Erika's Originals: Sizing and Installation Guide

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.

Strap Width

The terms "strap size," "strap width" and "lug width" are often used interchangeably. Don't let this confuse you; they all mean the same thing. Basically, the width of the strap where it attaches to the watch lugs (the two projecting arms on the watch case) is the strap size.

To determine your strap size, try the easy way first: check the back of your current strap for an imprint that indicates the size.

If no useful information is provided on the strap, use a metric ruler or a caliper to measure the watch lug width, or the internal distance between the lugs. This measurement will be a whole number, expressed in millimeters (i.e., 20mm). If your lug width is 20mm, you need a 20mm strap.

Wrist Size

To determine your wrist size, measure your wrist in inches. Use a flexible tape measure or a strip of paper to wrap your wrist where your watch would naturally sit. Mark the point where the two ends meet. If you're using paper, measure it with a ruler. That number is your wrist size.

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

Regular, for wrists 6-1/4" - 7-3/4" (175mm/7.00 inch on Erika's site)
Short, for wrists 5-1/2" - 6-3/4" (160mm/6.25 inch on Erika's site)

Changing Your Watch Strap

Consider investing in an inexpensive spring bar tool for strap changes. It can save you a lot of frustration in the long run.

Cover your work area with a light-colored towel or cloth to protect your watch, keep tools and parts from rolling away and hopefully catch any spring bars that may fly into the air. Place your watch on the towel with the back facing up; this protects the front of the watch from accidental slips or scratches. You can also wrap the lugs (avoiding the holes) with masking or painter's tape.

Remove the old strap

Removing the old strap involves a few simple steps.

1. Use the forked end of your spring bar tool to expose the shoulder of the spring bar between the strap and the lug, then push the shoulder of the bar away from the lug hole towards the strap.
2. Extract the bar from the hole in the lug and remove that side of the strap.
3. The opposite side of the strap should fall out of the lug hole on its own. If not, repeat the process on that side.

Sometimes the ends of the spring bars are exposed through holes in the lugs. If this is the case, simply use the pointed end of your spring bar tool to push in one end of the bar until it separates from the lug.

Install your new MN strap

To install your new strap:

1. Remove the strap piece from the notched metal slider.
2. Place the strap over the back of the watch, with the back of the strap facing up. The notched metal slider will be at the twelve o'clock end of the watch.
3. Install your spring bars over the back of the strap. 

4. Insert the strap piece back into the metal slider.
5. To microadjust your strap, slide the metal keeper towards the watch to tighten, and away from the watch to loosen.

Now all that's left to do is enjoy your new MN strap. If you have any questions, contact us and we would be happy to help.