Can I Change A Watch Strap?

Can I Change a Watch Strap?

Written by: Luthien Evans, for Watch Obsession | Time to read 1 min

Published on September 15, 2022 | Last Updated on October 27, 2026

Can All Watch Straps Be Changed?

Yes, in most cases you can change a watch strap yourself without having to visit a jeweller. If your current strap is looking frayed or damaged, or you simply want to update the style of your watch, fitting a new one can give it a completely different look.

It is also a good opportunity to clean around the lugs and other harder-to-reach areas of the watch.

Changing a strap at home is usually manageable with a steady hand and the right tools. If you are not confident doing it, a local jeweller or watch specialist can fit the new strap for you.

If you are looking for a replacement, you can browse our full range of watch straps by size, material, colour and brand.

Can All Watch Straps Be Changed?

Most watch straps can be changed, but not every watch will accept a standard replacement strap. What you need depends on how the strap attaches to the watch.

Many watches use spring bars to secure the strap between the lugs, making it relatively easy to remove the existing strap and fit another in the correct width. Watches with integrated, fitted or model-specific straps may need a replacement designed for that particular watch or case.

Watches with fixed bars also need a compatible option, such as an open-ended watch strap.

Before buying a replacement, check the lug width and the type of fitting your watch uses. If you are unsure which size you need, our watch strap sizing guide explains how to measure your watch correctly.

Strap Changing Video Guide

How to Change a Watch Strap

Changing your watch strap at home is possible. It is an even easier process if your watch strap has a quick-release spring bar, as you can remove and attach the strap without using a traditional spring bar tool.

If you are ready and prepared with your perfect replacement strap, then it is time to change that strap.

To change a watch strap:

1. Set up your equipment
2. Remove the strap
3. Repeat on the other side
4. Attach the replacement strap

1. Set Up Your Equipment

To start, you need a sturdy work surface that allows you to see your watch clearly and safely use tools on it.

You will need different equipment to help you with changing your watch strap. This includes:

2. Remove the Strap

Once you have located where the watch strap connects to the timepiece, you can begin changing your watch strap. The spring bar ends are connected to the timepieces through small holes. Use your spring bar tool to apply pressure to the flanges of the spring bar, allowing the spring bar (and watch strap) to come free from the timepiece.

To start, grip the timepiece with your non-dominant hand, with the spring bar tool in the other hand like you would a pencil.

Put the fork of the spring bar tool between the side of the watch strap and the lug. Start to carefully pull the lug from the hole to remove it from the lug. Pull the spring bar out of the hole in the watch strap.

You have now removed the first side of the watch strap.

It is important to note here that spring bars are small and easy to lose, so keep a close eye on the spring bars in order to be able to replace the watch strap.

3. Repeat

One side of the watch strap down, one more side of the strap to go.

To complete the removal of the watch strap, rotate the watch 180 degrees, so you can continue the same process again by repeating step two on the remaining side.

4. Attach the Replacement Strap

To attach the replacement strap, you will need to put the spring bars into the replacement strap and then attach the strap to the lugs of the timepiece.

You will then need to compress the spring bar ends so they can fit back into the holes in the timepiece. Using your spring bar tool, insert the spring bars into the lug holes, taking care that the spring bars do not fly away from the watch.

Once they are in, the watch strap will be attached and looking fresh and new.

This step is harder than the initial steps as the lug hole will not be able to be seen when adding the replacement strap, but with a bit of patience you should be able to secure it into place.

For a traditional two-piece watch strap:

• the strap with the buckle should be attached to the top side of the timepiece
• the longer end should be attached to the bottom side of the timepiece

Repeat this step and you are nearly complete.

Then wipe down your updated watch with a microfibre cloth and give it a quick try-on to test if it fits you correctly.

If you are struggling with this process, or know that your hands are less steady, go to your local jewellers for advice.

Choosing the Right Replacement Watch Strap

When browsing for watch straps, look for a strap that is:

• comfortable
• the correct size for your watch
• suited to how you plan to wear it

If you are ready for a change, shop our full watch strap collection, including leather, rubber, nylon and other styles in a wide choice of sizes and colours.

If you are unsure which strap will fit your watch, contact us and the Watch Obsession team can help with sizing and compatibility.

Planning to fit the new strap yourself? Browse our watch tools and accessories, including spring bar tools and other useful equipment for fitting and looking after your watch.

Conclusion