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Replacing the strap or bracelet of your watch yourself is very easy once you know how! Below we explain step-by-step what the different attachments of watch straps are and how you can change your watch strap yourself.
Before you start to replace your watch strap or bracelet, you need to know how the band is attached to the watch. The three most common mount types are: easy click pins, regular spring bars and steel pins.
Strap with spring bars
Silicone strap with easy click system
Steel bracelet with steel pin
When you buy a watch or watch strap/bracelet from us, the product specifications always indicate the type of attachment of the strap/bracelet. For example spring bars or steel pins.
Which tools you need to replace your watch strap depends on the type of attachment:
1 You do not need any tools to replace a watch strap with an easy click system.
2 To replace a watch strap with spring bars you need a strap changing tool with a 'fork'.
3 To replace a watch strap with steel pins, you need a strap changing tool with a pin.
All the tools you need for maintaining your watch and replacing and shortening watch straps/bracelets can be found on our accessories page.
Strap changing tool with 'fork'
Strap adjustment tool
Strap changing tool with pin
1. Turn the watch, face up.
2. Pull the catch of the strap aside so that the pin is released and you can remove the strap from the lugs.
3. Insert the pin of the replacement strap into the lug and pull the catch back.
4. Push the strap between lugs until you feel the pin click into place.
1. Turn the watch face up.
2. Carefully pop out the pin by applying a little tension with the fork. By pressing it to the left, you will feel that it gives way. After this you can gently pull the watch strap downwards, so that it comes loose.
3. Remove the spring bar from your strap and check whether it is still in good condition. Replace it when it no longer bounces or is damaged. This way you prevent losing your watch at a later time. Replacement spring bars can be found on our spring bars page
4. Repeat the above steps for the other side, so that both strap halves are removed.
5. Turn the watch face up again.
6. Take the bar and gently push it through the new strap.
7. Place the spring bar in one of the holes in the case/lugs.
8. While holding the watch strap in place with your thumb, gently push the other side of the spring bar into the other hole with the fork. As a result, it is clamped and the strap is held in place.
9. Repeat the above steps for the other side.
10. Check that the bars are secure by gently pulling the strap.
We recommend that you always have watch bracelets that are attached to the case with a steel pin replaced by the jeweler or watchmaker to prevent damage to the case.
We explain how you can shorten a watch bracelet yourself on our page about shortening watch bracelets.
If, despite these instructions, you are unable to change your watch strap yourself, you can always contact us. We are happy to help!
In principle, there is no difference between replacing a leather watch strap and a metal bracelet. Steel watch bracelets often have a loose 'end link', which forms the connection between the case and the rest of the bracelet. The spring bar or pin then protrudes through the bracelet and end link into the lugs.
Steel bracelet with steel pin
Bracelet with end link and spring bar
Replacing a Swatch watch band is done in a slightly different way because Swatch watches have their own unique strap attachment. You can use a special Swatch strap changing tool for this. In the video below we show you exactly how to replace a Swatch watch strap.
Swatch strap changing tool
To replace a NATO-strap, you usually don't have to loosen any pins because the strap goes under the strap pins. In the video below we show you how to replace a NATO-strap.
You need special tools to replace a watch strap that is attached to the case with screws. Special screwdrivers for watches can be found on our accessories page.
Leather strap with saddle screw
Mesh bracelet with screws
Do you want to replace the buckle of your watch strap because it is broken, or because you prefer to put a different colour or type of clasp on your watch strap? Then you can do this following the same watch strap replacement instructions as above. Are you looking for a replacement clasp for your watch strap? Then visit our watch clasps page.
Now that you know how easy it is to replace a watch strap yourself, you can get started. Tired of the colour or style of your watch strap? Or would you prefer a rubber strap instead of a leather strap? We sell bandswatch straps for more than sixty brands. With our handy strap finder you will find the strap that fits your watch in no time.
Are you looking for a replacement strap for a watch from a brand that we do not sell? Or do you want a special waterproof bracelet or a strap made of a special type of leather? In addition to branded straps, we carry a wide range of universal watch straps from top brands such as Hirsch, with which you can give your old watch a new look in no time at all.
