No matter which wristwatch you ultimately choose, whether it should be sporty or elegant, it has to fit. To you and of course around your wrist.
Finding the right watch strap is an art in itself, but you can measure the length relatively easily. We'll tell you everything you need to know about determining your size and how to change your watch strap in three simple steps.

1. Change the watch strap - measure the width

Leather and metal can also give up their service over the years and even a high-quality watch strap can tear. Changing the bracelet is the right choice, especially if you have fallen in love with an antique watch or your old love is tearing the ties of life.
The width of the bracelet depends on the case and the corresponding holder, this is the only way the bracelet really fits the watch. Of course, the choice of width of the bracelet also plays a role on the wrist, but then more of a fashionable one - but you make this decision when you buy the watch. if you have rather wide wrists, you should also choose a wide bracelet, that is the rule of thumb.
As a rule, the watch strap on the case is half as long as the case diameter, so with a case diameter of 44mm this means a bracelet of 22mm. However, this is more of a non-binding style guide that most manufacturers adhere to. If you want to change your watch strap and be sure, you have to measure it to the millimeter. By the way, the measurement you take on the case is called the bridge width or lug width.
This works with a caliper or ruler, but you can also find printable guides online. Then all you have to do is put on your watch like a template. As a rule, watch straps tend to be straight millimeters wide, with the most common sizes being 18, 20, 22, 24 or 26 mm. For men's watches, the sizes are usually between 18-24mm. Because some bracelets taper towards the clasp, be sure to measure at the loop for the spring bar. Of course, if you still have your old bracelet, you can take it with you to buy the new one.

2. Find the right length

When it comes to the length, you still have a bit of play with a perforated leather bracelet, but classic metal bracelets with links have to be precisely measured to fit well.
If the old watch strap fits well, you can simply measure it. This is the path of least resistance, you only have to add up the short and long ends and then you have the right total length. 70 mm at the short end and 120 mm at the long end add up to 190 mm in length, so no problem.
It gets a bit more complex if you have lost parts of the bracelet, it is torn or your dream watch no longer has a watch strap at all. In this case, you measure the circumference of your wrist with a tape measure. Don't forget to subtract the diameter of the watch case from the result.
No tape measure at hand? Then a piece of string, which you then put on a ruler, will do the trick. Knowing the circumference of your wrist is also recommended before buying a watch, because it makes it easier for you to decide on the size of the watch or smartwatch case.
When buying a new watch strap, calculate with a protrusion of around 30 mm, it should be at least 25 mm.
This is how the calculation looks like using an example: you have a wrist circumference of 200 mm and a case of 40 mm, then the strap length is 200 mm - 40 mm + 30 mm (overhang) = 190 mm.

3. Changing the watch strap made easy

All theory is gray: Once you have measured the correct values ​​and have your new bracelet in your hands, you can actually change the bracelet.With a spring bar tool (pointed side) you first press the spring bar out of the case, if you have not already done so or it has already happened to you. Once you have removed the remains of the old bracelet, first insert the spring bar and then thread the watch bracelet . You could theoretically do this with a knife point or a flat head screwdriver, but it can get very fiddly. You can get a spring bar tool for less than 10 euros and your nerves should be worth it in this case.
If everything is securely threaded and the spring bars are back in place, the procedure is complete and you can enjoy your watch with a brand new strap.

A new strap is like a new life (for your watch)

Do you want to make a vintage model fit for your wrist again, replace a worn strap or is your old strap just torn? With our guide, you can easily and precisely find a new watch strap, change it and make your watch fit for your wrist again.