How to Replace a Watch Strap

If you’d like to replace the strap on your watch, you may be wondering how to do it. Where do you start? Is it easy? What tools do you need? We answer all your top questions in this handy guide.

You may want to replace a watch strap for a variety of reasons. Some people do it because their strap is old, worn, or damaged. Others do it to accommodate a specific environment – for example, opting for an easy-clean silicone watch strap for workouts. And sometimes, it’s simply done to change the overall look and feel of the watch. If you’re used to going to a jeweller for anything watch-related, it might seem tricky. But it’s remarkably easy to replace many watch straps at home, even if you don’t have any experience.

We’re here to walk you through the process, and make replacing your strap as easy as possible.

What you’ll need

You’ll just need 4 things to replace most modern watch straps:

• Your watch (of course!)
• A replacement strap that fits your watch
• The right tool for the job (we’ll discuss this later)
• A soft, clean cloth or soft rubber mat

Getting started

Before you start, lay your mat or clean cloth on a flat work surface. This is to protect your watch case from damage while you work. Once you’ve got your workspace set up, place your watch face down onto the mat/cloth, and take a look at the rear of the strap to figure out how it attaches to the watch case. In most cases, the attachment will have one of two modern mechanisms:

1. Quick-release pins

You’ll be able to tell if your watch has a quick-release strap by looking for a small lever on the strap near the lugs. These are the latest attachment mechanisms, and are very easy to work with.

2. Spring bars

If you don’t have a quick-release lever, you may have a spring bar. These attachments use telescopic ends that slot into the lugs. They’re also pretty easy to work with, but need a little more effort.

If your strap is older, you may have another type of attachment, such as a steel pin. These are trickier to replace, and may be best left to the experts. We’ll talk about these attachments a little later.

How to replace a quick-release watch strap

If you have a quick-release lever on your strap, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. These straps are designed to detach from the watch case in seconds, without needing any tools at all. Having said that, a standard pair of tweezers can be handy if you find moving the lever a bit fiddly.

To remove: On the back of the strap, you’ll see a small lever or catch. Just pull the catch over to the other side of the mechanism using your finger or tweezers, and the strap should detach effortlessly.

To replace: Position the pins of the new strap between the lugs, and pull the catch back over into the secured position. It’s standard to attach the shorter buckle side to the top of the watch case (the 12 o’clock side), and the longer piece to the bottom, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How to replace a spring bar watch strap

While not quite as effortless as replacing a quick-release strap, replacing a spring bar strap is still pretty straightforward. You’ll need a dedicated two-pronged spring bar fork, which is easy to find. The process is a bit like opening a baby gate, where you push the spring while pulling the gate open.

To remove: Place the tool in the gap between the lug and one of the strap pieces. Gently press the spring bar inwards, and you’ll feel it move. As you do, simply pull the strap away from the lugs.

To replace: Push one of the pins into one side of the lug, and use the tool to push the other pin inwards. As you do, move the strap into place, and release the spring so it catches in the mechanism. It should now be secure. Again, it’s typical to attach the shorter buckle side to the top of the case.

Do these methods work for Apple Watch straps?

Some types of watches – particularly smart watches – are a little different. If you’re looking to replace an Apple Watch strap there’s a slightly different process to follow, but don’t panic: it’s incredibly easy. You’ll find detailed instructions for doing this in our guide on how to change your Apple Watch strap.

Can I replace a watch strap with steel pins?

Steel pins or fixed bars are becoming increasingly uncommon as simpler spring bars and quick-release mechanisms gain popularity. If you have a watch strap with steel pins, also known as a fixed bar watch, we recommend an open-ended watch strap. Open-ended watch straps are similar to traditional straps but are designed to fold over the fixed bar. They are usually available in two styles: one that involves gluing and another that is folded and reinforced with a metal insert.

Are watch straps universal?

To an extent, yes, especially in terms of attachments. In most cases, you’ll be able to replace a spring bar watch strap with a quick-release watch strap, and vice versa. So if you’d rather opt for a super easy quick-release replacement, you can, in most circumstances. The only thing to keep in mind is that some heavier watches may be best with spring bars, which are usually a little more robust. However, standard-weight watches are usually absolutely fine with quick-release mechanisms.

The most important thing to think about is size, as there’s no universal strap sizing. It’s really important to select the right width and length for your replacement strap, to ensure it’s compatible with the watch case and fits your wrist comfortably. If you’re not sure what size strap you need, we’re here to help. Check out our guide on how to measure a watch strap for a simple explanation.

Take your time

Replacing a watch strap – particularly a quick-release or spring bar strap – is remarkably straightforward. But it’s not a process you’ll want to rush. Be sure to take your time. Browse through the different replacement straps on Watch Strap Style, read through our guide to ensure you’re comfortable getting started, and take it slow when working with your watch to reduce the risk of damage. Overall, it’s very quick and easy to replace watch straps, and learning how to do it gives you the freedom and flexibility to customise your look, and change your style as often as you’d like.