How to Measure a Watch Strap

 

Thinking of replacing your current watch strap? You’re in luck! There are loads of different styles available, from classic looks to modern masterpieces. The big question is: what size do you need?

Is your existing watch strap looking a little worse for wear? Perhaps you’re after a more sporty strap that you can use at the gym. Or maybe you simply want to change things up with a new style. Whatever the reason, shopping online for a new strap for your watch opens up a world of possibilities. 

In some cases, however, it can also be a little confusing. Especially when it comes to size. As you may have noticed, there’s not much ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to watch straps, and you’ll find you’ve got a choice in both strap width and length. So what size do you need? Don’t worry: we’re here to help! 

This easy-to-use guide covers everything you need to know about measuring a watch strap, helping you to select the most suitable size, and ensuring your new strap fits securely and comfortably. 

Why size matters

“Can’t I just pick any strap that I like the look of?”. That would definitely be the easiest option! But the fact is that watch cases – and wrists – come in different sizes, which means straps have to come in different sizes, too. By taking a little time now to measure your watch strap, you’ll have complete confidence that any new strap you buy is compatible with the case, and fits your wrist. 

Does size REALLY matter? Absolutely. Consider that strap width can vary from a delicate 6mm to a more substantial 40mm; that’s a 34mm difference, so it’s always a good idea to shop straps by width.

But don’t be put off. Luckily, it’s incredibly easy to measure a watch strap, and you’ll quickly have the measurements you need to order the perfect size for you and your watch case. We’re going to walk you through the process of measuring a watch strap, so keep reading to find out just how to do it.  

What you’ll need

You won’t require anything special to measure a watch strap. In fact, all you’ll need is…

Your watch

It’s always best to detach the strap from the watch case first, as it makes for easier measuring. Use our guide on how to replace a watch strap for detailed instructions on how to do this. If you’re unable to remove the strap yourself, don’t force it, as you may cause damage. You can still measure with the watch case attached for now – it’s just a little bit fiddly. But you may need to pop into your local jeweller to have them remove the strap when your new one from Watch Strap Style arrives.

A measuring device

If you’ve got a set of digital callipers lying around, these will likely give you the most accurate measurements. But if not, don’t worry. You can still measure accurately using a ruler, a tape measure, or even a printed watch strap measuring guide downloaded from jewellery websites. You might also want to have a bit of string or wool to hand – we’ll talk about why you may need this a little later on. 

Pen & paper

When measuring your watch strap, you’ll be looking not just at the width but also the taper (if applicable) and the length of both sides of the strap. That’s four sets of measurements you might end up with! Reduce the risk of forgetting measurements – or muddling them up – by jotting them down. 

What to measure

There are two things you’ll need to measure when figuring out watch strap size: width and length. 

How to measure watch band width

If you’ve currently got a leather watch strap, the quickest and easiest way to determine width is simply to look at the back side of the strap. Some – not all – have the width imprinted onto the leather. For example, if there’s a ‘22’ on the back of your leather strap, it means the width is 22mm. 

Simple!

If your strap doesn’t have a number on it – or you’re dealing with a strap made from a different material – you’ll need to measure the width yourself. But this isn’t difficult. What you need to do is find the ‘lug width’, which is the size of the gap between the lugs (or horns). The lugs are the two metal parts on each side of the watch case that protrude out and connect the case to the strap. Measure between the inside of the lugs on one side, and record your measurement in millimetres. 

If you have a strap that tapers – so it’s widest at the lugs and narrowest at the end furthest from the watch case – be sure to take this into account. You’ll still need to measure the lug width, but keep in mind that the standard taper is 2mm. This means a 16mm-wide strap will taper to around 14mm. 

How to measure watch strap length

Use your measuring device to measure both sides of the watch strap: the buckle side (the short part), and the point or tail side (the long part). Make sure the strap is laid as flat as possible to get the most accurate reading. You’ll want to measure only the strap itself, not including the buckle. 

Once again, this is measured in millimetres (mm). You’ll have two measurements for the two sides, and you can also add these measurements together to generate a ‘total length’ for the watch strap. 

This method works well if you’re going to replace your strap with a new strap of exactly the same length. But what happens if your current strap doesn’t fit well, and you need something different?

It’s quite straightforward, and this is where a bit of string can come in handy. Wrap the string comfortably around your wrist, and make a mark using your pen at the point where the string meets. Lay this piece of string out flat, and measure (in mm) from the end to the pen mark using your ruler. 

Next, measure (in mm) the size of the watch case between the two points where the strap connects. When you have these measurements, deduct the watch case size from the size of your wrist. This will give you the length of watch strap that’s best for you. The standard total length for most watch straps is between 175-190mm, but you can find extra long watch straps measuring between 190-210mm. 

Find the best fit for you

Measuring your watch strap is a straightforward yet crucial step in finding a new strap that fits both your watch case and wrist comfortably. By figuring out the width and length, you can ensure that your new strap will not only be compatible with your watch, but will also provide a comfortable and secure fit. Armed with these measurements, you can confidently explore a variety of styles and materials to match your preferences, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of your watch. 

Enjoy the process of selecting your perfect strap!