How to change a watch strap

While there are some variations and differences in certain watches and on certain straps, here are some basic instructions for changing a common watch strap.

Some people choose to have a watch repair shop or jeweler perform strap changes, while others choose to do it themselves. It is not too complicated, but does involve very fine work with small items, so if you have not done it before, I would encourage you to read through these instructions and then determine if it is something you want to try on your own!

You will need a very small screwdriver or something similar with a thin tip that can fit between the edge of the 

case on your watch and the strap. There are special tools for this function, called spring bar tools, but if you do not have one, a very small screw driver will usually do.

The strap is held in place by a "spring bar", a thin metal tube with spring loaded ends which is threaded through the hollow end of the strap. The ends of the springbar fit into small holes drilled into the "lugs", which are the small metal pieces that extend out from the watch case.

In this picture, you can see the hole drilled into one of the the lugs...

And in this one you can see the end of the spring bar.

You will notice that there are rings cut into the metal, which allow a small screw driver to "grip" it. By placing 

the tip of a small screw driver on the ring of the spring bar, it can be pressed inward, depressing the spring, and shortening the length of the spring bar.

When the springbar is shortened by depressing the end, it can be removed from or inserted into the space between the lugs.

So, to remove the old strap:

Insert the tip of the small screwdriver between the edge of the lug and the edge of the strap, as pictured below, and use the tip to grip the raised ring near the end of the spring bar.

Push gently inward, depressing the spring, shortening the springbar, enabling you to remove it from between the lugs.

Remove the spring bar from the hollow end of the old strap, and insert it into the hollow end of the new strap.

Note: be sure to replace the long end of the old strap with the long end of the new strap, and the buckle end of the old strap with the buckle end of the new strap!

When the spring bar is inserted correctly into the hollow end of the new strap, it should stick out a tiny bit from each end. Place one end of the protruding spring bar into the hole drilled into the lug (see picture below) and hold in place.

Using the tip of the screwdriver, grip the ring on the other end of the springbar, depress

slightly, and slide into place in the other lug. Release the spring by removing the tip of the screwdriver.

When you remove the tip of the screwdriver, the spring bar will extend to its' full length. Ideally it will fit 

immediately into the corresponding hole in the lug. However, it may be slightly off the mark.  If necessary, gently rotate the strap around in very small movements until you feel the spring bar "click" into place, i.e. until you feel the end piece click into the hole in the lug.

When correctly installed, the strap should be held snugly in place.

As I mentioned above, I would advise you to consider whether you wish to try this on your own or not, as it can be a difficult process, particularly the first time, and you can risk scratching the strap or the case of your watch.

I hope this helps; either way you choose, good luck!