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Change a Watch Strap How-To
Changing a watch strap is relatively simple with the right tools. You will require a
spring-bar removal tool, which
can be purchased here (if you don't already have one),
or a small, flat-bladed screwdriver. You will also need, of course, your watch, and the new watch strap that you wish to fit.
In this example, we will be using the following watch and strap:
Almost all types of watch strap are held to the watch by small spring-loaded bars called spring-bars. These fit into small
indents on the inside of the watch case and go through a loop in the end of the watch strap. Just before you take your watch strap
off your watch, make a note of which side of the watch strap is attached to which side of the watch. Usually, if you put the watch down
and look at it the right way up, the end of the watch strap with the buckle on goes at the top.
To remove the watch strap from
the watch, you need to compress one end of the spring bar that is underneath the shoulders of the watch-case and lever it
out from underneath the watch case. The other end can be removed easily.
Once you have done this on both sides of the watch strap, remove the spring bars from your old watch strap and put them safely to
one side. Now, if you already know the dimensions of your watch strap, you can skip the next step, but if you're not sure,
you need to measure it to make sure that you purchase the right watch strap. To do this, use a ruler to measure the distance between
the shoulders of your watch case's shoulders, as shown in the image below:
This measurement is usually a multiple of 2mm, but occasionally watches have odd-numbered widths. In this case,
you may either have to purchase a smaller watch strap and hope that it doesn't become too loose, or purchase a larger
watch strap and hope that you can squeeze the watch strap into the gap.
When you know the dimensions of your watch strap, you can go ahead and purchase a watch strap that fits the required dimensions. Click
the following link to view a wide range of leather, resin and
nylon watch straps.
Before you attach your new watch strap to your watch, you might like to clean up your watch case a little bit, especially
if you have been wearing it for a long time!
To attach your new watch strap to your watch, you need to insert your old spring bars into the new watch strap. When you have done that, put one
end of the spring bar into the watch case (make sure that you have the watch strap the right way round!).
Then, use the
forked end of the spring bar tool to compress the other end of the spring bar and slide it underneath the shoulder of the
watch case.
You may need to wriggle it a bit before it clicks into place, but it should do eventually. Then do the same
with the other side, again, ensuring that the watch strap is the right way round, like so:
And there we go - all done!
You may like to change the buckle over too, especially if you have a buckle with a brand on that you want to keep.
If this is the the case, you might like to take a look at this page on
how to change
a watch strap buckle.
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