if you measured your case exactly right. The clasp snaps in place with a secondary locking mechanism that folds over the top of the clasp, snaps down, and remains tight. I like this band compared to others I looked at because it does not look big and clunky.I'd like to address the links and making size adjustments since there are some reviews that complain about it. One review was titled, "Cannot be adjusted by anyone but a jeweler." That is untrue. All it takes is some patience, a few simple tools, and a little knowledge of how the link pins are inserted into the links. One of my images shows two links that have been removed, plus their pins. Instead of cylindrical pins, this band has flat, L-shaped pins. My other image (with the yellow arrow) shows where you can insert a tool to slide the pin out. I used a flat-head screwdriver with a thin head, a small hammer (to hit the end of the screwdriver), and a pair of needle nosed pliers to grab the pin once it slides out enough. To start, I do my work on a towel to prevent scratches and provide some grip. I also position the link so the slot (yellow arrow) is facing towards me, which is actually opposite of what you see in my image. When I tap out the pin, I'm tapping it out towards me. To do this, place the corner of the flat-head screwdriver into the slot until it just catches the pin. Tap the end of the screwdriver until the pin slides out enough to grab it with the pliers. If the screwdriver slips off, just reposition the corner back onto the pin. There are small arrows on the links indicating which direction the pins are to be removed. To put it back together, simply position the links together, carefully slide the pin back through until it slides into place, and squeeze it back in tight with the pliers.What's great about this band is that it also has the ability to make very small size adjustments using the clasp. My last image shows the clasp and where you make these smaller adjustments. Once you have removed the necessary links, then you can make smaller adjustments at the clasp by sticking a paperclip or something into the hole, pushing the spring bar out and moving it to another set of holes. This is great because, oftentimes, removing links doesn't get the size just right. I have about a 7 1/2" wrist and had to remove four links, plus adjust it at the clasp to the second largest set of holes. I hope you find this helpful.I'm giving it 4 stars simply because it is a bit more difficult to remove these types of links/pins if you aren't familiar with them, but mostly because I just got this band and haven't had a chance to put it to the test yet. After some time, I'll return to update my review.Update: I've now owned this watch band for just over one month. I took it on vacation where I wore it every day. As stated earlier in my review, it replaced a watch band almost identical to it. This band functions just as my old one did. It's comfortable and, in my opinion, looks great. The clasp closes tightly and securely. After removing the proper amount of links that I needed to, I did use the micro-adjustment on the clasp to make it a hair bigger. It's nice to have those small adjustments available that can be done fairly quickly. As of now, it appears this band will last for years to come. The only reason I had to replace the old one was because I needed to add links to it, but lost my spare links. This band is durable and looks great.

I have attached a LOT of watch bands in my life, but this one was impossible!!!! I finally got ONE link pin out. The other links simply will NOT come out no matter how hard I tried. That makes the band worthless. I would return it, but now that I have it apart, I doubt it would be returnable. DO NOT BUY this unless you want to take it to a professional jeweler to adjust the size. I am chalking it off to a bad decision on my part.

The produce was everything that was expected. Recommend the seller.

This looks nice but does not fit the size stated (18mm)and does not have pin mounting. Check the mounting system, as this one is weird and spring loaded (I have never seen anything like it)

I purchased this because I needed a black band in a 21mm width. Very few bands offer the 21mm width. I have a small wrist and had to remove several links. On one side of the clasp they were difficult to remove, on the other side of the clasp, they were impossible. Note the review that says the black bands are painted and this may be the problem with removing the pins. I also note one reviewer who used a hammer. I also used a hammer with a small screwdriver and found that even with extreme force I could not remove enough pins to size properly. Had to use the adjustment at the clasp which makes the band uneven on the clasp. I am open to any suggestions on getting these pins out. With straight pins on other bands, I have a special tool that will work, but I have exhausted all options I can think of for removing these pins. I like the design, the clasp, the price and the color but I would look for another type of band in the future if you need a black band