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.
HOW OTHERS ARE PAIRING IT
Customer Reviews
I purchased the Hirsch Toronto strap in both blue and black, each 20mm short. For me, the shorter length is perfect for my 6 1/2 inch wrist. The strap is just what I was looking for: a simple style, well made and a very easy wear, right from the start. I own other Hirsch models, but this was my first experience with the Toronto, and I'm quite pleased. They are very comfortable on my wrist, and enhance the look of my watch. I put it on a Seiko Solar, instead of the supplied bracelet, and with the quick release bars, I can swap out strap with ease. Holbens always makes the ordering process painless, and delivery only took a few days.
I have a medium sized wrist and I dislike when leather straps overhang too far. Due to this, I ordered a short version of this strap. It's almost a perfect size, in terms of length. The color is just slightly lighter than navy blue, while not being that ridiculous "royal blue" color. Initially, I wanted a lizard or croc grain strap for my Frederique Constant Index Classic dress watch, but settled on this "fine grain" style. I paired it with a deployant clasp, for longer strap life. Overall, for the price, I'm very happy with my purchase. I would recommend this strap, due to it's thin nature, for any dress watch where a blue strap is in order.
I really appreciate that Hirsch offers their straps 1) in a shorter length and 2) with quick-release spring bars. The strap looks and feels good. I have this strap in a few colors now – I picked up the blue one for my Seagull 1963 and I really like the combination!
I wasn't one hundred percent sure on the color when I initially ordered, but after receiving the watch I can confirm it looks great. I really like how soft the leather is. The built-in spring bars are also an added bonus, making it easy to swap out for other straps. Happy with my purchase.
Beautiful strap, blue-gray color is very tasteful and complements the gold bezel wonderfully. Holben's is the best!
This a good quality, simple watch strap. It is lightweight and very comfortable. It was easy to install onto the watch.
Shipping was fast. The strap quality is excellent. This strap was thin and supple. Finishing on leather is top notch. Very comfortable to wear. This is my fourth Fluco leather strap which I bought from this site and will surely buy more in the future as my watch collection grows.
This is a great strap. It broke in after one day. Soft and feeling and good looking. Quick release spring bars are a plus!!! I am very happy with this purchase. Put it on my Mido Belluna Certified Chronometer. Looks really good.
This is a wonderful soft Italian leather strap which pairs perfectly with my tank watch. I’m always extremely pleased with the products and service from Holbens.
Love the softness of the leather. Great quality.
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Get everything you need
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| Specifications | |
Brand |
Hirsch
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Width Width of the strap where it attaches to the watch; a.k.a. your size.
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12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, and 20mm
|
Length |
Regular and Short
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Thickness |
3.5mm or less
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Color |
Black
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Stitching Color |
Unstitched
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Material |
Calfskin
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Pattern |
Smooth
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Spring Bar |
Quick Release
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Rating |
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