Thinking about changing your watch strap but worried it’s more complicated than it looks? You’re not alone.
Many people believe swapping a strap means a trip to the jeweller, but that’s not the case.
At Noto Strap Store, our goal is to make quality straps and accessories easy for everyone to enjoy. Below, we’ll show you in just 4 simple steps how to change your watch strap quickly, safely, and without any hassle.
So, let’s get started!
Step 1 – What Do You Need?
The great thing about changing a watch strap is that you don’t need much at all. In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove and replace a standard two-piece watch strap.
What You’ll Need:
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A soft surface – you’ll likely place your watch face down, so protect it from scratches.
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Your watch and new strap – the essentials.
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Spring bar tool – only required if you’re working with standard spring bars. If both your old and new straps use quick-release pins, you won’t need this (we’ll cover that shortly).
(Links to our spring bar removal tool and spring bars can be found at the bottom of this article) -
Spring bars – sometimes needed if your new strap doesn’t come with quick-release pins.
Step 2 – Removing Your Watch Strap
Option A: If Your Strap Has Quick-Release Spring Bars
If your strap has quick-release spring bars, removal couldn’t be easier. On the underside of the strap, near the lugs, you’ll see small levers. Slide the lever inward to release the spring bar, then gently pull the strap away from the watch. Repeat on the other side and your strap is off—job done.
Option B: Removing Your Watch Strap If Your Watch Has Drilled Lugs
Some watches come with drilled lugs, which make strap changes even easier. With these, you can release the spring bars from the outside of the case. Use a narrow pointed tool (or the pin end of your spring bar tool) and press into the drilled lug hole. Once the spring bar compresses, slide the strap out of the watch.
Option C: If Your Strap Uses Standard Spring Bars
For straps without quick-release pins or drilled lugs, you’ll need a spring bar tool. Use the forked end to carefully press between the strap and the lug, pushing the spring bar inward until it releases. Once it’s free, gently slide the strap away from the watch. Repeat on the other side to fully remove the strap.
A strap without quick-release pins or drilled lugs can look tricky at first, but once you’ve done it with a spring bar tool, you’ll see how straightforward it really is. After that first try, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner—plus it opens up endless strap options in the future.
To remove the strap, find the groove on the spring bar (see images above) and place the forked end of your spring bar tool into it. Gently press inward to compress the spring bar while easing the strap away from the watch. Keep steady pressure and the strap will slide out cleanly. That’s it—you’ve done it!
If you don’t have a spring bar tool yet, you can pick one up from us here for just £2.99.
Step 3 – Make Sure Your New Strap Fits
Before fitting your replacement strap, double-check it’s the right size for your watch. The width of the strap should match the lug width (the gap between the watch lugs). A properly sized strap not only looks better but also keeps your watch secure.
Measuring your watch’s lug width is simple. While digital calipers give the most precise result, a basic ruler works just as well for this job.
All you need to do is measure the gap between the two lugs of your watch case—that number is the strap width you’ll need.
If you can’t measure it yourself, don’t worry. Most watches have their lug width listed online or in the original paperwork that came with the watch. Watch straps are quoted and measured in millimetres.
Step 4 – Fitting Your New Strap
Option A: If Your Strap Has Quick-Release Spring Bars
Fitting a quick-release strap is just as easy as taking one off. Start by placing the end of the spring bar without the lever into the lug hole. Next, pull the lever inward and guide the other end of the bar into the opposite lug. Once it clicks into place, give the strap a gentle wiggle to make sure it’s secure. Repeat on the other side—and just like that, your new strap is on.
Option B: Installing a Strap with Standard Spring Bars
By now you’ll be confident with the spring bar tool—and it’s time to use it again. Installing the strap is basically the reverse of removing it.
With the spring bar already fitted to your new strap, place one end into the lug hole. Use the forked end of your tool to compress the other side of the spring bar, then guide it carefully into position.
You should feel or hear a small click when it locks into place. As always, give the strap a gentle wiggle to make sure it’s secure before moving on to the other side.
And that’s it—you now know how to remove and replace the most common two-piece watch straps. If you’re working with a single-piece strap, check out our other guides below:
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[How to Fit a Marine Nationale Strap]({INSERT LINK})
Nice work! If you’d like more tutorials, tips, and strap inspiration, join our email list below and stay up to date with everything from Notostrapstore.com.
If you are looking for spring bar tools, spring bars or any of the straps or watches featured in our guide you can find those here below:
[product=watch-spring-bar-removal-tool]
Replace your watch strap in seconds!
[/product]
[product=watch-strap-spring-bars]
Replace your watch strap in seconds!
[/product]
[product=military-field-watch-strap-with-sandblasted-hardware-available-in-black-or-green|variants=Green / 18mm,Green / 20mm,Green / 22mm,Black / 18mm,Black / 20mm,Black / 22mm]
Replace your watch strap in seconds!
[/product]
[product=the-daily-beater-field-watch]
Replace your watch strap in seconds!
[/product]
