How to change your watch strap yourself

What you need

A spring bar tool (a small fork on one end, a point on the other), a soft cloth and masking tape to protect the lugs. Our straps come with their spring bars.

1. Protect the case

Lay the watch face down on the cloth. Stick tape on the inside of the lugs: that is where the tool may slip.

2. Remove the old strap

Slide the fork between the strap and the lug, onto the small shoulder of the spring bar. Push it towards the centre: the strap comes free. Repeat on the other side.

3. Fit the new strap

Thread the spring bar through the strap. Seat one end in the lug hole, compress the other with the tool and let it snap into the opposite hole. A small click tells you it is in place.

4. Check

Pull firmly on the strap on each side. If it moves, the bar is not seated: start again. The buckle side goes at 12 o’clock, the holes side at 6.

When to see a watchmaker

Integrated straps, screwed lugs or patented systems: leave the job to a professional. To check whether your watch is concerned, see our straps by width or by brand pages.