There are lots of good reasons to buy a new watch strap. Changing your strap can give your trusty old Omega, Seiko or Timex a new lease on life. If you've recently acquired a new watch, you may want to store your OEM strap or bracelet to keep it in pristine condition. Even if you're not concerned with preserving the OEM strap, often they aren't the ideal quality, fit or design for your wrist comfort or personal style.
Shopping for and wearing new straps is one of the fun things about owning a watch. But before you get started, you'll need to know how to achieve the best fit for your watch case and wrist size. With watch straps, size matters, and we can help.
Find your perfect fit
You'll need at least two measurements to choose a strap that fits properly: the width and the length. If you plan to swap out the buckle for a new one or switch to a deployant clasp, you'll also need to know the strap/buckle taper measurement.
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.
Strap length
If your strap is too tight, it could irritate your skin and affect your circulation. Too loose, and your watch will migrate around your wrist, constantly straying from its desired location. You want to choose the correct length for your 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.
Compare your wrist size to each manufacturer's specifications in our product listings to make sure you're buying the right length. If you find yourself between two lengths, round up.
Strap/buckle taper
Most watch straps taper in width toward the buckle. Your buckle size matches the width at the buckle end of the strap, not the lug end. If you have a 22mm strap that tapers to 20mm at the buckle, you need a 20mm buckle. A 22mm buckle will be too big.
The strap/buckle taper is important information if you're swapping out the buckle with one of your own, or want to add a deployant clasp. Holben's includes this detail in all of our product listings.
Changing your watch strap
Consider investing in an inexpensive spring bar tool for strap changes. If your strap uses standard spring bars, a spring bar tool can save you a lot of frustration. It can also help with quick-release bars if you have larger fingers or are dealing with mobility issues like arthritis.
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.
- 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.
- Extract the bar from the hole in the lug and remove that side of the strap.
- 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 the new strap
Installing your new strap is similar to removing the old one, only in reverse.
- Make sure that both your watch and the strap are facing up, and that each strap piece is placed correctly; typically the buckle piece sits at the twelve o'clock position.
- Insert a spring bar into the channel in the strap end. Slip one end of the bar into the corresponding lug hole.
- Using your spring bar tool, depress the other side of the bar and guide it into the hole in the other lug. You should hear an audible "click" when the bar pops into place.
- Repeat the operation with the other strap piece.
Change the buckle
Changing the buckle works the same way as changing the strap, with a few other considerations.
- Use your spring bar tool to remove the spring bar connecting the old buckle to the strap.
- Place the prong of the new buckle (facing the same direction as the strap) in the slot on the strap.
- Insert the spring bar through the strap channel, taking care to catch the prong.
- Confirm that the prong is correctly positioned (sitting on top of the buckle, not underneath it), then insert the spring bar into the buckle holes.
Now all that's left to do is enjoy your new strap. If you have any questions, contact us and we would be happy to help.
Customer Reviews
Thick and high quality - softened and shaped with boiling water/cup method. The checkered pattern is very subtle on the wrist, but just enough to add some visual interest. I do wish the hole placement was spaced a little closer on general principle, but it fits great as is. I can't imagine a better value in rubber at the price.
Nice sturdy strap of good quality with decent buckle. Does not attract dust at all. Strap has a mild pleasant vanilla smell. Wish it was more flexible brand new. There was some increase in flexibility noted with use. Overall I am happy with it. Holbens provided a pleasant and hassle free service with prompt delivery.
Nice sturdy strap which does not attract dust at all. Pleasant md smell of vanilla noted. Buckle is of good quality. Strap is stiff when new but some increased in flexibility noted with used. Wish it was more flexible and compliant brand new though. Overall, I am happy with it. Great hassle free service from Holbens and delivery was prompt.
The strap is of great quality and well worth the money. You can instantly feel the quality of it and I'm sure it will last a long time. This was the first time buying from Holben's and the service is great. My package shipped the next day after placing my order and it arrived very quickly.
Awesome band and seller
I bought this watch strap for my Tag Formula 1, and I love it. I just got it today but I can already tell it's a keeper. I have another rubber watch band and I like it too but it's not quite as nice as this one. Tag wants $300 for their rubber strap and it's no better than this one for one tenth the cost. I am very pleased with this purchase, very sturdy and thick, should hold up quite well.
I spend days looking for replacement and have sifted thru hundreds to pick the right one. Love the weaved fibers and the recessed design. This is one stylish strap! Even though it takes me longer each morning to put it on. You get used to it and you feel happy. Personally I don't care much for the vanilla scent, however all my family members love that. See my photo, I used this strap on my divers watch Dive Master 500.
Great quality products – excellent prices (best prices I could find for many of their products). Fast delivery without headaches. I’ve purchased many times in the past – and will continue to do so,
Fantastic strap! 22mm, but I installed it on a Citizen Promaster Diver (20mm lugs) with no problem, and no trimming required. The softness allows 20mm installation with no buckling - it looks perfect, and is solid. The thickness and quality of the strap just screams "luxury." I am a Zoo/Museum Director. My Promaster is my work watch. I needed a strap that was professional enough for meetings, but could also stand up to saltwater immersion, and animals trying to rip it off my wrist. All the boxes are checked. The thick material prevents slipping around my wrist when wet, and it doesn't attract dirt, dust, or lint like silicone straps. Great strap for legit rugged environments, or the office.
Not much else to say that others haven’t already. I’ve been buying exclusively Bonetto Cinturini rubber straps since trying my first from them. I haven’t found a better rubber strap so that pretty much sums it up. And I always purchase from Holben’s, can’t beat the shipping speed and prices
