Do I need a tool to change my watch strap?
Swapping your watch strap is a simple task with the proper tools on hand. The most important is a spring bar tool, used to compress and release the spring-loaded pins that attach the strap to the lugs. A soft lint-free cloth protects the watch face from scratches during the change. If you’ve ever tried swapping a watch strap at home, you know the fear: One slip… and you scratch your lugs. It happens to collectors all the time—especially when using cheap spring bar tools, knives, or makeshift objects that were never designed for watch cases.
Do all watch straps fit all watches?
If the watch has a conventional lug arrangement which will hold a straight ended watch strap, you can attach almost all watch straps to that watch. However, some watches are designed so that you cannot fit a universal replacement watch strap to it. Measure lug width: Use a caliper or ruler to measure between watch lugs. Common sizes: 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, and 22mm. Determine wrist size: Wrap measuring tape around your wrist where you wear your watch. This helps choose between short, medium, or long strap options.