How to Measure and Install an Erika’s Originals MN Strap

Find the Perfect Fit for Your MN Strap

You'll need two measurements to choose the correct Erika’s Originals MN watch strap: the strap width and your wrist size. These steps will help you measure watch strap size accurately and ensure a comfortable fit.

Strap Width

The terms strap size, strap width, and lug width are often used interchangeably. They all mean the same thing—the width of the strap where it attaches to the lugs (the projecting arms on the watch case).

To determine your strap size, first check the back of your current strap for an imprint that indicates width.

If no measurement is visible, use a metric ruler or caliper to measure the internal distance between the lugs. This number will be a whole millimeter value (e.g., 20mm). If your lug width is 20mm, choose a 20mm strap.

Measuring lug width of a watch with a ruler
Measure the internal lug distance in millimeters to determine your strap width.

Wrist Size

To find your wrist size, wrap a flexible tape measure—or a strip of paper—around your wrist where your watch normally rests. Mark the point where the two ends meet. If using paper, measure it flat with a ruler. That number is your wrist size in inches.

We sell Erika’s Originals MN straps in two lengths:

  • Regular: fits wrists 6¼″–7¾″ (175mm / 7.00″ on Erika’s site)
  • Short: fits wrists 5½″–6¾″ (160mm / 6.25″ on Erika’s site)

Changing Your Watch Strap

Consider using a spring bar tool for strap changes—it makes the process faster and safer. Cover your work area with a light-colored towel or cloth to protect your watch, prevent scratches, and catch any spring bars that might pop loose. Place your watch face down, and if desired, wrap the lugs (avoiding the holes) with painter’s tape for extra protection.

Remove the Old Strap

Follow these steps to remove your existing strap:

  1. Use the forked end of your spring bar tool to expose the shoulder of the spring bar between the strap and lug.
  2. Push the shoulder of the spring bar inward, away from the lug hole, until it releases.
  3. Remove that side of the strap, then repeat for the opposite side.
Using a spring bar tool to remove a watch strap
Use the forked end of the spring bar tool to compress and release the spring bar.
Removing a watch strap using a spring bar tool
Once released, remove both strap ends from the watch lugs.

If the ends of the spring bars are visible through drilled lug holes, simply use the pointed end of the tool to push one side inward until the strap detaches.

Install Your New MN Strap

To install your new Erika’s Originals MN strap:

  1. Detach the strap piece from the notched metal slider.
  2. Lay the strap over the back of the watch with the back of the strap facing upward. The notched slider should be at the 12 o’clock end.
  3. Insert the spring bars through the watch lugs and over the back of the strap.
  4. Feed the strap piece back through the metal slider.
  5. For microadjustment, slide the metal keeper toward the watch to tighten, or away from it to loosen.
Installing an Erika’s Originals MN strap on a watch
Align the notched metal slider at the 12 o’clock end and install the strap over the spring bars.
Adjusting an Erika’s Originals MN strap using the metal keeper
Slide the metal keeper to fine-tune strap tension for a comfortable fit.

Now that your MN strap is installed, enjoy its comfort and adjustability. If you have any questions, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.