Strap 101 – Changing a Strap

Changing a Strap – How to fit your StrapKlub strap

Spring bars explained

First, of course, you need to remove the old strap. In 99% of cases, straps are attached to the watch with spring bars. The name hints at how they work: a spring inside pushes the movable ends outwards. Pressing the ends in against the spring shortens the bar so it can slide out of the holes in the watch lugs.

Protecting your watch

Care is essential because the tips of a spring bar are pointed and can scratch the watch. It is best to remove spring bars from the underside, with the watch face-down on a soft, non-slip surface. For extra protection, you can also mask the lugs and case with tape.

Classic Calfskin Travertine on a watch – Lifestyle shot

Removing the old strap

If the old strap has quick-release spring bars at the lugs, removal is especially easy: press the small lever and pull the strap free. With conventional spring bars, the method depends on whether the watch has drilled or closed lugs. Drilled lugs are easy to identify by the small holes visible on the outside. Removal is straightforward here too. A proper tool is best, although a toothpick will often be enough to push the spring bar in from the outside so that the strap can be pulled free. For closed lugs, you can use a very fine screwdriver blade to compress the spring bar from underneath at its slightly raised shoulder. A dedicated spring bar tool is much better, however. Its small forked tip greatly reduces the risk of slipping.

Back of a watch with an exposed movement and beige Alcantara strap on green marble

Special case: screw-in bars

In exceptional cases, such as some Breguet watches, straps are secured with screw-in gold bars. In these cases, we strongly recommend having the strap changed by a professional.

Fitting your StrapKlub strap

Fitting a StrapKlub strap is always easy: every one of our straps comes with quick-release spring bars, so you can simply click it into place. This makes it ideal for switching colours or materials with the seasons. Our buckles are deliberately neutral in design and suit almost every case shape, so there is no need to change the buckle—it will complement your watch.

Changing the buckle

If you do want to change the buckle—for example, to use a yellow-gold buckle that matches your watch—you can remove its spring bar as described above.